The high cost of international travel, especially in Europe, means controlling costs is critical before even thinking about such a trip. Planning well in advance to shop for discounts and monitor currency fluctuations for the most favorable exchange rates is a good place to start.

Using prepaid foreign currency travel cards is also a good idea. For travelers, the prime benefits of such cards is extra security, ease of accessing funds and convenience. Travelex's MasterCard-branded Cash Passport, available at www.cashpassport.com, is a pre-paid card that comes in Euros or British pounds.

Another option is using a planning tool like Travelex's Budget Calculator. This free online device can be used to estimate the cost of vacation basics, such as the price of meals, drinks, accommodations, public transportation and attraction entrance fees in more than 50 popular destinations worldwide. You can find the tool online.

Travel gear

Use the A-r Porter to carry bulky items

Traveling through an airport can be difficult, especially when trying to juggling a couple of bulky suitcases, a stroller or car seat, and kids. The Air-Porter uses a strap system that allows travelers to carry bulky items such as car seats, strollers, walkers, skis and golf clubs. It adjusts to fit any size suitcase and sells for $75. For information, log on to www.air-porter.com.

On the Web

Great hostel accommodations for bargain hunters

One of the best ways to save money when traveling, and meet some interesting people, is to stay in a hostel.

That's why www.Hostelworld.com, is a good idea for bargain hunters. Travelers can confirm reservations for more than 18,000 hostels and budget hotels in 170 countries as well as find free podcasts, customized city guides and a travel social network.

Staying at a hostel is a good idea because you can often get a private room or, for less money, stay in a dorm with others. Most offer laundry and cooking facilities.

Skiers, for example, could spend $22 a night to stay at the Rocky Mountain Inn and Hostel in Winter Park, Colo.; $15 a night for the Avenues Hostel in Salt Lake City; or $25 at the Kokapelli Inn in Killington, Vt.

Regional destinations

Yellowstone, bison to be featured on postage stamp

BOZEMAN, Mont. » Yellowstone National Park is one of the landmarks to be featured on an express mail stamp beginning next month.

An illustration of Old Faithful and bison will appear on the $17.50 stamp beginning Jan. 16.

David Failor, executive director of stamp services for the United States Postal Service, says the Yellowstone stamp is part of a series of stamps featuring national treasures.

Also coming out on Jan. 16 is a Redwood Forest image on a $4.95 priority mail stamp. The series already includes stamps featuring Hoover Dam and Mount Rushmore.

Failor says the new Yellowstone stamp will remain in circulation until rates increase for express mail, which should be at least a year.

Postal service spokesman Mark Saunders says Yellowstone's Old Faithful geyser was on a 5-cent stamp in 1934 and an 8-cent stamp in 1972.

Tips

Health and safety tips for senior travelers

1. Before you go, consult online government travel updates (www.travel.state.gov) and news sources for potential senior travel and health problems.

2. Book a physical checkup with your family doctor.

3. If you take daily medication, be certain you take enough to cover the entire trip and put it in your carry-on; pack at least an extra week's supply in case of delays.

4. If you have problems because of age or disability, get a note from your doctor on official letterhead to show to airport, bus, cruise and other travel authorities. This can get you senior priority status with airport security and permit early or pre-boarding.

5. Look into shipping your baggage through a service like www.luggagefree.com.

6. Use moderation in eating and drinking. Don't be tempted to overeat at senior early bird specials and buffets, just because you are away from your usual home routine.

7. Be careful about buying food or drinks from outside street vendors, even in areas where quality control and sanitation are good. Always drink bottled water.

8. Regular exercise for senior travelers is essential. When in a city, instead of taking a bus or taxi, short strolls can make sightseeing more leisurely and enjoyable.

9. Wearing clothes that make you look like a tourist, wearing expensive jewelry, or having a snooty attitude can make you a target for thieves. Never travel alone in unfamiliar areas, even in daylight.

10. Keep your wallet secured in an inside buttoned pocket or use a money belt. If you carry a purse, hold it strapped tightly under your arm. If you want to give handouts or buy inexpensive items, dole out coins and bills you've stashed in a separate place.

SOURCE: www.travel55plus.com