Tips On Senior Citizen Travel

It is never too late in life to travel. Nowhere is it written that the only travelling senior citizen should do, is around their house. Most elderly people are reluctant to travel because they think that travelling is only for the robust. This myth can be broken through proper planning and execution. If you are expecting to go for paragliding or bungee jumping, then it’s better not to take the trip. However, for a fun and relaxed sightseeing, senior citizens may perhaps have the best time. Various tourist hotspots and travel agencies have special facilities for senior citizens and it is good to avail those. Elderly people should familiarize themselves with the culture of the places they are visiting so that they do not embarrass themselves. In addition, senior citizens must always be on guard against touts and other shady characters. Never forget that you are vulnerable, so be on your toes. In the article below are tips to help senior citizens bitten by the travel bug. 

 

Instead of venturing alone it is always good to contact a travel agent. Various tour operators have special packages for senior citizens. You can also consult the tour operators for the best destinations and the requisite items to carry. Make sure that the tour operators have all the emergency medical facilities for any requirement during the trip. Find out all the medical facilities in the place you are visiting. Note down their contact numbers and if possible find out the cost effectiveness of the hospitals. Apply for travel insurance so that it covers the medical expenses and also other unexpected losses.

 

 

Planning the budget is of utmost importance. Even your selection of the destination should depend on the extent and flexibility of the budget. Always plan the budget keeping in mind sudden expenses and make it as flexible as possible. Don’t carry too much cash. Instead, take travelers cheque and credit cards. Always keep these in your wallet and bags.

Carry all the appropriate documents like identity cards, passports, visas, driving license, proof of residence, etc. Most travelers face hassles for not carrying the proper documents. Make photocopies of all the documents and keep a set at home. Take out the original documents when absolutely necessary. Ensure that all your documents are valid. Keep all the documents in a separate bag for easy access.

Before the trip, get a thorough medical checkup. Travel only if you are fit so that you avoid being on a trip to all the hospitals in that country. Travelling is more fun if you don’t have to bring a team of doctors along with you. Consult with your doctor if any climatic and diet changes will have any harmful effect on your existing medical condition. Get vaccination if it is required. Take enough medication so that you don’t have to search for it, in another country. Your doctor may also refer you to a doctor in that country, so always keep that contact information with you.

If you don’t want to engage a travel operator, then you can plan the entire trip yourself. Decide if you want to travel by train, bus, or flight. It’s better to fly if the destination is far and time is short. Also travelling with friends or in a group is excellent. It is fun, cost effective, and safe.

Pack only what you need. Don’t burden yourself with excess luggage to facilitate mobility. Find out what the climate is like in the country you are visiting, and then pack accordingly. Take into account the climatic change. Keep all the day-to-day essentials in a separate bag so that you don’t have to unpack the whole luggage every day. Pack all your medicines in cellophane sheets and put them in a handy bag. Better to pack everything in trolleys, as it is easier to pull than carry. Don’t take any expensive jewelry with you. Carry cell phones so that you are in touch with your immediate family members.