traveling around the world has been an exhilarating experience to Edgar and Rena Davis. Visit six continents and more than 30 countries, the Michigan couple learned a lot about people, history of the world and culture.
the Davises, who was removed for 16 years, have a non-traditional approach to retirement. While some grandparents spend their time childcare and gardening, Davises them spend much of their time jet - setting abroad, away from their home in Grand Rapids. Their travels have taken them to Israel, South Africa, China, Russia, Chile, Egypt, Germany, Turkey, Argentina and most of the islands of the Caribbean, to name a few. They usually take at least three major trips each year, the longest which was a 35-day cruise.
"as is not everything we had planned when traveling. "I entered never go abroad," said Rena, who says she is far from the type of the adventurer. "We started with domestic trips to New York and Vegas. Then we ended up further and make trips on average two or three weeks at a time. "
Rena, an elementary teacher retired and consultant of the reading, said they are tired of visiting the Caribbean and I wanted to see new countries.
, "we had already been to the Bahamas, St. Croix and Aruba." And I always wanted to travel on the Queen Mary,"said Edgar on the historic steamer built in the 1930s. "So we crossed from New York to London on our first trip to Europe."
Ironically, the couple was set to leave for their first big trip just after the attacks of September 11, 01.
"we left just three days after 9/11, and surprisingly, we're not afraid to travel," said Rena, recalling the various ways that the attacks in New York has delayed their travel plans. "We took a Holland America cruise to the Mediterranean and thank God everything produced with no incident."
of course, years from around the world made the lovely couple to travel professionals. On average, they hit three to five countries on each of their tours. The Davises recalled several valuable lessons they learned along the way. But here are five insightful lessons that can help on your next trip.
#1 Tip: guided tours are a treasure
Davises them suggest opting for guided tours whenever possible. They find that experienced and qualified guides have been essential elements of their many international travel simple and safe.
' I prefer to use a travel agency and guide because they already know the points strong worth seeing in every city ", Rena said with confidence. "We found that when we talk with couples travelling independently, they have fewer privileges and end upward with less awareness of the region."
"I can't say how reassuring that we with tour guides making our travel schedule; everything we do is wake up and see our schedule sent.
"When you are in a new country and don't speak the language, it's really helpful to have someone to answer our questions and help us to overcome," said Rena. "They treated us so well." They make sure we have everything we need. "
#2 Tip: get your chores done Before You Go
on average, Davises them go for two weeks at a time and sometimes travel extends to three weeks. Further than a lot of time, they are trying to work to do to do everything around the House.
'stop us our mail usually by going to the post office to submit a temporary blockage,"said Rena, who is trying to split the list of jobs with her husband. "" We always go back to a large mass of mail. "" But we feel good to know that our mail is safe. "
the Davises always ask their neighbors or children to keep an eye on their House as an additional security measure. Always designate a point of contact for your home before leaving for a long period of time, Rena advises.
"We try to make a list of everything we have, including taking care of tickets in advance and snow removal services organization when the weather is bad," said.
#3 Tip: don't forget to Pack Light
make not too much on your trip, Davises them advised, because long journeys often require you to move from hotel to hotel as well as on and off the cruise ship on a trip. Less baggage helped maneuver with ease.
"I think a lot of people make the mistake of overpack. Having a lot to wear is not really important,"said Rena. "All you need is a basic wardrobe and a good coat. You will usually access to a washer and dryer, and which has been very helpful for me. "
Rena recommend research on the climate and weather of your eventual destination for you can be prepared without exaggeration.
#4 Tip: be open-minded for learning
Edgar recommends that you have a good will and an open mind to learn when you travel. The couple discovers their international experience rich and abundant, such as education.
"we learned when we visited the jail cell President Mandela stayed in and visited his old house", he said, recalling one of his travels, favorite in the South Africa. "We absorb every fact and the tower.
at this point, Davises them seize every opportunity to get immersed in daily life to see how the people of the country live.
"in China, we actually visited a family and ate with them on their modest farm. Spend time with people really helped make the most of our visit,"said. "Everything I've read about these places has been much more amazing than I had imagined."
#5 Tip: do not leave hang-ups Hold You Back
Rena urged travelers not to let fear of the unknown destinations keep you from traveling around the world.
"sometimes, I think people are concerned about the costs associated with travel. But in reality, people are spending the same amount of money on other things like boats and larger houses,"she said. «I really think that people who never go anywhere really miss on win wonderful experiences.»
she said that a big takeaway of their travels was that people in the world have much in common despite their different cultural or racial origins.
"meet wonderful people was one of the nicest things about travel," said Edgar. "Sharing experiences with people helped us learn more about our host country."
the Davises say their spending their globe-trotting adventures was money well spent.
, "We regret all the time and money, we have invested in traveling over the years," said. "We could not have learned as much as we have without taking a leap of faith."
If you want to share a few tips that you have purchased on a trip abroad, please leave your comments below.