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Riderwood Residents Frank and Mary Longwell Travel Often and Share Their Top Travel Tips

July 31, 2019

Silver Spring, MD  --    When Frank and Mary Longwell moved to Riderwood, an Erickson Living developed and managed community in Silver Spring, MD, 31 months ago they experienced the need to make some simple, but important adjustments on how they prepared for trips so they could enjoy their new-found freedom to travel.    

And who doesn't like to travel!  According to a recent AAA Travel survey, nearly 100 million Americans are planning a vacation in 2019.

Erickson Living residents have two distinct advantages when they travel.  First, they leave with peace of mind knowing their apartment home and belongings are secure (in contrast to needing house-sitters).  Second, many Erickson Living communities employ a special trips coordinator who plans everything from day trips, to shopping excursions and concerts, theater events and more.

Whether it's a trip to Rome, Italy or a trip to visit family in Philadelphia, The Longwells share their list of travel tips:

  • Fly non-stop.  Save time, schedule ahead of time so there is availability of non-stop flight and best prices.

  • Do extensive on-line research…find out what is going on at the location your visiting and fit in extra events according to your schedule.  Professional sports, art and historical museums, local celebrations/events and symphony orchestra schedule.   Festivals, latest microbrew beer locations, top ethnic food restaurants or new openings.

  • Plan photographic locations, best times with sun considerations, and think entire photo process including possible side light opportunities.

  • Plan on enjoying the area and pay reasonable price for hotel because nobody wants to stay inside and miss the excitement of a new location.   Clean, reputable, good ratings, excellent reviews from previous patrons, and nearness to sites on your Wishlist.  Don't forget public transportation.

  • Develop a "Mnemonic" an easy to remember word or phrase which helps memorize items.  The Longwells Word:  WHISKEY!   

W allet

H earing Aids (if needed)

I Phone-IPad

S unglasses/reading glasses

K eys:  Car-Apartment

E lectric…charging cords for electronic devices

Y early planner-daily schedule

"Riderwood provides us with the comfort and peace of mind that everything is secure while we pursue our passion of traveling and visiting with family out of state," says Frank. 

Photo caption: Riderwood residents Frank and Mary Longwell

About Riderwood: Riderwood, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 120-acre campus in Silver Spring, Maryland.   The not-for-profit community of more than 2500 residents is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Riderwood is located in Montgomery County.  Additional information about Riderwood can be found at RiderwoodCommunity.com.   

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