Pull out your bucket list and think about what kind of trip you’d like to take. Here’s some tips to get started:

Level of privacy: Who would you like to spend your trip with? Do you want to be around a lot of other people? Do you want to only be with people your age? Are you going with your extended family? Do you want a private trip for one or two people or would a small group trip give you the level of comfort you’d like while still experiencing everything the tour has to offer?

Next, take a look at how you will travel. Do you want to sail? Do you want to go overland by automobile, bus or train? Scuba diving?  How much time do you have? Maybe a combination of each?

Be realistic about your health. Are you a 1-mile-a-day hiker? 2-mile? Do you want to hike Mount Kilimanjaro? Do you have a phobia about flying or heights? Seasickness? Do you need to stay close to a restroom? Will you be able to secure a doctor’s permission slip if necessary? If you’re not sure, ask your health professional to weigh in. Don’t assume your health is the same as it was ten years ago. Bodies change with age. No one wants to be on a tour where they are uncomfortable and not able to enjoy the trip.

It is also important to note that small group tours typically have a variety of age groups within each tour. The tour guides are responsible for the entire group’s enjoyment of the tour and will likely not have time to accommodate special needs. Set your health expectations BEFORE the trip.