10 Travel Tips for Seniors
Travel is one of the great joys of life and many Canadians are lucky enough to enjoy vacations on a regular basis. Many seniors choose to spend their golden years visiting exotic locations and exploring new cultures and locals. This is amazing and highly encourage, but there are some things to keep in mind while travelling, especially when it comes to physical limits, safety, and medication.
Check out these 10 tips for Senior Travel:
- Get travel insurance
Make sure you are covered in the event of an emergency, especially if you are travelling to the United States, where medical care can be quite expensive. This is also helpful travelling overseas and generally has a low cost compared to the benefit. - Watch what you eat
Food standards in other countries are not always as high as here in Canada. Beware of ice cubes that are made with unfiltered water. Also be aware of various ingredients, that while safe may upset your stomach if you are not accustomed to them. - Pack your medication
Always pack your medication in your carry on. That way you don’t risk your luggage going to one destination and leaving you high and dry. It’s also recommended to bring more medication than you will need (2 or 3 days worth) just in case of emergency. - Keep valuables safe
Seniors are unfortunately the target of many vacation muggings and thefts. You are more likely to be carrying cash over a younger traveller, and more likely to have valuable jewellery. Keep this in mind when packing jewellery and other valuables, and think of alternatives you could bring for payment, such as pre-paid Visa or Mastercard. - Pack appropriate attire
You may live in a colder climate, but if you going somewhere warm don’t forget your sandals and swim wear. The last thing you want is to be left with no options for the climate you are visiting. - Prepare documentation
Make sure that your passport and any travel visas you require are taken care of and up to date well ahead of your trip. Also for some medications it is advised to have a copy of your prescription in your carry on for security checkpoints. Planning ahead can save you a headache down the road. - Request special services
Don’t be shy. At the airport, on the plane, on your cruise, at your resort, all you have to do is ask. If you have trouble with stairs or mobility most companies will make the effort to help you any way they can and take the stress out of your vacation. - Consider Tours or Cruises
These days it is very easy to find tours and cruises that will cater to your specific travel style. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, cuisine, or relaxation it isn’t hard to find a tour that will meet your needs. Travel Agents are still an excellent source to find out about tours and cruises and will give you advice for no cost. - Get vaccinated before hand
This tip is really dependent on your destination but you should ask your doctor about vaccinations like Twinrix before travelling to tropical destinations especially. Many vaccinations require time to take effect and you should check with your doctor about 1 month prior to travel. - Check with the airline for senior discounts
There are some benefits that come with age, and one of them is senior discounts. Many airlines will offer some level of senior discount (depending on the flight). All you need to do is take a little extra time to call them directly and ask, and while it isn’t a guarantee remember nothing ventured, nothing gained.
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