Travel Tips for Seniors
Are you a senior looking to get out and explore the world? One study found that seniors who travel have a slightly reduced mortality rate than those who don’t. Traveling can open up many exciting possibilities, allowing you to discover new cultures, expand your horizons, and take in some stunning landscapes.
However, seniors need to keep safety in mind when planning their trips. In this quick guide, we’ll share our top traveling tips for safe senior adventures so that you can make the most of your experience without sacrificing safety.
5 Traveling Tips for Seniors
It’s easier than ever to book a flight online to anywhere. However, just because booking is easy doesn’t mean traveling is any easier. Seniors, especially, should be aware of safety tips that could alter their travel plans.
Whether you’re traveling to Mobile, Alabama, for the weekend or are jet-setting off to Bora Bora, follow these traveling safety tips to ensure you stay safe wherever you go.
1. Take Your Medications
First, ensure you plan with enough medications for your entire trip. Not having your required medication with you could create serious problems if something unexpected happens.
Furthermore, we always suggest having an up-to-date list of every medication you currently take. We recommend putting them in one document and having it in your files wherever you go. In an emergency, a medical professional should be able to access this list easily so they know how to treat you and what you need.
2. Get Travel Insurance
For seniors, travel insurance should always be a travel must-have. Senior travelers tend to have different risks than younger travelers, and travel insurance can cover these unique needs. Travel insurance can provide coverage for more than just medical risks, though, including the following:
- Lost or stolen luggage
- Trip cancellations due to weather or medical emergencies
- Access to doctors when abroad
If you purchase travel insurance online, familiarize yourself with common senior scams so you know what to avoid.
3. Choose the Right Destinations
A beach resort in the Caribbean may sound enticing initially, but not all destinations are suitable for those with reduced mobility. On the flip side, there are many locations where seniors can go that offer incredible experiences tailored to their needs and likes. Take, for instance, spa retreats and culinary tours!
Planning a trip accordingly will help ensure traveling for seniors is comfortable and stress-free. This allows you to get the most out of your travels.
4. Make Copies of Documents
While making a copy of your medications list, make copies of other vital documents. This includes the following:
- Passport
- ID
- Health travel documents
- Medical insurance or travel insurance
- Vaccination cards (if necessary)
- Emergency contact information
This is one of the best traveling tips for seniors traveling internationally. You never know what immigration agents will ask you for, so it’s best to be prepared.
5. Enjoy Senior Discounts
Finally, take advantage of senior discounts! Even abroad, hotels, restaurants, and tourism boards offer generous discounts for seniors. This is especially true when purchasing train tickets or booking tours.
Understand Elder Law
Traveling tips for seniors are a great way to plan for the unexpected. However, when you’re at home, preparing for whatever life throws at you is also a good idea. At Townes + Woods P.C., we can help you with that.
Our experienced law attorneys have been working with Birmingham and the surrounding metro area families for decades, providing advice and assistance on comprehensive plans for full-time care, Medicaid planning, and benefits, as well as estate planning. This helps you plan for your future with confidence.
