Many adventurers in their golden years are leaving their rockers home and going on major road and air trips to the destinations of their dreams. Their fountain of youth is travel.

 

If you’re one such senior on the cusp of leaving it all behind and going for it, here are a few top tips to guide you in organizing your trip. It’s never too late to have a second childhood.

 

When to Travel

Retired and able to travel whenever you want? Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of the year (April through mid-June, or September-October). This has you missing out on crowds and summer heat in the Northern Hemisphere. For land and air travel, always seek the shortest and most direct travel times. 

 

Request seat assignment services in bus or airline rows that are for the handicapped. If you tire easily, take advantage of free wheelchair transportation service that exists at every airport origin, connection and arrival location. Take care to also inform the reservation system that you have special dietary needs, regarding meals served aboard a flight or cruise.

 

Travel Insurance

Because you need it more, travel insurance is costlier for seniors. Research how and whether your medical insurance is applicable abroad. Hunt for plans that waive pre-existing conditions, particularly if you are over 70. Pay particular attention to evacuation insurance when looking at additional travel insurance options. It covers the usually high expense of getting you to sufficient medical care in the event of an emergency – especially if you are too sick to fly on a commercial airline.

 

Pack Light

The art of packing light is one you should master for an easier time traveling. To lighten your travel suitcase, take fewer clothes and launder more often. Pack it all in a roll-aboard suitcase for optimal convenience. Work out ways to smoothly transport your luggage, so that you’re not overburdened by more than one bulky item. For instance, having a second bag attach or stack neatly on top of your main wheeled suitcase.

 

Be sure to take an extra pair of eyeglasses with you in case you lose your first pair. You may even take a magnifying glass with you to help you read the fine print on schedules and detailed maps. A small notebook for jotting down key information, such as your hotel address or airport subway stop, will help you considerably and keep your mind uncluttered and clear while lessening any anxiety about forgetting these important information details.

 

Make Safety Paramount

Unfortunately, thieves often target seniors and their empty residences. Before leaving for your vacation, make sure to bolt the main doors of your residence, leave the radio on, set the alarm, inform your neighbors of your vacation plans, and have a relative or neighbor pick up the mail for you to ward off any potential intruders.

 

While traveling, be extra cautious in high-traffic urban areas or travel centers. Carry a money belt worn under her top or a Passage Wallet hidden under clothing by a neck cord. Male seniors can hide their wallet in their pants, attached to a belt cord. Keeping your person and money safe is paramount.

 

Medication Management

Most seniors take multiple medications once or several times a day. Carry an alarm watch to remind you to take your medications, or if you’re savvy with a smart phone, download a specialized app for the purpose.      

 

A Final Thought

With ample foresight and planning, double checked by a younger relative, and following the above tips, you should have a safe, enjoyable trip. Take your time about everything, as you are on vacation after all, but remain wary and cautious, just in case. After taking care of your person and valuables first, go ahead and soak in the sunshine and fresh air of your piazza view in Tuscany, or enjoy your sip of a floral wine at a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. In your golden age, you deserve it!     

Article compiled by Marie Villeza of ElderImpacct (ElderImpact.org | info@ElderImpact.org)