Just because you’re getting on in years, it doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling. On the contrary, traveling in your later years should be something to look forward to.
Most destinations are accessible to older travelers, but there are extra precautions seniors should take before venturing to foreign countries. It’s always a good idea to make sure your affairs are in order. For example, arranging a legal guardianship AZ, might be something you want to think about. But that’s not all to consider.
9 Top Travel Tips for Seniors
The following tips should ensure your next senior trip goes as smoothly as possible and is something to remember rather than forget.
1. Find Out if You Need to Update Your Vaccinations
When it comes to traveling overseas, you might need certain vaccinations before you depart. In some instances, the vaccinations should be done as much as six weeks before you travel. You’ll find details of all the latest vaccination requirements by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Travelers’ Health website.
2. Request and Reserve Senior Accommodations
Should you need extra care when flying, check whether you can book seat assignments in rows designated for disabled travelers. If necessary, request cost-free wheelchair service at every airport destination. If you have any dietary needs, you should be able to request a particular meal service.
3. Buy Travel Insurance
Whenever you travel, there is always a risk of injury or illness. Because of this risk, taking out travel insurance will help keep you financially secure and physically safe. With travel insurance, you can be confident you’ll get all the necessary medical attention without having to face huge medical bills.
4. Prepare Your Personal and Medical Documentation
If you haven’t got a government passport, you should consider applying for one at least six months before you travel. You’ll find an application form online, and be able to get official photographs from an AAA office or large drug and department store.
It’s also important to request copies of any medical prescriptions and statements of medical conditions from your physician or medical treatment center.
Take photocopies of your passport, driver’s license, insurance and Medicare cards, travel tickets, itinerary, and boarding pass.
5. Think About Your Safety, Security, and Comfort
It’s important not to make yourself a target, particularly in high-traffic travel centers. A money belt worn under a blouse or a neat Passage Wallet hidden under your jacket will keep your money safe.
If you’re traveling with a carry-on, keep it between your feet when standing. If you’ve got a shoulder bag, loop the strap around the leg of your chair when seated.
For your comfort when flying, consider buying a travel pillow. This c-shaped balloon supports the neck and head when resting.
6. Get to the Airport Early
It’s always a good idea to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. It means you won’t be rushed when you’re looking for the proper terminal and gate.
Sometimes there can be vast distances to walk between the check-in and departure gates. It’s important to arrange for a wheelchair or assistance ahead of time. The airline should be able to help with the arrangements when you book your tickets.
7. Drink Lots of Water
You could get extremely dehydrated when flying at high altitudes. You might think that as long as you’re sitting quietly, there’s no need for lots of water. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Dehydration can be very serious for seniors.
It’s a good idea to have a water bottle with you and fill it at one of the airport cafes after you pass through security. Then, keep sipping water throughout the flight. Drinking water regularly comes with an added benefit. It should get you up and moving because you’ll probably need to visit the toilet.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Flying has changed significantly over the last couple of decades, but one aspect hasn’t changed at all. The crew members are there to help passengers, and you should never be afraid to ask for help. It might be lifting your bag into the overhead locker or just getting a cup of water.
If the flight attendants are busy, a fellow passenger might be willing and happy to help instead.
9. Stand Up and Stretch Often
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a severe risk for senior travelers. A worst-case scenario could be death, especially after a long flight during which the senior traveler did not move about or stretch often.
There is something you can do if you want to reduce the risk of DVT during a long flight. Wriggle your feet and legs, stretch, stand, and even move around whenever you can.
