For many, getting older means that you finally have the time and resources to go out and explore the world. Nothing is holding you back — especially not your age. To make the most of this newfound freedom, read our important travel tips for seniors before making your plans (trust us — you won’t regret it).
1. Don’t Overcomplicate Things
A hotel on the outskirts of the city may sound fine when you’re planning from the comfort of your home, but when you’re trying to reach it after a long day on your feet, you’ll regret your lodging decision. Keeping things simple and easy helps avoid unnecessary stress during your trip and reserves your energy for the more fun things. Choose a hotel that is central, is easy to access at all times of the day, and provides all of the services that you need.
2. Stay Safe and Secure
Staying safe while traveling is crucial, but questions of security begin before you even leave your home. Even amazing trips can be spoiled when you return home to find that you’ve been robbed, so don’t draw attention to the fact that you’re leaving — in person or on social media, where robbers may be on the lookout for this kind of information. If possible, ask someone to stay at your house or visit while you’re gone. Having them turn on lights, get the mail, and water plants will scare off potential thieves and keep your property safe.
3. Know Your Limits
It’s easy to get excited about all of the things you want to see and do while travelling, but if you push yourself too far, you might not be able to follow through with the entire trip. Schedule breaks to sit in a cafe and relax, take a nap, or even call it a day early. Taking care of yourself and getting sufficient rest will ensure that you’re healthy enough to do — and actually enjoy — everything on your list.
4. Take Advantage of Senior Services
Some of the places and activities you’ll be pursuing on your trip may have special senior services, so don’t be afraid to ask. For example, your hotel may offer a discount; and many museums provide resources for those with auditory challenges. You may even be able to find a tour designed for seniors, enabling you to explore at your own pace without worrying about holding everyone up. Doing your research ahead of time will help ensure that you don’t miss out on all this support.
5. Keep in Contact
Disappearing off the face of the earth for a while may sound romantic, but your loved ones back home won’t appreciate this level of mystique. Tell them where you’ll be staying ahead of time so that they can reach you if anything comes up, and check in regularly to let them know you’re safe. A five-minute phone call can restore everyone’s peace of mind and prevent small problems from turning into disasters.
6. Pack the Essentials
We’re not talking about avoiding overpacking (although that is important, too), but about bringing all of the medications and equipment that will keep you healthy and safe during your travels. Bring extras of each of your prescriptions, ask your doctor about how to store them appropriately, and find out where you can get more in case of an emergency. If you think your wheelchair or other assistive device may wear out, pack replacement parts. A minor oversight could derail your entire trip — and seriously impact your health, too.
Featured image via Unsplash
