Travelling Tips and tricks for Senior Citizens

Travelling-Tips-and-tricks-for-Senior-Citizens
Travelling-Tips-and-tricks-for-Senior-Citizens

A lot of things change as you age, but, for many, the love for travelling remains intact. After all, retirement is the age to live life to the fullest. But, most seniors fear travelling as it involves long-distance trips, carrying heavy luggage, mobility issues, possibilities of injuries and such risks.

These reasons should not put away your plans for travelling. You have spent your entire life doing what you had to, but this time of your life is entirely yours. Your experience of travelling may not remain the same as it was when you were younger. But you can still enjoy your time of exploring new places and strike a few areas off of your bucket list.

However, just so that travelling, hours of standing and walking, changes in climate and temperatures, do not take a toll on your health, some caution has to be considered. Travelling is not forbidden, but taking some care and moving cautiously will only make your experience better and more enjoyable.

1. Travel Destination

Choosing a travel destination wisely is essential. Know your body capacity and select the place accordingly. If you are selecting a destination that hilly or adventurous, it can be risky or tiring. Choose a place that is great for exploring and also has great medical facilities available.

2. Esquire and Book Everything in Advance

You don’t want to strain your body. Therefore, pre-planning is very important. Find out tourist places of the destination you’re visiting and make a list of all the places you’re going to see. Book your hotel and cab service in advance, so there is no hassle. Package tours are also great for senior travellers as everything is taken care of by the providers.

3. Pre-trip Medical Check-up and Consultation

This is very important. Even before you book your flight, consult a doctor if it’s the right time for you to travel and then disclose the place you’re visiting. Once you get permission, only then book your tickets and make other arrangements. Also, get vaccinations done for flu and pneumonia if needed. It is also wise to carry your medical certificate.

4. Arrange Facilities inside the Airport

Most times, the distance from the entrance to the terminal is pretty long. Along with this, standing in queues for checking in and boarding passes can prove tiresome. Arrange for wheelchair or other transportation while booking your flight so you can avoid getting tired even before your journey begins.

5. Pack light

If you have to take care of your belongings and there are a lot of important things that you have to carry. Packing lesser clothes will prove beneficial as you also have to carry your medication. Also, lesser clothes mean carrying them around and packing and unpacking won’t take a lot of time.

Also, carry some basic medical equipment with you to keep a regular check on your BP or Diabetes.  You can also pack some massages or abdominal belts that help you take your journey smooth. There are some portals like Seniority which covers thorough needs of senior citizens.

6. Timing is Important

Make sure you have enough time on your hand if you’re travelling to a different time-zone. Give yourself a day or two to alleviate jet-lag. Also, keep a day to rest in-between long-distance travels, so you do not over-stress your body. Travel at your convenience.

7. Travel Insurance is a Must

Unforeseen medical expenses can cost you a bomb in a foreign land. You cannot depend on the possibility of everything going right. Hence, travel insurance is a must. Coverage will keep you from worrying about your health and the cost your medical complication will bear. Travel insurance may be expensive, but it is undoubtedly going to cost lesser than medical expenses abroad. 

8. Tips for taking care of yourself on the trip:

  • Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause fatigue, lower blood sugar levels, and make you sick. Keeping yourself hydrated will keep you active.
  • Arrange for rest-breaks in your itinerary. Jam-packed busy days will tire you and stress your body. Especially on hot days, make sure you give your body enough time to cool down, rest, and restore.
  • Carry an extra set of medicines and carry them with you everywhere you go. You cannot be sure of what unforeseen medical condition might arise. It is better to keep your medication with you at all times, so you do not have to worry about a thing.
  • Also, always carry your travel documents with you. Passport, tickets, medical certifications, medical insurances, should always be available in your handbag, at all times.
  • Keep yourself safe by not displaying your valuables. Seniors are an easy target of people with malicious intentions. For the same reason, also avoid travelling at night and always walk on busy streets where there are a lot of people present.

Conclusion:

Old age should not keep you from travelling. Travelling is for everyone and retirement is the age to do everything you couldn’t earlier. Don’t let anything stop you. Just a little precaution and care can make your travel safe and comfortable. Happy Journey!