Seniors: Beware These Common Travel Pitfalls

Have you been thinking about taking a trip for a while now– to visit long lost friends or see family living across the country, or perhaps just to discover a country you’ve never seen or revisit a place that holds a special place in your heart? This is a great time to make some travel plans and with a little prior planning, your trip can cost you very little while giving you memories that are worth a fortune. Being prepared before you leave home means you can enjoy your trip even more while you’re away!

Just because you are aging does not mean you should slow down; in fact, doctors universally agree that the more active a senior, the more vibrant and healthy their life is. Travel is a fabulous way to remain active, both physically and mentally. There is no better way to engage ourselves than to experience new things, new places and new sights and sounds.Travel is a way to satisfy all these things. The population is growing older, advances in medicine and understanding means that more people are enjoying longer life spans than ever before.

Here you will find a few pieces of advice for your travels if you are in the over-fifty age range, but still looking to get out and explore the world. Seek out a travel agent that knows how to provide special care to senior travelers. Also, you should find someone to travel with you, both for company and safety, so choose someone among your relatives or acquaintances to be your travel companion.

Group travel will usually get you a discount on airfare and accommodations. Your luggage should be as light as possible. You may even want to consider getting suitcases with wheels. This type of luggage is much easier overall, and remember to carry prescription documentation if you are taking any type of prescribed pain relievers, along with a doctor’s note as well. This will help you pass through airport security.

Many travelers will opt to sign up for a traveler’s insurance policy while they are away from home. If you will be traveling overseas, contact your health insurance company to find out how medical expenses incurred during your trip will be covered. It is better to know this and not need it, then to not know for sure and you’re faced with emergency medical expenses. Finally, take time to learn as much about your destination as possible.

Seniors who are traveling need to be particularly cautious and ready for the unexpected in order to ensure a safe trip. Here are some simple safety tips for senior tourists.

Pack sufficient prescribed medicine to extend a week longer than your planned return date. It’s better to have extra than to be caught short in a foreign location. Many seniors check with their doctor, get a physical, before taking vacations or extended travel. You can also ask your doctor for instructions of what you need to do in case there’s a medical emergency.

A list that details your health conditions, doctor’s contact information, family’s contact information and medications you take should be kept with you at all times during your trip. Keep the list in your wallet or back pack and tell your traveling friends where to find it in case of emergency.

In the case of differing time zones, have your doctor give you detailed instructions for taking your medication at the right time no matter where you are. Ask about possible food and medication interactions. Be sure that you also have your vaccinations updated. Many countries abroad may require you to be immunized weeks or months in advance. Drink lots of water during each flight, as the air inside planes is quite dry. Get up and move around during your flight. Stretch your arms and legs a few times. Sitting in one place during your flight will make you feel stiff and tired.

Pack clothing items that coordinate and is wrinkle resistant so you won’t have to pack too many items that could make your suitcase heavy and difficult to lift. Make sure to take at least one thing for unseasonable weather. A sweater or throw will be handy for cool evenings and air-conditioned buildings, even in tropical locales. Bring clothes that you can easily wash so you don’t need to bring so many changes of clothing.

Your shoes should be comfortable and sturdy in case you end up doing a lot of walking. Be aware that thieves or pickpockets are looking for certain items that mark people as tourists. Blend in more and you will be less of a target. If your luggage should get lost, a not uncommon occurrence, you’ll have to get along without it for a few days. Give copies of your itinerary to your friends or family back home, and check in from time to time. Give a loved one a written travel schedule with accommodation addresses and telephone numbers.

Author Resource:- When you would like to get more information on senior travel insurance check out this site. If you are looking for more information on travel insurance for over 65’s make sure to visit their website. Article From Free Travel Articles

Roe on the Go: A Senior’s Travel Reflections

Between the years 1996 and 2004, between her 74th and 82nd birthdays, Rosemary Lamour traveled witha pilgrimage group visiting Rome, Florence, and Assissi in 1996. This inspired the author to make five more overseas trips . The budget was tight, the duration of each trip was short (ten days or less), and the planning was made easy by a very competent travel agency. Travelers joined an organized tour group and fellow bus passengers upon arrival at the overseas airport. The personalities, the events, the scenery, the expected and unexpected were exciting, never-to-be-missed experiences and unforgettable memories! A great read.
Roe on the Go: A Senior’s Travel Reflections