Just because you’re getting slightly older, it doesn’t mean that you can’t travel anymore. What is more, this period of life is exactly the right time to go explore the world. Not only will you have more time on your hands if you’re retired but you will also have gained the experience and knowledge that will help you truly appreciate everything you see on your trips. However, if you are a senior citizen, you need to take certain precautions in order to stay safe while traveling. Keep reading for some tips.
Plan your trip carefully
Your first step has to be properly researching the trip you want to go on and finding all the best deals. You can look for some senior discounts, for instance. Perhaps you can find a travel agency or an airline that offers a better price to seniors. Then, when it comes to accommodation, look for a hotel that is close to the sights you want to see. There is no need to walk for miles to get back to your room or risk getting on the wrong bus and ending up even further away from where you need to be. Exploring is fun and all but not when you are already tired from walking the whole day. Check the hotel’s amenities as well. Look for accommodation that fulfils all your needs, such as a breakfast buffet or a pool. Finally, once you get there, don’t burden yourself with having to see everything in one day. Take it easy, come up with an itinerary and you’ll get to visit all the attractions.
Remember to get insurance
An essential part of planning your trip is also getting insurance. Travel insurance is important for everyone but older travelers are at a bigger risk of getting sick, hurting themselves, and needing extra medication. You certainly don’t want to find yourself in a foreign country and not know whether your medication or trip to the emergency room will be covered. Don’t be frugal if that means you will not be covered if something goes wrong – invest in insurance.
Don’t forget your meds
Speaking of medication, you need to remember to pack them. So, when creating a list of everything that you will bring, in addition to the passport, money, and clothes, don’t forget your meds. However, don’t pack them in the baggage that will be checked but keep them in your carry-on. Bring original packaging and your prescription in case there are any questions, and look for their generic name in case you run out; but you should always bring more than you think you’ll need, just in case. Other than your prescribed medication, you might want something to calm you down if you are a nervous traveler, such as melatonin or something against motion sickness. Include some pain and fever over-the-counter medicine as well as menopause supplements if you are still going through menopause. Lastly, don’t forget to ask your doctor whether you need to update your vaccinations.
Wear comfy clothes and shoes
When deciding on the clothes and shoes you will bring, make sure you don’t over-pack as you don’t want to drag a heavy suitcase and carry a huge backpack. Depending on the length of your trip, pack a few bottoms and a top for every day plus a few extras for when you need to change. Make sure your footwear is comfy so that you can be stable when walking for hours. Avoid heels to prevent twisting and spraining your ankle. Also, consider the weather conditions and bring a raincoat and boots if rain is common in the area you are visiting. If it’s usually cold, pack a warm jacket and a few sweaters.
Stay safe
Finally, there are two important things when it comes to being safe when traveling. One, in case you live alone, you should not advertise on social media that you are not at home. Many people have been robbed because thieves noticed that their home was empty. If possible, have a friend check your home every few days, water your houseplants, pick up the mail, and give the illusion that someone is at home. Then, when traveling, don’t bring valuable jewellery and keep your passport and money in a safe place. It’s also recommended that you don’t use the ‘clean my room’ sign as that shows that the room is empty and someone might try to steal your things.
Make sure you plan everything carefully, don’t forget your meds and insurance, bring comfy clothes, and protect your possession. Your trip will be amazing!