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Seamless Senior Travel Tips

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Our biggest senior travel tips?
Senior citizen travel needs can be very specific, with very specific plans. Travel is one of the favorite baby boomer and elderly activities. (In fact, in Canada, boomers are known as Zoomers). Travel is about the most looked-forward-to of all the early retirement ideas. (But you don’t have to wait). It must, however, be done carefully… because as we age, certain elderly problems can crop up when traveling. Unless your doctor tells you “absolutely not,” don’t let any of that stop you. There are ways around everything, especially with good planning.

If you’ve read our article on senior citizen travel and set your goals, you’re well on your way. Let’s polish it up a bit with these senior travel tips. Here are a few more things to consider, Think they're just common sense? Without a list and reminders, how many of them do you actually think you'd think of, and remember?

Some of these senior travel tips you can ask of your agent about. Mark off which ones.

Are you sure you’re choosing the best time of year.
Are there special weather considerations for that area, such as hurricanes or a tendency towards fires during that season. Monsoons?
Are any special immunizations required.
Always update your tetanus shot.
What about health care facilities if there is an emergency.
Do you have proper health care coverage for your trip.
Will you need to refill prescriptions.
Or what if you lose or ruin your medications.
What about replacing lost or broken eyeglasses (take an extra pair).
Are special visas required.
Is your trip planned around a special event where there is a time factor, like a volcanic eruption, political event, special performance, or religious tradition.
How far must you plan ahead to reserve good lodging.
How crowded will it be, and will you really like that.
Do you have special considerations for walking, diet, restrooms, or resting.
Are you really sure about the bathroom facilities – especially overseas.
Will you need to phone home or make an international call. Do you know how?
How familiar are you with the local food. (Do they eat raw fish or insects – will you even know?) Will this be an issue?
Are you sure you know the restaurants that tourists are safe in.
What about safe drinking water and other beverages.
Big senior travel tip – is someone going to house sit for you. Do not underestimate this huge travel issue.

Packing Ideas

Another big senior travel tip -- double-check your packing. It is very tempting to over-pack. Do you really need all those shoes or handbags? Did you mix and match, with outfits you can easily dress up or down? Traveling light is a relief, actually. You’re much less likely to lose your belongings or suitcases. There are also fewer baggage fees, transportation hassles, and porter tips. If you travel really light, with just a carry-on and shoulder bag, you can even avoid checking in early, standing in lines, and luggage pick-up. Plus it’s easier to walk around and deal with delays and connections. (Oh—you do have really good walking shoes, right? Not planning to chance it and try to buy something once you get there, right?) Check out some of the books available on packing light.

Comfortable travel means packing a small emergency kit for your carry-on. Here are some senior travel tips to take with you:

Your medications … cell phone … emergency numbers … notepad and pen … safety pins … tissue … sewing kit … small partial roll of toilet paper (yes – don’t laugh) … hand wipes … rubber bands … ziplock bags … small sized trash bag … aspirin or pain reliever … water bottle … protein bars and other small snacks … calculator … bandaids and antibiotic cream … sunglasses … extra underwear and socks … an extra outfit … mini flashlight … chapstick … good book or other activity … foreign language dictionary … and definitely an inflatable neck pillow! And yes, this will all fit into your carry-on with your other things -- they are important -- so pack light. These little items will help eliminate many elderly issues that could otherwise crop up.

Before You Go

clip art, wallet

Senior citizen travel involves important arrangements that should be made before you leave, as necessary and according to the length and distance of your trip.

Here are some last-minute senior travel tips to check over before you go:

Double-check for: your driver’s license and other ID; passport; international driving permit, cash, travelers checks, credit cards, etc.; travel insurance; medications and medical cards; important papers.
Give an extra key to your home to a friend or relative. Have someone check in several times.
Give them a copy of your itinerary and travel plans and how to get hold of you.
Give them a list of your medications, allergies and doctors.
Arrange for power of attorney if necessary.
Water your plants before you go, and arrange for plant care.
Dispose of unneeded food.
Pay mortgage, rent, and bills in advance. Or arrange to pay online.
Unplug your TV, computer, and other major electronics.
Arrange for kenneling or other pet care.
Forward or hold your mail, or have someone pick it up for you.
Learn how to make overseas phone calls.
Purchase a phone calling card as needed.
Cancel your newspaper.
Lock all doors and windows.
Adjust your thermostat to minimal settings.
Install an automated device to turn on lights at night.
Get someone to house sit for you, at least a few times per week.
Call your credit card companies and let them know where you are traveling, and that you will be making more than the usual charges. otherwise, they may put a stop or alert on your credit card if you do not do this, to ensure against possible theft. And then you've got a problem!
Make sure you have luggage tags on all luggage, and a sheet of paper with your name, address, and phone inside each suitcase.

Comfortable travel depends upon great planning. As you get ready, you’re going to come up with a lot more senior travel tips of your own. These are just a start to help get you going.

Also read:
Which Jet Lag Remedies Work? -- There are jet lag remedies that do work, and some that don’t. And if you have sleep problems anyway, you’ll want to know, no matter what your age. Effective jet lag remedies are highly sought after by those traveling to different time zones. Get important (and tried) information here.

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