Americans over the age of 50 make up almost 80 percent of all leisure travel spending. But for those who suffer from physical limitations, travel can be difficult and frustrating. Jim Miller, editor of the Savvy Senior syndicated newspaper column, was invited on “Today” to share handy tips and gadgets that can help make your travel safer and easier. Here's the scoop:
TRAVEL TIPS
Elderhostel
The most satisfying and memorable trips are often those that are educational. Elderhostel, the world’s largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over and their travel mates of any age, provides this type of travel experience. They offer thousands of affordable programs, hosted by educational and cultural institutions in all 50 states and 90 countries. www.elderhostel.org, 877-426-8056
SeeAmerica.org
A comprehensive link to thousands of U.S. travel Web sites! SeeAmerica.org offers lots of extra services like domestic and international travel tips, driving directions and weather station — as well as more than 10,000 links to hotels, airlines, attractions, convention and visitor bureaus, state tourism offices, and more. www.seeamerica.org
TRAVEL GADGETS
Eagle Eyes Sunglasses
Reduces sun glare and sharpens your eyesight on bright summer days. Great for older drivers whose vision is not as keen as it use to be. Eagle Eyes also provide 100 percent eye protection from harmful sun rays. www.nextten.com, 800-859-1843; (2 pair) $49.95, (clip-on) $29.95
Driving Loafers
For older drivers who suffer foot pain, these hand-sewn driving loafers offer gel packs built into the heel and forepart areas to eliminate pressure points and provide extreme comfort. Special driving sole and heel pads give you grip on pedals. www.autosportcatalog.com, 800-953-0814;$170
Komfort Kollar
Lets you sleep sitting up. This memory foam pillow supports your cervical spine from every angle and brings comfort you never experienced with other pillows — perfect for airplane, train or car travel. www.magellans.com, 800-962-4943; $49.85
Obus Forme Cushion
This contoured seat back and bottom cushion help you drive for hours without stiffness. The Lowback Backrest Support comes with a separate lumbar cushion that can be relocated (with Velcro) to hit just the right spot. www.brookstone.com, 866-576-7337; Bottom Seat Cushion $59.95, Lowback Backrest Support $79.95
Emjoi Sitting Walker
This portable exercise device helps improve blood circulation in the lower legs and feet while decreasing the chance of contracting blood clots — ideal for long distance travel while sitting in a car, plane or train. www.emjoi.com, 888-993-6564; $14.95
Comfort Grip Handle
Traveling with rolling luggage is easier with the Comfort Grip Handle. This ergonomically designed handle clips to any wheeled upright bag, so you can pull it behind you without twisting your wrist and arm. It can also extend the height of the telescoping handle a full eight inches.www.magellans.com, 800-962-4943; $12.85
Handy Seat
A portable seat and folding walking cane all in one. Lightweight and strong, this seat is a great vacation/travel tool, perfect for individuals who suffer from arthritis, asthma or any other physical situation that makes walking or being on your feet difficult. www.sportseat.com, 800-567-1898; $29.95
Portable Telephone Amplifier – CE 125
For people with moderate hearing impairment this portable telephone amplifier is a must for travel. Its small design works on all standard or digital phones, amplifying incoming voices up to 25dB. www.clarityproducts.com, 800-552-3368; $29.99
e-pill Multi-Alarm Pill Box
The perfect traveling medication reminder! Helps you organize all your daily pills, and reminds you when to take them with a loud alarm that can alert you up to 37 times per day. www.epill.com, 800-549-0095; $49.95
Lowrance I-Way 500C Auto GPS
Portable color navigation system shows you the way to any destination across town, or across the United States. Pick your destination with the 5-inch touch-screen display, and the iWAY 500C automatically displays the best route, providing turn-by-turn directions with voice and visual guidance. A built-in 10 GB MP3 player also comes with the system.www.staples.com, 800-378-2753; $799.99