11 Tips for Traveling as a Senior
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on May 01, 2017
11 Tips for Traveling as a Senior
When seniors reach their golden years, they may want to start seeing the world and start traveling. After all, there are no age limits when it comes to travel. However, older travelers may have to face facts and realize that travel—no matter which age—is stressful and presents its own set of challenges. Anticipating these as an older traveler can make the experience safer and more pleasurable.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 11 ways to prepare for the experience of a lifetime and make it easier for seniors to travel.
1. Aisle Seat on Long Flights
As a senior, long stretches of travel are your enemy. If you’re booking a flight or train, make sure to look for available aisle seats, as seniors may have to use the bathroom or stretch more frequently (and urgently) than those who are more able-bodied. Having the freedom to move, versus being crammed in a window seat, can mean the difference between enjoying your trip versus having to deal with emergencies or accidents. Even if you’re traveling with a companion, make sure to choose seats that are near each other so that they can assist you if you needed.
Most passengers are happy to trade seats, but sometimes passengers can be self-centered and not think of your needs. Worst case scenario, appeal to a flight attendant to accommodate your needs.
2. Keep Your Medications Handy
As a rule, you should always keep your medications close to you. This includes always putting your meds in an accessible carry-on when in transit—not having them available to you within hands reach could spell disaster! For instance, having your medications in a checked bag might keep them safe, but what would happen if your luggage is lost or a delay at the airport keeps your luggage out of reach until you reach your destination?
It can be harder to find pharmacies in new locations, especially if you’re traveling abroad, where you may find it impossible to get the medication you need on short notice. Fill your prescriptions beforehand to prevent any shortages.
While it might not be the most fashionable choice, a fanny pack with your medications may be the most appropriate choice. Make sure to put your medications in a pill organizer beforehand, as you won’t have to fumble with a number of medication bottles while eating or in public.
Additionally, you may want to not leave your medications out in the open in hotel rooms. Certain prescription drugs may be tempting for those who wish to steal them or resell them.
3. Print Your Travel Documents
Expect the worst-case scenario when traveling. Seniors should expect the unexpected when traveling. Make sure to print every single document and have it on hand, as well as providing a copy to those whom you are visiting (including hotels and so forth). Smartphones, though handy, can have their batteries die at unexpected moments or be unmanageable under pressure. Instead of relying on computer savvy youngsters to help you along, make sure to print out every document related to travel. This includes:
- Hotel reservations
- Travel itinerary (including tour group phone #’s and contact info of travel companions)
- Flight/train schedules and departures
- Medications/dietary restrictions/medical info
- Trip destinations (i.e. paths to and from hotels)
- Travel insurance info
- Passport/ID info
- Emergency contacts
In the event of a medical emergency or travel delays, you’ll be able to recoup your info. Also, crew members will be able to quickly identify your needs and respond accordingly.
4. Plan Your Trip
Failure to prepare is preparation for failure.
Avoid surprises and anticipate difficulties. To do so, gather as much information as possible. While it may be cumbersome to travel with every document you’ll need on hand, the truth is leaving as little to chance as possible ensures that you can make it between your destinations without stress or hassle. Keep your spontaneity for your entertainment and moments when everything is in order.
For instance, have an idea of what an extended layover might entail. Instead of sleeping at an airport or train station, a comfortable bed at a hotel may give you a refreshed outlook instead of being jetlagged between transfers and layovers. Booking a hotel and transportation beforehand can save you money and headache, especially if you have health requirements for room and transportation (i.e. wheelchair accessibility).
5. Avoid Alcohol
It may be tempting to have a cocktail to take the edge off of travel, but alcohol should be avoided until seniors are sure that everything—luggage, accommodations, well-being—is taken care of. Flying is dehydrating, which exacerbates the effects of alcohol. While the cabin of the aircraft may be pressurized, seniors may find themselves susceptible to altitude sickness—add a few drinks at the airport bar beforehand and you may find yourself an uncomfortable and queasy flight! Instead, stick to a club soda or just water to curb the urges to imbibe until you’re settled in at your new location.
After all, no one wants to admit that they missed a travel connection because they were inebriated.
6. Ask Crew Members and Employees for Assistance
Remember that crew members and employees are employed to assist passengers. If you have a need, be sure to make crew members aware, even if your needs seems innocuous or “too much trouble.” This can range from crew members accompanying you, a concierge offering hands-on assistance, providing a glass or water, or lavatory assistance. If you have heavy bags, a crew member can assist you with lifting heavy luggage or providing a wheelchair. Similarly, many fellow passengers may be willing to help you, though you should always find an employee unless the situation necessitates trusting a stranger. It’s a sad fact to admit, but many people at the airport may try to scam seniors or those unfamiliar to new locales.
7. Bring Snacks
Traveling is expensive, and food at an airport can be priced at outrageous premiums. Bringing healthy snacks, like nuts, fruit, energy bars and so forth, can keep blood sugar up and make sure your wallet isn’t dented more than it should be. Preparing snacks also can accommodate your health needs and avoid not being able to accommodate your health needs (i.e. diabetic foods) should those options not be able at travel kiosks.
Just like medications, you want to keep them accessible, so keep a cache of snacks in your carry on, not your checked luggage.
8. Take Care of Your Health Frequently
Travel isn’t the most comfortable experience, as you’ll spend long periods of time remaining sedentary. To stay alert and pain-free, stretching and taking walks can avoid the pain of being cramped in uncomfortable situations for extended periods of time. Don’t be afraid to take walks when necessary, even if the walk is just to browse the shops or get some fresh air. Doing so can avoid complications from being sedentary, like deep vein thrombosis or numbness.
Conversely, seniors should be careful not to pack their days full of activity. Older travelers have to account for their need to take a nap and relax more frequently. Instead, planning a few activities and not being too ambitious is the way to go. Take it slow and enjoy your surroundings, stressing quality over quantity.
9. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the secrets to making travel as a senior a much smoother experience. Should you experience a mishap, like a fall or theft, travel insurance will replace your costs that you incur. Insuring a trip may only cost between $100 to $200, which is a small to price. Should you find yourself in a foreign land and say, your wallet goes missing, leaving you without a way to properly get your medication, insurance can shell out the cash until your affairs are sorted out.
10. Do Not Advertise Your Absence
One of the hidden dangers from traveling as a senior doesn’t come from the traveling itself, but what you say before you leave. It may be tempting to tell your friends and loved ones that you are heading on a trip of a lifetime, but remember that criminals may be watching your residence for your absence. You may want to consider a trusted person to watch your home and housesit while you’re out and about.
A cheap option is to hire a family member or a college student that can take care of your plants and animals, while also making sure your home remains “occupied”. Of course, you want to hire a person with reference so that they’re not having a party in your absence, but you want them to be liable should a criminal enter your residence or they fail to care for your belongings.
11. Travel with Family and Friends
As a senior, you may not want to travel alone for long stretches. Instead, it’s better to travel with a loved one, a companion, or in a group to avoid hassles that are bound to happen. For instance, international travel can lead to language difficulties and being disoriented by an unfamiliar environment. Airports are also notoriously confusing, so having a family member to handle navigate the difficult parts of travel, or a friend that can speak the local language can mean the difference between a relaxing trip and a disappointing trip.