Essential 2021 Travel Tips for The Elderly

You don't have to stop traveling and experiencing the joy and wonder of new destinations just because you're getting older. Unlike younger people, you've probably got more free time on your hands to jump aboard a plane, train, or cruise ship, provided you're healthy enough to do so.

Every traveler should plan carefully to ensure their health and safety while they're away; however, seniors have a few extra concerns. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make your vacation as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible.

Stay COVID Informed

The elderly are among the most at-risk groups for COVID-19. Therefore, check with a variety of official resources for news on the latest guidelines, travel restrictions, and advisories. Protect yourself and others by following safety recommendations such as wearing a mask in public, washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.

Do Your Pre-Vacation Research

Find out about your destination's medical facilities, research important factors such as climate and culture, and if relevant, make arrangements for wheelchairs and guide dogs well in advance of your trip.

Find Out If You Need Vaccines

Before you travel, visit your doctor to ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines, such as seasonal flu, tetanus, and measles/mumps/rubella. And as physical conditions abroad are not going to be the same as at home, get vaccinated for the countries you will be visiting. These might include vaccines for polio and hepatitis. Check out the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention's destination tool for a comprehensive list of vaccines for each country.

Get to Airports Early

Rushing to make a flight on time can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. Arrive at the airport at least two to four hours before your flight is due to depart. Avoid booking transfers that are close together; otherwise, you may have to run from one end of a terminal to the other to catch a connecting plane if there are delays.

Carry Your Medications

Check that you are allowed to carry your prescriptions into your chosen country and how much you are permitted to carry. If you're traveling by plane, pack your medications in a carry-on bag, so you don't lose them. Make sure you have a copy of your current prescriptions in case your pills are lost or stolen. Keep them in a separate location from the originals.

Pack a Travel Health Kit

First Aid supplies may not always be available at your destination, so it makes sense to bring a basic travel health kit. Among the items to include are adhesive bandages, antiseptic wound cleaner, painkillers, tweezers, thermometer, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, gauze, scissors, and blister pads.

Stick to Your Food/Medicine Regimes

You may well be young at heart, but your body might say otherwise. Getting older often means taking more medications and adhering to a strict timetable of breakfast, lunch and dinner times. Stick with your schedule as much as you can while traveling, and make sure you bring more than enough of your prescription medications. Some drugs may not be available overseas.

Guard Against Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Seniors run a higher-than-average DVT risk, a blood clot in a vein, usually in the legs. Sitting still for long periods on a plane or train can contribute to DVT. Reduce your risk by wearing loose, comfortable clothes, drinking plenty of water, walking around when you can, stretching your legs and feet while sitting, and avoiding crossing your legs.

Travel Light

If possible, try to resist bringing your entire wardrobe and the kitchen sink with you. If you're traveling to and from airports, stations, and hotels, you'll appreciate the lighter load.

Leave Your Best Bling Behind

Keep the bling to a minimum. Unless you're going to a private secluded island, you may want to leave your expensive watches and fancy jewelry at home to avoid becoming a target for pickpockets and thieves. And don't carry large wads of cash.

Reduce the Risk of Food Poisoning

An upset stomach can ruin your vacation, so to reduce the risk of food poisoning, avoid ice and buffets, be cautious of dairy products and shellfish, drink bottled water, eat thoroughly cooked food that is piping hot and avoid salads as they may have been washed in contaminated water.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Illness, accidents, losing bags, missing or delayed flights and emergency evacuations are always possible when traveling. A comprehensive seniors travel insurance policy can cover you for every eventuality.