Essential travel tips for seniors: safe and smart journeys

Seeing the world, discovering new cultures and creating cherished memories keeps you young, vibrant and informed. Traveling is one of the most fulfilling ways to enjoy retirement and later years when the children have flown the nest. The flip side to this is that, as we age, it’s important to put a little more planning into a trip to make sure your vacation is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From planning your itinerary to navigating your destination, our senior travel tips will provide you with essential guidance to help you explore with confidence. Let’s get packing.

Top senior travel tips: planning for your vacation

Plan a realistic itinerary with your needs and accessibility in mind

When planning a trip, consider your physical comfort, energy levels, and accessibility requirements. A good starting point is to ask yourself what you’re capable of doing at home and how this will translate when you’re away. Consider the following:

• How much walking or standing is involved?
• Are there accessible transport options, such as shuttle buses, elevators or ramps?
• Are rest stops and breaks included in the day’s schedule?
• The temperature at the destination you’re visiting: most people tire more quickly in a hot climate, while cold places might mean you run into problems as you struggle to stay warm.

If you’re joining a group excursion, check to ensure the pace and activities match your abilities. Tailoring your itinerary to your preferences and limitations will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest without feeling overwhelmed. Many sights on your itinerary will be popular and visiting earlier or later in the day means fewer people and lower temperatures.

Best vacation accommodation for seniors

Make sure your accommodation is suitable to your needs and enables you to maximize your relaxation time. If you have any physical impairments, check for features like wheelchair accessibility and grab bars in bathrooms, and ensure to request a ground-floor room to avoid stairs. Staying somewhere with a living area and small kitchen means you can take things at your own pace instead of rushing down to breakfast. It’s especially useful if you’re on a longer trip or staying a while in one place.

Read more: Eco-friendly stays: what is sustainable accommodation?

Packing light and taking essential items

Packing light will help you with maneuvering your luggage, and doesn’t mean sacrificing style, comfort or preparedness. Make a checklist of essentials based on activities, location and weather and choose versatile, wrinkle-free clothes that can be mixed and matched. Prioritize comfortable supportive footwear, especially if your trip involves walking tours or uneven terrain. If you have a reasonable luggage allowance, you might allow for that one pair of heels, elegant dress or smart shirt.

If you haven’t yet discovered packing cubes and compression bags, now’s the time to check them out. They’ll help organize your belongings and save space, leaving room for souvenirs or other items you might buy during your trip.

If you’re flying, most airlines allow a generous carry-on bag, and one option is to include a set of clothes and essentials in case your checked bag goes missing. Whatever you decide, your carry-on bag should include:

• any prescription medication in original packaging in case of questions, including extra doses in case of delays
• a detailed list of medications, including dosages and generic names, in case you need to refill a prescription while away
• travel-sized toiletries that meet TSA regulations
• a small first-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medical necessities
• copies of important documents, such as your passport, travel insurance policy, and emergency contact information

Putting your health and safety first

Seek advice from your healthcare provider before traveling; schedule a pre-trip visit with your physician to review your travel plans and discuss:

• vaccinations you may need for your destination
• how to manage medications across different time zones
• health precautions specific to your destination, such as food and water safety
• steps to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long flights, such as wearing compression socks and stretching frequently

If you have a chronic condition, ask your doctor for a written summary of your medical history and bring this along in case of emergencies.

Understand destination-specific health advisories

The world is a weird and wonderful place, which is what makes travel so exciting! But certain countries may pose health risks we don’t have to worry about at home, such as waterborne illnesses, air pollution or high altitudes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed travel health notices for various countries. Check whether your destination requires vaccinations (such as yellow fever) or precautions like malaria prophylaxis.

For areas where tap water is unsafe, consider a reusable bottle with a built-in filter or use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. If altitude is a concern, plan time to acclimatize and avoid overexertion during your first few days.

Read more: Top tips for booking an African safari

Prepare for the unexpected: the importance of senior travel insurance

Most trips go off without a hitch and you have a fantastic time, which is why travel insurance might seem like an unnecessary additional expense on top of the cost of the trip. But believe us when we say that if something delays or prevents you from traveling or causes an issue while you’re away, it becomes the best money you ever spent. And if the worst happens and there’s a crisis, you want the peace of mind knowing you’ll be taken care of.

Before purchasing your senior travel health insurance policy, read the fine print to understand what’s covered and what’s excluded. Look for comprehensive coverage that includes:

• medical emergencies, including hospital stays and medical evacuation
• trip cancellations or delays
• lost or stolen baggage
• coverage for pre-existing conditions

Read up on the TSA rules

Security checkpoints can be stressful, and knowing the TSA rules in advance will make the process much smoother. For seniors aged 75 and older, the TSA offers expedited screening, which allows you to keep on your shoes and light jackets.

If you’re traveling with medical devices like CPAP machines or insulin pumps, notify the TSA officer during the screening process. It’s helpful to carry a doctor’s note explaining the necessity of these devices. Medications are exempt from the standard liquid rules but must be declared at security. Keep them in a clear plastic bag for easy inspection.

Research your destination: culture and etiquette

Part of the allure of travel is seeing places that are different from where you live. This means some places have customs, attitudes and beliefs very different to your own that you might find strange. It’s all part of the travel experience – you didn’t book that trip to end up somewhere just like home.

Take the time to research the cultural norms and etiquette of your destination. This will help you avoid unintentionally offending locals or violating customs. For example, some cultures have dress codes for religious sites, like covering your head or removing your shoes. Others have tipping etiquette or strong feelings about photography.

During your trip: staying safe while having fun

Top tips for avoiding theft and vulnerability

Stay safe while you travel by minimizing known risks. In crowded tourist spots pickpocketing is prevalent, so prioritize looking after your wallet, purse and valuables including your phone.

Staying alert and taking precautions can significantly reduce your risk of theft. Be sure to keep the following advice in mind to ensure a safe senior travel experience:

• Use a money belt or hidden bag or pouch to store cash, credit cards and passports.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and use credit cards whenever possible.
• Keep your phone and valuables out of reach in crowded areas, and never leave bags unattended.
• When dining out, don’t hang your bag on the back of your chair – keep it in your lap, on the floor between your feet or loop it round your chair.
• Scammers often target tourists, so be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or asking for donations.
• Don’t publicize your trip on social media and promote the fact you’ll be away.

Traveling alone

Traveling alone can be immensely fulfilling, and there’s no reason why people over 70 shouldn’t take a solo trip. Take the usual precautions you would at home and follow the travel advice that applies to people in couples and in groups around looking after yourself and your belongings. Make sure someone at home knows your itinerary and keep in touch with someone at home each day.

Traveling overseas can seem daunting, but maintain a balanced perspective. Things can go wrong at home and you’re not automatically in any more danger while on vacation.

Monitor travel advisories during your trip

Situations can change quickly while traveling, from severe weather to political unrest. Stay informed about travel advisories by signing up for travel alerts from the U.S. State Department’s free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It notifies you of safety updates and provides a way for the embassy to contact you in case of an emergency. Local news apps and social media platforms can also be useful for tracking developments during your trip.

Make it happen

Traveling as a senior can be one of the most enriching ways to spend your days, and the team at TravelLocal can help ensure you have the time of your life! Contact one of our local experts in your preferred destination, and we’ll soon be wishing you a “bon voyage”.