Travel - adding new perspective to life
by Denise Allen Membreno

Men have been exploring the globe since the beginning of time. Led by the thrill of discovery, they set out to find new lands. While the lands Dick Baynton explores have long since been discovered, the thrill of seeing them for himself has inspired him to visit more than a dozen foreign countries and travel the USA extensively.

Dick and his wife of 53 years, Elaine, first traveled to Hawaii about 40 years ago. Their first trip out of the country came about seven years after that.

“Travel has added a new perspective to our life,” says Baynton. “We have found people that have a different outlook on life, how they conduct their personal lives, their financial lives, their religious lives.”

For example, on a trip to the Netherlands, Dick asked his Dutch tour guide about a nearby apartment building, “I asked what the commercial life of that building would be, and he said 400 years. I probably would never hear anything like that in the United States.”

The Daleville couple try to plan trips overseas and in the United States each year. Both are in their 70s, but Dick still works as a consultant and business broker, and he writes for several publications. He also volunteers and has coordinated the building of three Habitat Houses and helped build three others.

Dick was in the cabinet-making business until 1994 and used his cabinet making skills to design and build two reception desks for The Rescue Mission.
In 1995, he became a business broker.

Dick and Elaine like to book a group tour to the destination of their choice.
“At our age it takes some of the responsibility for making sure you’re getting on the right plane, the right bus, the right boat, the right ship,” Dick says of group tours. “And plus, the economics are favorable. The travel agency can negotiate group financing, and we think we can get better travel for the buck.”

Betty Parsons, an agent at Martin Travel who went on a group trip down the Danube with the Bayntons, estimates seniors make up almost 50 percent of the agency’s business.
“They want their plans laid out in detail. They usually choose an escorted trip where they can depend on someone to meet them at the airport, carry their luggage and take care of their hotel reservations, meals and sight seeing.”


Dick’s Travel Tips
• Take only two bags per person, a carryon and one you check, so you don’t have many bags to haul around.
• In the carryon, store your valuables (jewelry, camera), medications so you have them when you need them.
• Take moderate to dark clothing so spots don’t show as well. Wear outfits several times. This cuts down on the number of changes of clothes needed.
• Be prepared to wash clothes either in sink or laundry during the trip.
• Pack for extremes; take a jacket or sweater for cold nights.
• Take into account any medical conditions when planning your trip.
• Ask your travel agent how much walking or steps you will encounter.
• Know the money exchange rate before you leave.

Travel Safety
• Flashing wads of cash can make you an easy target. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are good to use as well
• Split up cash among family members should one person suffer a loss. Carry enough cash for taxis, telephones and other miscellaneous expenses.
• Carry money separately from credit cards or use a fanny pack. Carry your purse on your shoulder and your wallet in a coat or pants pocket.
• Travel in groups.
• Ask hotel personnel which areas of town you should avoid and what precautions you should take.
Source: AAA