20 travel tips for senior citizens

When the travel bug catches you a little later in life, I would say, is the best time for you, as there is no responsibility and you have all the time in the world to explore new destinations.

However, as much as there is to see in a new place, it is better to plan a little in advance of your travel.

Here is a list of 20 tips for senior travelers planning a holiday, from things to check before their trip to things to avoid during their stay.

How to plan your vacation

1. Check with your travel agent for special packages tailor made for senior citizens. It is also better to travel in group instead of venturing out alone.

2. It is best to check out the medical facilities available in the country that you are planning to visit.

3. It is best to ask the tour operator to provide wheelchair, guide dogs or any special requirement like portable oxygen concentrators if required on the flight or any time on the trip.

4. Get a travel insurance that will cover an existing medical condition.

Suggested checkups

5. Before embarking on your trip, consult your doctor for comprehensive medical investigations. Discuss with him about the change in diet and its impact on any existing medical condition.

6. Check for any vaccination which is required to travel to the area of your choice.

7. Get a complete dental check up before traveling.

What to pack

8. Pack according to the climate in the country. Even if traveling to a tropical country, there is no harm packing an extra jacket as climate can change.

9. It is best to take enough medicines to last your entire trip. You should also cater for any unforeseen emergency as loss of luggage or damage to medicines, so it is best to take an emergency supply also as some medicines may not available in some countries.

10. It is also best to carry your medical prescriptions explaining the purpose of carrying large amounts of medication and in case, required you can buy more medicines also. It is better to pack an extra pair of spectacles too.

11. Make sure your cabin bag contains everything that you might require during the whole duration of the flight. Keep essential medicines in your carry bag - painkillers, regular medication, band aids and antacids.

12. Carry a suitcase which has wheels so that you don’t strain your back.

Safety and security concerns

13. Stay in groups and avoid venturing out alone at night.

14. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carrying a lot of money in your wallet. Spread it out and keep some money in a belt, next to your skin, for emergency.

15. Carry your country’s embassy phone number and any other emergency numbers at all times.

16. It is better to stick to bottled mineral water to avoid stomach infections.

17. It is better to ask for ingredients in case, you are allergic to any food item.

18. Don’t chalk out a hectic itinerary but keep enough time to relax and rest.

19. Avoid undercooked food, street food, unpasteurized dairy products and peeled raw fruits. This will lessen chances of food poisoning and microbial infections.

20. Ask your travel operator or Embassy for a list of doctors in the area of your visit.

Check out venere.com for the best places to stay and have a great trip!

Photo of senior tourists in Rome, originally posted by napoflickr

Topic:  Tips and Ideas | 1 Comment
Tags:  packing, safety tips, senior travel

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About the author

Anita Choudhary is a freelance writer and travel blogger based in New Delhi, India. She loves to travel and has traveled extensively in India. Exploring new places, reading and writing are her hobbies.