Travel Tips for Senior Travelers
Autumn time is alongside spring, one of the best time to go on vacation or just see the world and enjoy for senior travelers.
I’ve met in my European trips a lot of elder couples and tourists who amazed me with how enthusiast, friendly and fun they are.
For those people unlike them, who stay at home and don’t dare to travel for different reasons, we’ve put together a list of tips that can prove to you all that travel is, regardless of age, really enriching, joyous and.. easy!
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
Plan ahead
The old “time is money” cliché certainly applies to travel planning. Planning ahead is not only great fun but allows you to take advantage of the best deals that could really lower your travel costs.
Get to the airport early
Being rushed for the flight can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, so plan your trip thoroughly to make your flight on time.
Luggage Assistance
Many airports have porters that you can pay to lift your luggage and haul it where you need.
Bring your meds
Prepare a list of current medications and important medical provider contact information. Plan to bring this information and the medications with you onto the plane.
Pack light
For a person traveling with at least some limitation, aim to pack everything necessary in a roll-aboard suitcase plus a medium-size over-the-shoulder carry-on.
Drink lots of water
Many older travelers suffer from dehydration which can cause fatigue and interfere with blood sugar levels. Make sure you are well-hydrated throughout the trip, and avoid caffeinated beverages or alcohol because these can deplete the body of water and essential minerals.
Wear loose clothes
Wear comfortable and loose clothing so that there is a lower risk of heat stroke, hypertension and high blood pressure.
Use Mobile Apps
Before you travel, download city apps on your mobile device. These city apps give maps, directions, museums, historical sites, dining options, and other interesting places to visit, saving you a lot of time and energy.
Consider special tours and cruises
Tours and cruises are planned, operated and staffed to deliver the promised program and destination discovery. Several tours operators, including Accessible Journeys and Flying Wheels, specialize in accessible lifestyle vacations, which cater to those with special needs and disabilities. Smaller ships and crowds often make river cruises a pleasant alternative to the large cruise ship vacations. From the Columbia to the Mississippi and the Hudson, river cruises offer seniors a relaxed pace.
Early to bed and early to rise
When you arrive at your travel destination, follow Benjamin Franklin’s “early to bed and early to rise” philosophy, set your travel alarm to local time, enjoy a light supper with no caffeine, go to bed early in the evening…and awake refreshed and ready to enjoy a full day of new travels and adventure.