In the Chicago or surrounding area?  Book your senior trip now to conferences coming to your neighborhood!  These conferences include workshops, exhibits, luncheons, and other ways to learn, while meeting new faces.  Below are two conferences this summer:

Smart Choices For A Healthy Lifestyle

Deaf Seniors of America, Inc. (DSA)

It really wasn’t that long ago when you craved that delicious scoop or two of ice cream from the ice cream truck to cool you off on a hot summer day. Ice cream encompasses all that is childhood innocence and content, and brought a special magic to your free summer days. Why not relive those days with an ice cream tour as your next senior trip! It might sound too good to be true, but we swear these tours are for real. From ice cream dairies to family farms, explore not only delicious, creamy ice cream, but make it an experience you will never forget. Bring the grandkids and get discounted deals on kids under 12, as well as senior travel deals at a few of the dairies as well. Here are just a few of the most popular ice cream tours around the United States.

Hansen Dairy, Hudson Iowa

Ben & Jerry’s, Waterbury, Vermont

Hilmar Cheese Company, Hilmar, California

Did you realize that when you research a senior trip - looking into the right modes of senior transportation, senior travel deals, etc. – you are looking into many of the same things that travel writers look into? As a retiree you might be thinking of working something to supplement your retirement income. What could be more amazing then getting paid to travel and write on places you experience on senior trips as a travel writer? The funny thing is that when you are going on your senior vacation you are dealing with the same frustrations and joys as travel writers do: remembering to bring medications, travel packages, purchasing senior travel insurance, finding the best travel deals, paying the baggage fees. Because travel writers are just like any other traveler, they put together a list of top travel secrets they’ve encountered that they want to share with fellow travelers! IndependentTraveler.com asked 35 writers and bloggers to share their wisdom from life on the road (in the air, on a boat…) and these are the top pieces of senior travel advice they came up with:

• "Trying to get into a sold-out hotel? Find out when cancellation penalties set in for the date you want to arrive, then call the property on the morning of that day. You can scoop up rooms made available by people who've just canceled." -- Wendy Perrin, Perrin Post
• "You should always carry a copy of your passport when you travel, but more important is keeping that copy safe. In the event your bags are lost or stolen, what are you going to do if your passport is in the bag? Keep a copy of your passport in the sole of your shoe. -- Melanie Nayer, MelanieNayer.com
• "Always pack zip-lock bags. They are ideal for packing things tighter, separating wet from dry and managing small items like batteries." -- JoAnna Haugen, Kaleidoscopic Wandering
• "Connect with locals living in your destination via Facebook, Twitter or blogs, and make a point to meet them for coffee or even couch surf with some of them. You'll find yourself getting deeper under the skin of the country, and understanding a bit more about local culture and lifestyle than you usually would." -- Nellie Huang, Wild Junket
• "Question charges like resort fees or valet parking at hotels. Often they will be removed from your bill if you question them at check-out." -- Kathy A. McDonald, Eastside Eye
• "You'll always get more in-depth information in the guidebook with the narrowest scope. If you're going to Rome, the Rome book will be better than the Italy book, and that will be better than the Europe book. Consider bringing only one or two travel guides and photocopying pages out of the rest, which you can toss when you move on to the next destination or head home." -- Erica Silverstein, Cruise Critic
• "Saving money on a rental car has to be the most mundane and least thrilling secret I could offer, but there's nothing dull about saving a dozen to a few hundred dollars every time you travel." -- Ed Hewitt, Traveler's Ed
• "Before you start your trip, take a photo of your luggage. Put yourself into the pic, standing next to the bag. (This will give a good idea of the bag's size.) Keep the shot in your camera, and also print out a copy. When your bag goes missing, hand over the copy (or show the in-cam shot) to the baggage folks at the airport. This can really help with finding your luggage. I did this on a recent trip to Kiev and the baggage folks there thought this was a dandy idea." -- Susan Farlow, FarWriter
• "Divide each person's belongings amongst all luggages - that way no one is SOL if one bag is lost." -- Corinne McDermott, Have Baby Will Travel
• "Book your accommodations directly on the hotel's own Web site. Join the hotel's mailing list and reward program. You'll get the guaranteed lowest rates without booking fees and burdensome cancellation polices." -- Pamela Jones, Travel Site Critic
• "Book your flight on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Most of the airlines roll out their online sales in the beginning of the work week -- especially the domestic discount.” -- Caroline Costello, IndependentTraveler.com
• "Do away with bringing loads of money on European trips and simply pack your debit card. ATM machines are all over the place in major cities and work the same way as they do here in America.” -- Andrew Hickey, The Brooklyn Nomad
• "When we look back on a trip, our lasting memories are rarely of the many famous attractions we've visited or the places we've rushed through to snap a picture of that well-known monument. We are far more likely to remember that uncomfortable and scary journey across the mountains or the strangers we met in the one-horse town who became our good friends. So take the time to get to know the little places you visit and don't worry if you don't get to every place in the guidebook. We've learned this the hard way, and our itineraries now contain less than half of the stops that they did several years ago." -- Andy Jarosz, 501 Places
• "Low-cost airlines aren't always the cheapest. The ticket price may appear to be a bargain, but take a minute to tally the additional expenses. These include items such as booking fees, check-in baggage fees, advance seat reservation fees, and food and drinks on board." -- Keith Jenkins, Velvet Escape
• "Never forget that it's your vacation and there's no wrong way to do it. There's no such thing as a must-see attraction. If you want to travel all the way to Paris and order room service, that's your business. Do what feels fun to you." -- Jamie Pearson, Travel Savvy Mom

Have you ever wanted to enjoy the southern sun, while sipping on a delicious mint julep during one of the biggest sporting events of the year? The first race of the Triple Crown, The Kentucky Derby, is May 7^th, with thousands flocking to Louisville to see the pack of three-year-old Thoroughbred horses run for two minutes in an oval. A perfect vacation for seniors, the festivities last the full two weeks leading up to the event, with the largest fireworks display in North America, The Derby Marathon, and the Great Balloon Race. While you are in town, be sure to add these to your itinerary for your senior vacation:

• Get a Hot Brown from The Brown Hotel - http://www.brownhotel.com/dining-hot-brown.htm
• Attend Thunder Over Louisville
• Enjoy the Pegasus Parade
• Sip on a mint julep
• Sit in the grandstand on Derby Day
• Wear a big hat to the race

Health concerns are a major component when planning a trip, especially if you are a senior citizen. Even if you have a health condition that requires medication or special assistance, you can still plan an enjoyable senior trip that accommodates your needs.  Don’t let heath issues hold you back! Consult your doctor to see what you really are capable of doing. You might be surprised to find out the amount the freedom you still have to travel and to participate in the activities you love most on a senior vacation. Follow our help guide to ensure a safe and happy senior trip.

• Make sure your destination is safe for YOU. Inform your doctor about everything to do with your trip including: location, duration, type of senior transportation you’ll be using, etc. In doing so, your doctor can asses your current condition and provide you with the resources you need for healthy travels such as: vaccines, medicines, and advice for keeping well while away.
• Bring a copy of your medical history. In the event you become injured or fall ill during your senior trip, it is crucial for doctors in another country to have a complete understanding of your pre-existing health conditions. That way, in the case of an emergency, they can treat your condition properly.
• Keep close tabs on your medication. Whether aboard an airplane or a cruise ship, do not pack your medication in any suitcase that is not going with you at all times. Keep it with you in a carry-on bag; that way if your luggage is lost, or if you happen to have an outbreak while traveling to your destination, your health will not be at risk.
• Have prescriptions for your medications. Having prescriptions is extremely important if you are taking any medications that are considered narcotics. The laws vary from country to country on both the legality of traveling with a narcotic and the ability to get a prescription while overseas. Keep yourself prepared by having the documents with you.
• Get U.S. Embassy information. One number you should have at the tip of your fingers is the U.S. Embassy office for the country you’re visiting. If you must be hospitalized while vacationing, you should immediately contact the U.S. Embassy officials. They can recommend the best hospitals, in addition to those that easily handle foreign health insurance.

In his book, 100 Places To Go Before They Disappear, Desmond Tutu goes through 100 places around the globe in danger of disappearing. From ocean towns to whole countries, the book outlines what may happen due to global warming. Try to see at least a couple of these before they disappear for your next senior vacation or group travel, especially with the added benefit of senior air travel making it cheap to do so. The whole book is available May 1^st. Get out and see one of these on your next senior vacation, before they are gone forever!

1. Mississippi River Delta
2. Olympia, Greece
3. The Wadden Sea (southeastern part of the North Sea, touches Germany and the Netherlands)
4. The Battery, New York
5. Venice, Italy
6. Siberia, Russia
7. 7. Tuvalu – the whole nation could disappear!
8. Monteverde Could Forest, Costa Rica
9. The Thames, London
10. Big Sur, California

Tokyo is an amazing city that no trip through Asia should be without. The combination of natural beauty and an amazing history creates a never-sleeping nucleus for the world economy. With attractions for every senior trip, ranging from temples and shrines to corporate showrooms, this guide to Tokyo’s best freebies will have you traveling the city without spending more than it costs for the train ride there!

Parks… not gardens

• Kitanomaru-kōen new the Imperial Palace
• Yoyogi-kōen near Harajuku
• Ueno-kōen near Ginza

Temples, Shrines and Galleries

• Sensō-ji in Asakusa
• Meiji-jingū

Places to Enjoy…

• The world’s largest fish market: Tsukiji Central Fish Market
• Company showrooms, AKA mini-museums, like the Toyota Mega Web in Odaiba and the Sony Building in Ginza
• Bookstores! In Japan the art of yomitachi (a standing read) is normal – no one objects to going to a bookstore and reading the books or magazines for hours.

Just because a senior trip isn't in a different continent doesn’t mean your senior vacations are any less adventurous! You can even travel to another country while still traveling by car! Canada offers beautiful senior vacation destinations during the summer months. No humidity, a new culture to explore, and reasonably priced? Count me in! Taking our senior travel advice is completely up to you, but the following is a list of top cities throughout the US and Canada that offer families and seniors a range of activities, from white-water rafting to learning about our countries history and trekking up mountains to laying on the beach.

1. Portland, Oregon
   1. Average Summer temperature: 66°
   2. Reasons to go: terrific food, art-centric, farmers markets, breathtaking city views, water outings like fishing, cruises, tours, etc.
2. Denver, Colorado
   1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
   2. Reasons to go: fantastic parks offering bike trails, walking trails and beautiful landscapes for picnics;
3. Seattle, Washington
   1. Average Summer temperature: 64°
   2. Reasons to go:  Voted America’s #1 city for farmers markets, and fourth for parks, sailing, water sports,
4. San Diego, California
   1. Average Summer temperature: 70°
   2. Reasons to go: famers markets, open parks, terrific weather, world-renowned San Diego Zoo, Sea World,
5. Montréal, Canada
   1. Average Summer temperature: 70°
   2. Reasons to go:  Old Montreal; multi-cultural; Montreal Botanical Gardens; Museum of Fine Art; history
6. Minneapolis/St. Paul (Twin Cities), Minnesota
   1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
   2. Reasons to go: terrific live music venues; museums, sports centers (with a passionate hometown fan following);  theater
7. Providence, Rhode Island
   1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
   2. Reasons to go: the Providence Children’s Museum; School of Design Museum of Art; immense arts community; street shops; whale-watching trips
8. Williamsburg, Virginia
   1. Average Summer temperature: 75°
   2. Reasons to go:  Bush Gardens amusement park; historic interactions with a town filled with period-actors and re-enactments; close to Washington, D.C.
9. San Francisco, California
   1. Average Summer temperature: 61°
   2. Reasons to go: San Francisco Cable Car Museum; Aquarium of the Bay; Pier 39 open-air festival on Fisherman’s Wharf; San Francisco Bay tourism
10. Chicago, Illinois
    1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
    2. Reasons to go: The Navy Pier; cruises across Lake Michigan, water-side lounging on the many beach areas; Sears Tower; Shed Aquarium
11. Honolulu, Hawaii
    1. Average Summer temperature: 81°
    2. Reasons to go: amazing beaches, distinct culture, friendly natives, exciting outdoor adventures including helicopter rides, walks through the jungle and luaus, amazing water activities like renting a fishing boat, swimming, snorkeling, surfing and lounging!
12. Vancouver, Canada
    1. Average Summer temperature: 77°
    2. Reasons to go: in a word – scenery! The mountains and beaches offer outdoor fun for families of all interests
13. Boston, Massachusetts
    1. Average Summer temperature: 71°
    2. Reasons to go:  historic walks through the city like the Freedom Trail; Newberry Street, where there are countless shops and restaurants; Bunker Hill;
14. Las Vegas, Nevada
    1. Average Summer temperature: 89°
    2. Reasons to go: tons of family-themed adventures, as well as parents-only outings; water parks at hotel pools;
15. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    1. Average Summer temperature: 75°
    2. Reasons to go: The Liberty Bell; Constitution Hall; National Constitution Center (perfect for kids with life-sized, interactive displays); Philadelphia Zoo,
16. Montauk, New York
    1. Average Summer temperature: 77°
    2. Reasons to go: cheaper, less crowded, and just as (if not more) breathtakingly beautiful than the Hamptons; surf; delicious food; waterfront
17. Anchorage, Alaska
    1. Average Summer temperature: 55°
    2. Reasons to go:  offers both city attractions and outdoor adventures

Unless you’ve been avoiding the media as much as possible during the last few months (and honestly, who could blame you if you did) you’ve been made aware that the charming second-in-line to the British thrown is getting hitched this spring. Prince William and fiancée Kate Middelton will be wed on Friday, April 29^th. Needless to say, London is being bombarded with those excited to see the couple, be in the presence of the queen, and partake in the festivities of the weekend. Westminster Abbey has housed the weddings of the British royals for centuries, and will be home to the most recent as well. If you are in the area and looking for hot tourist spots, look no further. Here are 10 senior trip destinations in London, taken from the DK Top London guide:

1. Tate Modern
2. London Eye
3. Houses of Parliament
4. Tate Britain Downing Street
5. Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum
6. Southbank Centre
7. Shakespeare's Globe
8. Imperial War Museum
9. Westminster Abbey

If you plan on traveling to different major metropolitan areas this spring or summer for your senior trip, don’t forget about some of the great senior transportation deals available! Many large cities offer senior travel deals for their public transportation systems. Her e are just a few of them, along with some travel advice to keep in mind when purchasing these transportation discounts.

• Minimum age for qualifying for these senior travel discounts is generally 65 (a photo ID along with a Medicare card are the more popular forms of identification asked for)
• Systems can sell one-way passes, one-day, or multi-day and weekly passes. Always ask when purchasing your deal to see which best fits your travel needs
• Most bus systems require some sort of stored value fare card or exact change so make sure you have cash on your when using public transportation

1. Philadelphia – free subway and light rail; $1 rail in-state; 50 cents off for senior trips into Delaware or New Jersey
2. Pittsburg – free subway; light rail and bus
3. Baltimore - $1.20 all-day pass on light rail, subway or bus; half fare on MARC regional train
4. Cleveland - $2.50 all-day pass on rail, light rail and bus
5. Dallas - $2 all-day pass on light rail, bus, or heavy rail to Ft. Worth
6. Denver - $2.50 regional per ride on light rail and bus
7. Honolulu - $1 for bus
8. Minneapolis – 75 cents per rideat non-rush hours on light rail and bus; 1/3 off the regular fare on weekends on the heavy rail
9. New York City - $1.25 per ride on bus and subway; bus discount with special ID; varying discounts on heavy rail
10. Orlando - $2.25 all-day pass on bus