The Senior Scene

Camping, anyone?

Washington is a good place to do it. Altogether, the State Parks system has 6,226 campsites (for tents and recreation vehicles), cabins, vacation houses, and group camps. Those are the ones that can be reserved. They don’t include camping on islands and other non-reservable areas. To make a reservation or get information, go online at washington.goingtocamp.com or call 1-888-226-7688.

State-hosted camping, along with Mount Rainier National Park (with 446 campsites) and Olympic National Park, help make Washington one of the top states in the country in number and variety of campsites. The state and national park campsites combined top 6,600-plus.

Your travel plans could hit the skids if you board a plane unwittingly carrying a banned item.

Airport security will likely pick up on goods which aren’t allowed and confiscate them, so the experts say it’s worth taking extra time before packing and heading to the airport to familiarize yourself with what you can take with you.

Many items have to go in the airplane’s hold as opposed to carry-on baggage with the passenger.

Here is a guide to some of the items banned by airlines, or where special measures are in place, as summarized by StressFreeCarRental.com, an online service for travelers renting vehicles.

Fishing rods

Fishing rods must usually be transported in the cargo hold, as they’re likely to exceed the maximum size of item allowed for carry-on items. Collapsible fishing rods which can be folded away may be allowed, depending on the airline.

Drills

Both drills and drill bits are classed as either sharp or dangerous items and can’t be brought in your hand luggage. These items will not be allowed through the security checkpoint if you have them in your carry-ons.

Liquids, food

You can’t take liquids through security in hand luggage in quantities over 100 milliliters (ml) or more than one litre in total. Liquids are classed as those foods which have high liquid content and includes oils and pasta sauces. Solid food such as fruit and sandwiches are fine, with some restrictions. Peanut butter is one. To meet safety standards, you can only bring a jar of peanut butter containing less than 100 ml, as it is classed as a liquid and can be confiscated by airport security if you are carrying any more. In the same way as peanut butter, creamy, soft cheeses such as goat cheese and brie and considered liquids and must be within the allowed limits of less than 100 ml.

Badminton racquets

Badminton racquets and bags aren’t allowed on flights as hand luggage because they exceed maximum size restrictions. Checked-in luggage is your best plan to transport badminton equipment.

Cigarette lighters

The rules allow passengers to take one lighter on a plane, but they must keep it on their person throughout the flight. E-cigarettes are banned from hold luggage. Lighter fuel is also not allowed on a flight.

Drones

The technology around drones continues to evolve, so the rules around carrying these items on a plane are also changing. Airlines differ in their guidance about what is allowed, so find out before setting out. Rules are in place around the type of batteries the drone uses and the size of the propellers.

Peroxide

Hair dye containing chemical peroxide is classed as chemicals and toxic substances by airlines in the same way as fire extinguishers and tear gas, and are therefore banned. Same goes for all oxidizers and organic peroxides, including bleach.

Despite the name, snowbird season doesn’t just last from October to January. This season of finding warmer weather continues for most snowbirds through April, making spring a popular time for travel for anyone age 50-plus.

It’s just as important for snowbirds to be aware of travel safety information when heading to their winter home as it is for them in the spring and summer seasons.  The tips below ensure staying safe during travels.

Keep friends and family Informed.

Everyone has a cell phone, but you never know if you might get caught in a situation where you have no signal or the battery dies. It’s best to provide friends and family with your travel itinerary before you leave home. And then if you must make any changes, update them along the way. A check-in every few hours with an updated location is a good idea when driving, so that if anything does go wrong, people know a general area of where to look for you.

Put technology to work.

Portable power is a must for the road or air travel to ensure your phone is always powered. And keep any mobile personal emergency-response devices in an accessible garment pocket. This way, they’re within easy reach if you have an emergency and can’t dial your phone. Consider downloading weather reports, route guidance, gas station finders, and other relevant travel apps to your phone. These can give you alerts about bad weather, where to find gas, traffic delays, and local news alerts.

Travel at off times.

While you’re traveling home, millions of other Americans are traveling for their spring-break vacation. If you are driving, map out alternative routes to avoid traffic jams. Don’t always rely on GPS to find you the best route once you’re already in heavy traffic. Identify any stops you can make along the way, especially if you’re traveling with a pet. This gives you time to re-route if needed and gives everyone a break to stretch their legs.

Overpack medicine, vital supplies.

Planning ahead and bringing extra medication and other items that you need to maintain your health on a daily basis is a necessary precaution, as shipping delays and sourcing continue to be a challenge.

There is always a lot to get done when planning and packing for a trip. The planning may take extra steps and require extra gear, but the investment in a well-planned trip back home will be well worth it.

Chris Holbert is the chief executive officer of SecuraTrac, a developer of mobile-safety devices and technology for older adults and business employees.