Here is an idea from Queensland, Australia that seems a true win-win proposition! Shock horror it has even been put up by the Government.

Australia has a joint/ reciprical agreement with a number of countries around the world that allow 18-30 year olds to work for up to a year using a 12 month holiday visa. The question now being asked is why just that age group, especially when there is a shortage of skilled older workers who can fill the job gap, particularly in the tourism industry.

The change of policy is being aimed right at the Baby Boomers……… I hope the idea becomes a reality. Maybe the US, UK, Japan and other countries could adopt a similar policy. For the full story on Baby Boomer Tourists click here.

It is not until you actually travel internationally that you really appreciate the different types of cultures around the world. You do not need not be rich to engage in traveling this way; a well-planned itinerary is as close as your computer keyboard plus you can find a good airfare if you plan ahead and travel in the of peak seasons, generally in fall and spring. You will be hard pushed to find more pleasant European destinations in the winter than Greece, Italy, the South of France and Spain especially when they do not have the colder temperatures of their Northern European cousins. When carrying out your online research, look for people that rent out their own apartments and homes perhaps for a shorter time which may mean it will be less expensive than through other specialist organizations.

Most properties on the continent have modern facilities so your laundry cooking and internet will still be available. There is nothing like having a breakfast when you are on vacation especially when you prepare it yourself and it gives you a chance to use fresh produce from a foreign country. The idea is that you save yourself time and money by using the facilities so you will be able to launder your clothes and sent greetings cards via email which will save time looking around stores and buying stamps, leaving you more time to explore. It is always exciting visiting a new country, to get a chance to explore and absorb new cultures and see how people live their normal daily lives, which on the whole aren’t that different from people everywhere.

Unfortunately Americans have fallen into the habit of often eating on the move or just rushing and don’t make it the family affair that they do in many European countries which it must be said is a more pleasurable experience. Try new things; walk around your neighborhood and discover the bookstore, grocer, hardware, night club or restaurant and neighborhood businesses reflect the tempo of life in your chosen destination. A true international traveler will want to experience the local food and traditional dishes like French Pistou and Spanish Paella instead of the plastic versions you can get elsewhere. Part of the experience of international travel is getting around, so become adventurous as large cities, such as Paris, have inexpensive and ultra-efficient transport systems making it easy to go anywhere you want.

However, if this is how you like to travel then restricting how much you carry with you is paramount and being able to fit everything you need into hand luggage can save a great deal of time at the airport. This of course means that to do this efficiently, it is good idea to carry everything you need for the trip in a carry on, which will make things simpler; no lost luggage or waiting around the luggage carousel at the airport. You may not think this is possible but it is; you just need to remember that many of the essentials of traveling like toiletries will be available almost everywhere you travel too. Many seasoned travelers will recommend this as a way of visiting new places with less hassle and it can all be done online if you know where to look.

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What is this all about!. Well the Last Minute Travel Blog is in need of contributors - travel experts to post to their site. In return you will get the great discount indicated above in 225 cities worldwide and be given free membership to Last Minute Travel Club Membership.

Here are rules and guidelines:

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So here is an opportunity for those baby boomers who are already on the road and want to share their experiences. For more information click here.