A Word of Advice for Golden Agers Who Travel

By Arnie Greenberg
ultours@aol.com

(Above, a "young" Arnie Greenberg in Athens).

I got on the bus today, and a girl about 22 or so offered me her seat. I found it amusing, but it got me thinking.

People don't see us as we see ourselves. It was a kind gesture that I declined. Had I needed the seat I would have been grateful. Had I been egotistical or self-centered, I might have been offended. Mostly I found it funny. Oddly enough, when I first got on the bus with my 'SENIOR" ticket, the driver demanded proof of my age!

I still see the world through the same eyes, although my glasses are somewhat stronger. I fashion myself in good shape, and I'm the one who takes people all over Europe on tours. How do others see me? How do they see the group?

There are many cities where tourists are looked at as a 'soft touch' for pickpockets, muggers or gypsys. People do get mugged, and they're not golden agers. So what do I tell my clients? Do I just say be careful? What does that mean?

We are walking on side streets and standing in groups looking inward. That's a pickpocket's dream. My next-door neighbor was robbed of her purse, passport, credit cards and cash while on a tour. They came up behind me in Madrid and threw a coin between my legs.

While I looked down, two men leaned up against me searching for my pockets. I hit one with my video camera. They just walked away. I was wearing a Mets baseball cap, jeans, white Adidas, and a t-shirt that said, "TOMMY HILFIGGER". I wonder how they knew I was a tourist?

Doesn't everyone carry a video camera? So if it happens to me and I am getting older, as proven above, what do I tell my clients?

I made a list.

Don't carry very much cash.
Use bank machines when necessary, even if there is a charge.
Don't pull out a wad of money and peel off bills.
Use credit cards.
In the countries that still use carbon paper, take it with you and destroy it.
Don't walk on unlit streets, especially at night.
Don't offer money to beggars carrying small children. Their other children may be ready to pounce.

Check your restaurant bill. If the tip is included, you can leave a few coins. But if you ask the waiter, he'll tell you it's not included…even if the menu says so.
Buy pants with zippered pockets. They're harder to get into.
Don't carry a wallet in your back pocket.
Don't carry a purse in your fingertips.
Use a shoulder bag and keep it zipped and in front of you. Don't put your purse on the counter while you examine a garment or pay a bill.
Use a body pouch inside your shirt for your passport.

Carry a photocopy of the passport in another place.
Wear a zippered money pouch and keep it in front of you.
Do not carry a backpack unless it zips tightly.
Don't put your purse or backpack on the floor under your chair. I saw one disappear.

Don't stand near the door on a subway. People pickpocket or grab your purse just as the door is closing and they step off.
Don't take chances. Be careful when taking pictures. You are preoccupied. Someone may take your jacket or bag or wallet. Someone taking your picture may even take your camera. (Am I being neurotic?)

Do I have you frightened and reluctant to travel? Don't be. Just act wisely. Remember, you're in a foreign country and not everyone is as nice as you are.

And finally: Remember, you are getting older. You don't have the same reflexes and you are not as strong as you once were or as quick as lightening.

If you think you still look like 30 and move like an athlete, take the test. Get on a crowded bus.

Bon voyage and be careful. We're Golden Agers, but gold moves more slowly than lightening.

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