Essential Guidelines for Senior Travelers
Essential Guidelines for Senior Travelers
Over the years, there have been an increasing number of senior travelers. In fact, many seniors see traveling as their youth’s fountain. However, it’s important for seniors to know how to ensure their comfort, happiness, and safety while traveling. Here are essential guidelines for senior travelers.
Know where to go
For retired seniors that can travel any time, it’s reasonable to travel during the shoulder season. This enables them to avoid things that are likely to exhaust them with ease. For instance, when traveling during the shoulder season, you avoid the summer heat and tourists’ crowds.
Get a travel insurance
Travel insurance for a senior cost more. However, you are likely to need it while traveling. It’s however important to find out whether your current medical insurance covers you while traveling abroad. Additionally, find out whether the insurance that you purchase or have covers your pre-existing conditions while traveling. When getting additional insurance, be attentive to evacuation insurance. That’s very important because this covers a substantial expense amount when getting quality medical care in the event of an emergency.
Packing
Pack light when traveling. That means you take fewer items especially clothing. Essentially, avoid hauling a big bag. Instead, pack items that enable you to carry your luggage smoothly. That way, you will avoid wrestling with bulky items during the trip.
Carry your medications
It’s better to carry medication and never use it than struggle to get it. Remember that overseas pharmacists might not be familiar with the brand names in your home country. Therefore, before you go on a trip, ask your physician or doctor to provide appropriate medications or a list of the right generic medications or their equivalent. If you use hearing aids, carry spare batteries.
Flying
When you are not taking a direct flight, check your luggage. That’s because your carry-on bag might be your lug-around drag when connecting flights at a busy airport.
Accommodation
If you have difficulties going upstairs, request the hotel to provide a ground-floor room. Additionally, consider proximity of the hotel where you stay to the train station, bus station, or airport. This will minimize the amount of time and effort that you will need to carry your luggage.
Getting around
To get around, consider using taxis and city buses. If you plan to rent a vehicle, bear in mind that there is an upper age limit in some countries.
Basically, these are the major guidelines for senior travelers. Consider them and plan accordingly to avoid unpleasant surprises when traveling.