Your golden years are an opportunity for adventure! As a retiree, you have more time to experience new and exciting destinations. Load the RV for a cross-country road trip or take a long-haul flight to an exotic location — the choice is yours! Traveling as an older adult has its complexities. A little preparation and travel savvy ensure a smooth trip filled with the best memories.
Explore 10 helpful tips for traveling in your older years. With the proper research, planning and know-how, your next trip will be out of this world!
1. Read up on Travel Guidance
The internet is bursting with helpful advice for travelers. Before jetting off, browse the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traveler advice page. This resource answers frequent questions, covering everything from packing to motion sickness. It pays to understand global health risks. Familiarize yourself with travel health notices for the destinations you plan to visit. You can also check what vaccines or medicines you might need.
Visiting abroad? Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs initiative sends you travel advisories, news and alerts. The program also gives you a direct line to U.S. embassies and helps you to stay in touch with family in an emergency.
2. Keep Active on Long Trips
Whether traveling by train, plane or car, stretching your legs is vital. Staying active reduces the risk of conditions like deep vein thrombosis. Here are a few ways to keep moving:
- Choose aisle over window: While gazing at the outside scenery is tempting, an aisle seat makes it easier to move around or visit the restroom.
- Stretch your legs: On long-haul flights or train trips, walk up and down the aisle to get blood flowing in your legs. If moving is difficult, try seated exercises or stretches. Walking 30 minutes before you board your flight also helps.
- Wear compression stockings: These socks apply gentle pressure to your legs to improve circulation and prevent blood clots.
- Stop often on road trips: If you travel across the country by car or RV, make frequent pit stops. Get out of the vehicle, stretch and walk around.
3. Choose Hotels That Fit Your Needs
The right hotel is about more than the view. As an older adult, knowing that your accommodation can handle your mobility or wellness needs gives you peace of mind. Call ahead to find out if the hotel has elevators or wheelchair access. Older hotels may have accessibility issues or safety hazards.
4. Manage Your Medications
If you take chronic medication, running out while traveling is not an option. Make sure you have access to the medication you need by:
- Organization: Use a daily or weekly pill organizer to keep track of medications. That way, you can avoid missing a dosage. Create a list of medicines, their doses, frequency, purpose and prescribing doctor’s details.
- Proper carrying: Keep your medicine in a carry-on bag for easy access. Drugs should stay in their original packaging to prevent confusion or security checkpoint issues.
- Plan ahead: Bring extra doses in case of travel delays or changes. Familiarize yourself with pharmacy locations and drug names at your destination in case of refills. Remember, your medication might have a different name in other parts of the world.
5. Understand TSA Travel Rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has security procedures for packing, medications and more. Follow the TSA’s handy travel checklist for a smoother check-in. Their website offers security screening information for adults over 75 or those with disabilities or medical conditions.
6. Remember to Hydrate
Low humidity levels in plane cabins, hot climates and walking can dehydrate you. Follow these tips to stay healthy and hydrated:
- Take a water bottle: Bring a refillable bottle on flights and ask attendants to top you up when needed. Check whether it’s safe to drink tap water at your destination. If not, buy bottled water.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol causes you to urinate more, losing fluids and electrolytes. If you plan to indulge, alternate with a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.
- Replenish your electrolytes: Your body needs electrolytes like sodium and potassium to function. Pack dissolvable electrolyte powder or eat foods like bananas, spinach and dried apricots.
- Eat liquid-rich snacks: Fresh fruits and vegetables have high water content. You could also snack on chia seeds that absorb water and help regulate fluid levels.
7. Be Social Media-Savvy
Posting about your upcoming trip on Facebook may feel like a fun way to share your excitement. However, thieves often use social media to their advantage. Your innocent post could alert potential wrongdoers that your home will be empty. Privacy settings can help, but it’s better not to risk it. Once you return from your adventure, feel free to share your memories and holiday snaps.
8. Take Safety Precautions
Older adults can become targets for fraud or theft while traveling. Store your valuables in a hotel safe and stay vigilant for possible threats. Consider clothes that have deep or zipped pockets to deter thieves.
Credit card fraud is on the rise in popular tourist destinations. Opt for cash over card. Contact your bank before your trip to check whether you can withdraw foreign currency from ATMs abroad. If you decide to use your credit card, let the issuer know your travel dates and destination. That way, they can advise you of foreign transaction fees and watch for fraudulent activity.
9. Secure Important Documents
Before you set off, copy documents like your ID, passport, medical insurance card and itinerary. Keep one set with you and leave copies with trusted friends or relatives at home. These backup copies make replacement easier if you lose your ID. Be sure to carry an emergency contact list and form of identification with you at all times. In an emergency, this information is vital for the people assisting you.
10. Take Care of Your Health
A healthy traveler is a happy traveler! Looking after your physical well-being before and during the trip ensures you return with only good memories. Try these healthcare tips:
- See your doctor before traveling: Get a general checkup to ensure you can travel. Your physician can advise on destination-related vaccinations and medication changes. Now’s the time to discuss any health concerns you may have.
- Consider travel insurance: Look into insurance options for older adults. Travel insurance ensures you get the care you need in an emergency, while Evacuation insurance can help cover medical air transport expenses.
- Protect your immune system: Elderly traveling can weaken your immune defenses. Plane air, altitude, exotic food and exposure to foreign diseases contribute. Make sure your immunizations are up to date before you travel. Pack antibacterial wipes to sanitize items and take an immune-boosting supplement in advance.
Trust AirCARE1 for Specialized Air-Based Medical Services
Traveling as an older adult is a thrilling adventure. As you head off on your journey, putting your health first ensures you get the most out of your travels. If you have special medical needs or limited mobility, you may feel that commercial travel is out of reach. At AirCARE1, our medical escort services provide exceptional care on commercial flights. A qualified and experienced medical professional accompanies you every step of the way.
We can also help if you or a loved one need medical air transport while on a trip. Since 2004, we have transported patients worldwide in our fully equipped Learjet aircraft. Our skilled medical crew provides care throughout the flight, supported by holistic practices. We prioritize our patients’ safety, comfort and well-being.
Discover the AirCARE1 difference. Reach out to request an online quote or call us at 877-752-5906 (U.S.) or 866-983-7087 (international) to learn more.
