Many of us stop traveling when we reach a certain age without realizing there are good travel tips for senior citizens. We worry about our ailing health and have the fear of falling or incurring some other injury owing to mobility issues. Or, we simply stop traveling because we do not believe we can still do so. While it’s true that traveling at a senior age has its risks, it is not necessarily a very complicated thing to do. With a few simple yet doable air travel tips for seniors, elderly travelers will be flying again in no time! If you happen to be an elderly traveler, keep reading to know what these travel tips for senior citizens are and make the most of them whenever you plan on traveling next.
Senior travel tips:
Too many of us have wondered, is it safe for elderly to fly? The truth is, with effective planning you can travel pretty smoothly in your golden years as well. In fact, travel is the latest lifestyle statement and plenty of senior travelers are well into their 80’s and 90’s! Whether you’re flying with elderly parent or it’s the case of an unaccompanied elderly flying, it is certainly doable. You just need to weigh elderly flying+risks carefully. Scroll through our pervasive list of the best travel tips for senior citizens to know how you can travel at an advanced age as well.
Plan when to go
Taking the time to plan ahead can transform your travel experience. By choosing the ideal travel dates, you can enjoy a peaceful, budget-friendly trip. For retirees, the luxury of travel flexibility means you can explore at your own pace, avoiding the busy peak times and hefty prices that often come with them. Also, try to travel during a favorable season so you can avoid extreme weather conditions. For an impromptu trip, pick a good season and book some cheap last minute flights.
Try to book nonstop flights
One of the best travel tips for senior citizens is to book nonstop flights for a trip. Not only will this cut travel time, it will also eliminate the risk of missing a connecting flight. So invest in nonstop flights, preferably business class flights for a more comfortable journey, even if it costs you a bit more. Also, avoid regional jets at airports which do not have a jet-bridge and can hence prove to be not-so-friendly when it comes to air travel assistance for elderly. At airports like these, seniors will have to climb a flight of stairs which will exhaust them even before the flight.
Pay for travel insurance
While senior travelers may need to shell out more when it comes to travelers, they are also most likely to need it. The last thing you want on a trip is to unexpectedly fall sick or even miss your flight. Getting travel insurance is especially a necessity for senior travelers with a chronic illness. Should you fall ill while away, travel insurance has you covered for both medical emergencies and any flight cancellations. This is a crucial travel tip for senior citizens, helping you avoid unexpected financial burdens.
Also Read: How to Stay Well Rested While Traveling Without Feeling Jet-Lagged
Pack light and smart
Traveling with elderly parents means packing light, especially when they prefer to carry their own bags. Even on a long trip, there are simple ways to ease the load. Pack fewer clothes and do laundry more often. If a second bag is necessary, choose one that’s compact and can sit comfortably on top of the first. Be sure to pack the must-haves, your reading glasses, sunglasses, and a small notebook to note down key details like phone numbers and hotel addresses. Keep it light, and let the journey be easy and full of meaningful moments.
Keep medications in carry-on baggage
This is a good tip for all travelers and not just among the best travel tips for senior citizens. Keeping medications in checked baggage is never a good idea. What if you need them on the flight? Always keep your necessary medications in your carry-on baggage and take it on board the flight. By keeping these items handy, you can respond with ease in an emergency. A list of your prescribed medications and dosages will also be useful if a medical visit is required while on the road.
Be decisive about disability options
This is among the most important travel tips for senior citizens and one you cannot overlook at any cost. Be precise and make no mistakes when choosing any disability option you need. Certain airlines such as Southwest will allow you to select these options at the time of booking flights itself. Others, like Delta, for instance, require you to contact the airline via phone and request for disability options separately. So make sure you’re booking with an airline whose disability options you’re comfortable with.
Choose the right accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation is among the most vital travel tips for senior citizens. Request your hotel for a room on the ground floor if there isn’t an elevator and climbing stairs is a difficult task for you. Also, check if you’re making the right hotel choice. A hotel close to a train station could bring constant train noise that might disturb you. Instead, book a place in the town center, so you’re close to sights and can easily access medical help if needed. A good hotel is just as crucial as booking affordable flights.
Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks
Hydration plays a big role in ensuring senior travelers feel their best during a trip. Dehydration can make you feel more exhausted and worsen medical conditions. Hydrate often and make sure to stretch your legs during your layovers to improve circulation. Using compression socks can help minimize swelling and reduce the chances of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Indian Eagle offers seamless flight bookings between the USA and India, with exceptional prices and customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I avoid feeling fatigued during long flights?
To avoid fatigue during long flights, stay hydrated, stretch during layovers, wear compression socks, and rest or sleep while flying.
How do I keep track of my medications while traveling?
Pack medications in your carry-on, list prescriptions, and bring enough for the trip. Include your doctor’s contact info.
Should I purchase travel insurance as a senior?
Yes, travel insurance is recommended for seniors, covering medical emergencies and trip interruptions for peace of mind.
How do I make sure I stay healthy while traveling?
Stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, carry necessary medications, and take breaks. Consult your doctor if you have a chronic illness.
|
Disclaimer: City Village News claims no credit for the images featured on its blog site. All the visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners only. We mention the source name of the picture whenever possible and found. However, please get in touch with us if we miss acknowledging the owner’s source. In case the owners don’t want us to use their images, we will remove them promptly. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, and photographer. |
