Seniors visit the Kingdom of Northumbria

Get your coffee senior friends we’re going to northern England this morning to the Kingdom of Northumbria. This medieval Anglian kingdom in what is now northern England and south-east Scotland,  subsequently became an earldom in a unified English kingdom. To the east is the North Sea coastline with a 64-mile (103 km) long distance path.

The name reflects the approximate southern limit to the kingdom’s territory, the Humber estuary. Northumbria during its “golden age” was the most important center of religious learning and arts in the British Isles.

Initially the kingdom was evangelized by Irish monks from the Celtic Church, based at Iona in modern Scotland, which led to a flowering of monastic life. The land north of the Tweed was finally ceded to Scotland in 1018 as a result of the battle of Carham.

 Seniors Visit A Land Of Castles

Apart from standard English, Northumbria has a series of closely related but distinctive dialects, descended from the early Germanic languages of the Angles, of which 80% of its vocabulary is derived, and Vikings with a few Celtic and Latin loanwords.

The Northumbria landscape is dominated by castles, rolling hills, wildlife, mansions, and of course beautiful sunsets. Alchetron notes that the area once formed part of the Roman Empire; later, as Northumberland, it witnessed much conflict between England and Scotland.

Northumberland is often called the “cradle of Christianity” in England. Bamburgh is the historic capital of Northumberland, an area abounding in history.

Seniors Enjoy Northumbria’s Traditions

Northumberland has traditions senior visitors will not find elsewhere in England, like the rapper sword dance, the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Clog dance and the Northumbrian smallpipe, a sweet chamber instrument, quite unlike the Scottish bagpipe.

Northumberland also has its own tartan or check, sometimes referred to in Scotland as the Shepherds Tartan. Traditional Northumberland music sounds similar to Lowland Scottish music, reflecting the strong historical links between Northumbria and the Lowlands of Scotland.

Senior visitors will find the University of Northumbria at Newcastle, with over 27,000 students. Wikitravel relates that Northumbria contains one of the most picturesque and untouched stretches of coastline in the United Kingdom; with rolling hills and low mountains in the sparsely populated interior.

Northumberland feels a world away from London and the south of England in terms of its ruggedness, sense of remoteness, its culture and its geography. It has a distinctly more Scottish feel to it than English and at its closest point is a mere one hour from the Scottish capital.

As per usual, TripAdvisor can easily overload your planned itinerary with 217 things to see and do in the area. Senior travelers, grab a map of England, find Northumbria and visit with your travel agent.   -jeb

Seniors Enjoy Menton, France

It is only a hop, skip and jump from Monaco and a must visit once you are on the French Riviera. Get your coffee senior friends, let’s go to Menton France today. Situated on the French Riviera, along the Franco-Italian border, it is nicknamed La Perle de la France (the Perle of France) with 316 days of sunshine a year.

Menton is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. Italian influences in the city are clearly visible, from the architecture, which is similar to the Italian towns of Cinque Terre, to the waiters who prefer to talk to each other in Italian.

Surrounding the once summer residence of the Princes of Monaco, the gardens of the “Palais Carnolès” contain the largest and most extensive fruit collection in Europe. Senior visitors will discover 400 specimens from about 100 different species : orange trees, grapefruit trees, clementine trees, mandarin trees, citron trees, kumquats.

Seniors Enjoy City Of Citruses

In French, the name Menton means “chin” and, senior visitors, you will have to keep your chin up here as the steep cobblestone streets are loaded with steps and alleyways.  The Menton beach is pretty cool too, so be sure to bring along a bathing suit.

Often referred to as the “City of Citruses,” the city has committed to encouraging landowners and farmers to replant lemon trees, orange trees, mandarin trees and other such as kumquats.

The “Menton Lemon”, which has a very specific taste and unique qualities, is in the process of being labelled. In February every year the world famous Lemon Festival is held. In this way, the city pays homage to the golden fruit, which is the symbol of the city.

Seniors Find ‘A Get-Away Place’

Menton is what I call one of those “get-away places,” where seniors can enjoy a leisurely stroll almost anywhere in this “little known corner” of France. With a population of 30,000, Menton is famous for its gardens.

I have always been impressed with the colors of Menton that fit together like an interesting jig saw puzzle: muted shades of ochre, pink and gold. TripAdvisor suggests the Old Chateau Cemetery, then the Basilica Saint Michel and the Botanical Garden.

I would also add the new Musée Jean Cocteau, Menton’s adopted artist, writer and film-maker, located in the Bastion of the port of Menton. Try to time your visit in August and take in the Menton Music Festival then dine in the Michelin Starred Mirazur Restaurant.

The town is full of old buildings, beautifully restored. A good example are the colorful buildings around the Place Ardoino, including the Hotel de Ville. The old town, le Vieux Menton, has an active pedestrian area, full of shops of all sorts and terrace cafés – although the rest of the town doesn’t really lack for these amenities either.

So, the next time you visit Nice or Monaco, slip over to Menton for a fun time. -jeb

Senior Single Men Seek Travel Tours

USA Today recently wrote that Seniors who love to travel have many options for exploring the world, even by themselves. Several companies offer trips geared toward senior single travelers.

Special features like a slower pace, tours that aren’t too physically taxing, and social gatherings like nightly dinners and dances with other tourists near the same age make the tour attractive to senior single men.

From Mediterranean cruises to escorted treks through South America, travel opportunities for single seniors cover a broad range.

Senior single men, Vacations To Go offers a cruise for singles. Each year, they  select several itineraries in different regions of the world, on various cruise ships, and negotiate an extremely low rate for single customers.

Trained hosts from their headquarters organize get-togethers, cocktail parties, dinner seating and more, allowing individuals or friends to travel as part of a large and fun-loving group of singles.

 Senior Single Men Enjoy Road Scholar

Road Scholar is a premier program with many solo travelers. I have had the pleasure of serving as a Tour Group Leader with this organization and they are first class. They are trusted and well known for offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for couples and solo participants alike. The atmosphere you’ll find is of learning in the company of a small group of individual friends, rather than traveling with a collection of couples.

 If you are single and over 50, traveling by yourself may seem daunting. If Cancun was the go-to destination when you were 20, it may not be your scene anymore.

At Stitch, they have scoured the globe for the 5 best travel destinations for singles over 50 that will give you the best opportunity to enjoy your travel.

 Tips For Senior Solo Travel

Allianz features 11 Secrets for Successful Senior Singles Travel.  Looking for a travel companion who shares your love of river cruising, fine wine and Paris flea markets? Look in the mirror. Traveling solo might seem daunting, but it’s easier — and more rewarding — than you think. These 11 tips for senior singles travel can help you create the perfect solo vacation.

About Travel has an article called Tours and Cruises for Single Seniors. They list several companies and organizations that provide single seniors tour information. This is one of the best sites I have found that addresses the topic and provides so much help. So “O Solo Mio” and get going.

Lastly, Fodor’s has a link on Single Senior Citizen Travel with comments made by single folks who experienced solo travel. This blog is simply a step in helping you to make some choices on your own.

Talk with your travel agent who is experienced in travel for those who prefer to travel alone, but not be alone on the trip. Enjoy making your plans, and better yet, enjoy your solo adventure wherever you choose to go. -jeb

Seniors Stop In Eichberg, Switzerland

I have a colleague whose daughter was married in Eichberg, Switzerland in a church founded by her grandmother’s ancestors. Sounded like a neat place to visit, so senior friends, let’s get our coffee and head for Eichberg, Switzerland.

 Eichberg, is a municipality with a population of 1,250. The blazon of the municipal coat of arms is Argent an Oak branch Vert with three leaves and two acorns. This is an example of canting, where the oak leaf is a visual pun on the German word for oak (Eichen) which forms part of the village name (lit. Oak Mountain).

Eichberg is first mentioned in 891 with the name of Hermentines. In 1282 it was mentioned as Aichilberch, and in 1290 as Aitberge..

Seniors Love The Swiss Scenery

On your visit to Eichberg, TripAdvisor wants senior visitors to know about a restaurant called Sonne. The locals say “Alles super.” Facebook also suggests the Restaurant Falken is another well worth a visit to appease your appetite.

Eichberg Switzerland is surrounded with dazzling scenery and the entire Swiss population here is generally well educated.

In Eichberg about 68.8% of the population, between age 25-64,  have completed either non-mandatory upper secondary education or additional higher education.

Senior visitors can count on a good conversation with any of the locals. 

Up for a stay in Heiterhof, a farmhouse situated in Eichberg? It offers billiards facilities, a playground and a large terrace with panoramic mountain views.  Lake Constance can be reached within 30 minutes by car.

And then there are two hotels in Eichberg, the Seppi Am Berg and the Schloß Aichberg. If you prefer a B&B like my wife and me, the Landgasthof Holzisberg might fit your needs.

Many tourists enjoy a visit to Bannriet-Spitzmaeder, a nature reserve near Eichberg and is nearby to Montlingerberg, Montlingen and Koblach. If you would like to make a reservation for a hotel stay in Eichberg, Booking.com has several for you to choose from. -jeb

Senior Women Enjoy Travel Options

We are often asked about programs that feature senior women who can travel with other senior women. Yes there are programs all over the world that cater to solo female travelers. Sorry men, this one is just for the women.

There is often comfort afforded to women who prefer to travel with other women and usually it is of the same age range.  Today we highlight programs that focus on travel for women as the French say “d’un certain age.” That is a nice way of saying “older.”

Journey Woman notes that if you’re an older adventuress, this is an absolutely wonderful time in your life to be traveling. In most cultures, age brings respect. Children will gravitate to you.

Local women will be protective, you’ll suffer less from pesky unsolicited male advances, and your travel budget absolutely expands with all the lovely discounts your age group is offered. The possibilities are endless. Take advantage, ladies. You’ve earned the right.

Senior Women Travel Solo Together

Women Traveling Together was started in 1997 by a 40-year old business woman who desperately wanted to do some vacation traveling, but didn’t want to go alone or travel as a single on a couple’s tour.  Unable to find a ready-made solution that met her needs, Debra Asberry spent seven months interviewing women in order to design a travel company that catered to the needs of women traveling solo.

Women Traveling Together (WTT) has a large and loyal repeat client base that has grown year after year since 1997, making it possible to offer more than 60 trips a year.   “80% of WTT travelers come solo. We really should have named the company “Women Traveling Solo Together” because that’s in a nutshell what we’re all about. Select your tour and be assured that fellow WTT travelers are as interested in and excited about the destination as you are.”

Senior Women’s Travel Days Not Over

Why travel alone when you can connect with like-minded women on a trip led by knowledgeable, local guides? At Rio Grande Travel, senior women can find thoughtful and well-planned vacation packages. Women can choose pre-planned trips alone, a travel group for senior women or perhaps embark on a journey with a bunch of friends!

A while back we featured a travel blog for Senior Women. Please check out the programs on that site and learn about the various opportunities that are available.

 Senior Women’s Travel focuses on trips for 50+ women with a passion for travel. “It was founded on the premise that your travel days are not over.

Senior women — widowed, divorced, or with a mate who no longer wants to travel — should still be able to travel with zest, comfortably and safely. No-hassle travel, everything is done for you. No single supplements, exciting destinations, culture, good food, and interesting companions.”

So take you pick ladies and enjoy the trip. -jeb

Seniors Visit Bamberg, Germany

Pour yourself a cup of coffee, friends, we’re going to Bamberg, a town in northern Bavaria, Germany, that is laid out over seven hills where the Regnitz and Main rivers meet. Seniors find that Bamberg’s Old Town preserves structures from the 11th to 19th centuries including the muraled Altes Rathaus, which occupies an island in the Regnitz reached by ancient arched bridges.

The Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral, begun in the 11th century, features 4 towers and numerous stone carvings. The population runs right at 70,000. Endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact Old Town centers, Bamberg has the magic of the past hanging in the air, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

From the 10th century onwards, this town became an important link with the Slav peoples, especially those of Poland and Pomerania. During its period of greatest prosperity, from the 12th century onwards, the architecture of Bamberg strongly influenced northern Germany and Hungary. In the late 18th century it was the center of the Enlightenment in southern Germany, with eminent philosophers and writers such as Hegel and Hoffmann living there.

Seniors Enjoy The Arts And The Beer

TripAdvisor selects Bamberg Altstadt and the town hall, Altes Rathaus, for seniors to visit. The cultural program in Bamberg is shaped by the world-famous Bamberg Symphony Orchestra as well as its theaters, music  festivals, and an impressive music scene in jazz and blues bars. The international magician and street performers’ festival in July or the Sandkirchweih Fair in August transform the entire old town into one fun  scene.

Bamberg without beer is like Christmas without Santa – unthinkable! The nine breweries within the town boundaries, cooking up Bamberg’s famous smoked beer and 60 more in the surrounding area illustrate all that can be done with hops and malt.

It is suggested that senior visitors purchase a BAMBERGcard and explore Bamberg at an unbeatable price. I discovered TimeTravelTurtle and their wonderful overview of the city with great photos.

I can not wait to explore Bamberg for myself. Narrow alleys, cozy corners, medieval and baroque building fronts, plus a distinct romantic flair: Bamberg is said to be a unique work of art.

 Seniors Enjoy Bamberg’s History

Today, Bamberg is a lively arts and cultural center with a thousand year old history. Must-see places include the Imperial Cathedral, a breathtakingly romantic Rose Garden, the medieval Old Court, and the Old Town Hall, that sits right in the middle of the River Regnitz.

Being a “flower man” myself, I would put the Rose Garden with more than 4.500 roses on my “must see list.” It features historic statues and a memorable scenic view across the roofs of Bamberg. Lonely Planet notes that Bamberg is generally regarded as one of Germany’s most attractive settlements, bisected by rivers and canals.

Senior travelers, the town can be tackled as a day trip from Nuremberg, but, to really do it justice and to experience the romantically lit streets once most visitors have left, consider an overnight stay. -jeb

 

 

Seniors Visit Bratislava, Slovakia

Senior travelers start their visit to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. In southwest  Slovakia, Bratislava occupies both banks of the River Danube and the left bank of the River Morava. Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two independent countries.

Surrounded by vineyards and the Little Carpathian mountains, Bratislava is crisscrossed with forested hiking and cycling trails. The pedestrian-only, 18th-century old town is known for its lively bars and cafes. Perched atop a hill, the reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooks old town and the Danube.

The population runs right at 450,000, so senior visitors will find plenty to see and do: history, architecture, tradition, culture, art, drinks, food and nightlife  just for starters.

 Seniors Check Out Bratislava Castle

It was thanks to its location that in the 16th Century, Bratislava became the capital and coronation town of the Hungarian Kingdom and the place where its crown jewels were kept.

The historic center of the city is characterized by many baroque palaces. The Grassalkovich Palace, built around 1760, is now the residence of the Slovak president.

One of the most prominent structures in the city is Bratislava Castle, situated on a plateau 85 meters (279 ft) above the Danube. TripAdvisor has 182 things to keep seniors well occupied in Bratislava.

Bratislava is the political, cultural and economic center of Slovakia. It is home to several universities, museums, theaters, galleries and other important cultural and educational institutions. Many of Slovakia’s large businesses and financial institutions have headquarters in the city.

Most historical buildings are concentrated in the Old Town. Bratislava’s Town Hall is a complex of three buildings erected in the 14th–15th centuries and now hosts the Bratislava City Museum. Be sure to check it out.

 Seniors Enjoy Old Town

The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, a part of the larger Habsburg Monarchy territories, from 1536 to 1783 and has been home to many Slovak, Hungarian and German historical figures. The first written reference to a settlement named “Brezalauspurc” dates to 907.

The cityscape of Bratislava is characterized by medieval towers and grandiose 20th-century buildings, but senior visitors will discover that it has undergone profound changes in a construction boom at the start of the 21st century.

Lonely Planet notes that “The charming – if tiny – old town (starý mesto) is the place to start appreciating Bratislava. Stroll narrow pedestrian streets of pastel-colored 18th-century buildings or sample the myriad sidewalk cafes under the watchful gaze of the city castle, which harks back to medieval times.”

Let Wikitravel take you there with lots of helpful information and have a great time enjoying this wonderful historic city. Hope to see you there. -jeb

Seniors Visit El Escorial

 For some reason, this senior put El Escorial on the desktop screen of my computer. So one day I took a closer look at the site and was I ever impressed with what I saw.

It was something very special. Do you have your coffee?  We’re going to Spain this morning.

I discovered that the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, commonly known as El Escorial, is a historical residence of the King of Spain, in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, some 35 miles northwest of the capital, Madrid. The Escorial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most visited landmarks.

The building is the most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance.

Construction of El Escorial began in 1563 and ended in 1584. The Escurial Monastery stands in an exceptionally beautiful site in Castile.

Seniors Find a Monastery, A Church And A Royal Palace

Its austere architecture, a break with previous styles, had a considerable influence on Spanish architecture for more than half a century.

It was the retreat of a mystic king and became, in the last years of Philip II’s reign, the centre of the greatest political power of the time.

Within the monastery’s massive volume, there is an ensemble of different buildings: the monastery, the church, the royal palace, the school, the seminary, and the royal library, brilliantly organized around eleven main courtyards and three service courtyards.

It is said that the design is similar to that of the grill, the instrument used for St Lawrence’s martyrdom.

Its accessibility and connection to Madrid have turned it into a tourist destination for the Madrid residents as well as senior visitors that feel attracted by the patrimonial, cultural and natural attractions of the city.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

FeelMadrid.com notes that El Escorial is “Simplicity in the construction, severity in the whole, nobility without arrogance, majesty without ostentation.” That statement says it all to me from what I have observed writing this blog.

In the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, it was built as a monument to commemorate the Spanish victory over the French in the battle of Saint Quentin on 10 August 1557 (feast day of St. Lawrence).

El Escorial Monastery was the largest building in the world (about 675 by 528 feet/206 by 161 meters), for a period of time, a great rectangle of three parts, the center being occupied by the church.

So on your visit to Spain and Madrid in particular, senior travelers, plan to spend some times at El Escorial.  Bring along some extra memory chips for your camera, it is that kind of structure.  Enjoy. -jeb

Seniors Visit Trondheim, Norway

Fill your coffee cup, senior friends, today we head for Norway and check out a beautiful city named Trondheim. It has a population of 187,353, and is the third most populous municipality in Norway.

The Nidelva River flows through Trondheim with old storehouses flanking both sides of this river.

The city is situated where the river Nidelva meets Trondheimsfjorden with an excellent and sheltered harbor. In the Middle Ages, the river was deep enough for large boats.

Trondheim is a city of students, technology, culture, cycling and food. The 30,000 students, many of whom attend the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, leave their mark on the city and contribute to a high level of innovation and a vibrant cultural life.

Seniors Enjoy The City’s Festivals

Trondheim hosts many festivals year round in genres including jazz, blues, chamber music, world music, rock and pop. The best known festival is the flagship St. Olav Festival, Norway’s largest church and cultural festival.

Trondheim Norway lies on the south shore of the Trondheimsfjord at the mouth of the Nidelva.

The city is dominated by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the Foundation for Scientific and Industrial Research (SINTEF) and St. Olavs University Hospital.

The city has a long interesting history. The settlement was founded in 997 as a trading post, and it served as the capital of Norway during the Viking Age until 1217. It was once named Kaupangen (English: market place or trading place).

Seniors Find A Gem

TripAdvisor suggests that seniors start your visit at Nidaros Cathedral, the world’s northernmost medieval cathedral.

Built over the burial site of Saint Olav, this king of Norway, in the 11th century, became the patron saint of the country.

The red Old Town Bridge is a favorite site. You may even get a first hand glimpse of the Northern Lights that illuminate the skies in Norway.

“Trondheim is a gem in the heart of Norway”. The top five activities often include island hopping, a musk ox safari, cycling in the world heritage town of Røros, kayaking the Nidelva River and hitting the hiking routes.

An ever-increasing number of senior visitors have discovered the Pilgrim Path that leads to the medieval Nidarosdomen Cathedral in Trondheim. The path has the same European Cultural Route status as the pilgrim paths to Rome and Santiago de Compostela.

I sign off with a problem. I could not decide which video to share with you, so seniors, you will have to chose one for yourself. Enjoy getting acquainted with Trondheim…“The Heart of Norway.” -jeb

Seniors Enjoy The White Villages of Andalucía

 The White Villages of Andalucia Spain or Pueblos Blancos, are a series of towns and large villages that senior travelers will find in the northern part of the provinces of Cádiz and Málaga in southern Spain, mostly within the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park.

These small, quiet hilltop towns are distinguished by their simple whitewashed houses influenced by the Berber architecture of North Africa, the Moors’ native land. Spend a night in the romantic queen of the white towns, Arcos de la Frontera with my travel hero, Rick Steves.

Towns with “de la Frontera” in their names were established on the front line of the Christians’ centuries-long fight to recapture Spain from the Moors, who were slowly pushed back into Africa. Today, these hill towns, no longer strategic, are just passing time peacefully.

Arcos de la Frontera is one of the more popular of the White Villages, because it combines a beautiful old-town center with the more modern and lively upscale downtown area.

 Seniors Take The ‘Route Of The White Towns’

The whitewashed villages of Andalucia are impressive historical monuments in themselves, and their people still live according to age-old traditions, inherited from their Iberian, Roman and Moorish forefathers.

In these village seniors will find Spanish hospitality as legendary as the landscape in all directions. Greenlife Estates notes that Andalucía is much more than great cities, beaches, sun, golf and parties.

If senior visitors go deeper into the northern parts of Málaga and Cádiz, they will find a real treasure for those who love rural areas: the Route of the White Towns, or as it is known in Spanish, la Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos with 20 villages, one right after the other.

White Villages Offer Relaxed Pace

Grazalema is another famous site. Lets descend into a valley and drive into this White Village. After visiting the most touristy cities of Seville, Granada, and Córdoba, this senior found that Los Pueblos Blancos offer a welcome escape to nature and a more relaxing pace.

Most of the villages are clustered around the Sierra de Grazalema, the Sierra Nevada, and Las Alpujarras. The villages are close to each other and can be easily combined on your driving route.

There is so much to see and do in these neat little villages. The accolades go on and on, and rightfully so. Bring up Google or DuckDuck.go and enjoy exploring the plethora of White Villages information. Have fun in Andalucía as my wife and I did.

Look for the big black bulls on the hills and the huge guitars as well. If you don’t see them…you have not been to Andalucía. -jeb