Travel Tips For Seniors

Doctors believe that the more active we are as we age, the more likely we are to stay healthy and have more energy. They call it `Active Ageing', which means living life as fully as possible. One great way of staying active, both physically and mentally, is to travel. For travelling to new destinations engages the mind and soul in many different ways, keeping them healthy and active.

With medical technology allowing for longer healthier lives, and healthy pension funds lining their pockets, senior travellers over fifty are beginning to outnumber the young.

Tips For Elder Travellers

• Find the right travel company. Many travel operators specialize in providing services to senior citizens. Their tours are geared to the special needs of older tourists, and may be much more suitable than general tours.
• Find the right people to travel with. It is better - and far safer - to travel with at least one other person. Friends, neighbours and family members make fantastic travel buddies! Also, travelling in large groups often gets you discounted rates in hotels as well as airlines.
• Carry very light hand luggage.
• If you're traveling with any type of prescribed narcotic used to relieve pain, such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet, or Codeine, bring your prescription documentation, as well as a doctor's note. It may prove helpful when getting through airport security.

• You may want to invest in traveler's insurance. Quote Wrightoffers a comparison of different travel insurance rates so that you can make an informed decision. You may want to check with your insurance company to find out if they cover your medical expenses abroad. Not all do, so it is safer to know beforehand.
• Research your destination extensively before going there, paying special attention to the closest and best medical facilities there. The U.S. Department of State offers information on hospitals abroad that offer a standard of care that is up to U.S. standards. It also provides information on air ambulance companies and international traveler's assistance.

Travel Safety Tips

Senior travellers must be especially careful and prepared so that they may have a safe vacation. Here are some simple tips --

• Carry enough prescription medications (if you take any) to last at least a week beyond your expected date of return. It is always best to be over-prepared rather than to find yourself in a far-away place without the medication that you need to stay safe and healthy.
• It is a good idea to get a complete general check up before travelling.
• Do ask you doctor exactly what to do in case of a medical emergency.
• Carry a list which clearly states contact details of your family, doctor, health conditions and the medications that you are taking. Keep it in your wallet or handbag, and tell your travel companions where to find it in case of a medical emergency.

Useful Links

• The International Council on Active Aging has resources that are geared toward promoting an active lifestyle in seniors.
• Seniors Travel Guide has links to a variety of travel opportunities for active seniors.
• Active seniors aged 50 and older, may enjoy the walking tours that Walking the World offers.
• Global Dialysis offers information on dialysis centers in 127 countries around the world.

References

• Senior's Travel Guide
• Walking the World
• Transitions Abroad
• Suddenly Senior

See Also

• Accessible Tourism
• Ageing