Travel: A Joy or a Hassle?
Traveling can be fun at any age, offering the thrill of seeing new places or the comfort of seeing familiar faces. It can also be complicated, though, so it seems that people either love it or hate it. For those who love to travel, though, that enjoyment does not have to diminish with age. While travel may get more complicated as we get older, you can manage it with these travel tips for seniors.
Get the All Clear
For older people, health can be unpredictable. Before any major trip, seniors should get a check-up, to make sure there are no issues that could impede their travel. Discuss your health with your doctor, ask about any concerns, and get any vaccines you might need if you are traveling to a foreign country.
Keep Medications Close at Hand
Older people often take a number of different medications daily. When you’re traveling, make sure you have enough of your medications to last throughout your trip. If you’re flying, keep your medications in your carry on so that they’ll be easily accessible, and if you’re taking a liquid medication, get documentation from your physician stating that it’s necessary so that you can more easily navigate TSA.
Stretch Your Legs
Whether you’re taking a long car trip, flying to your destination, or taking a train, you’re likely to be seated for a long time. Unfortunately, lack of movement brings a risk deep vein thrombosis, particularly for senior travelers. Make sure to stretch your legs at the airport before a flight and try to get an aisle seat on a plane or train, so that it’s easier to stand up, stretch, and walk back to the restroom. If you’re in a car, stop every few hours to walk around and stretch.
Bring Snacks and Water
If you’re flying, don’t forget to bring a few snacks along, like fruit and nuts or energy bars in your carryon, to keep up your energy. You may not have time to stop for a bite in the airport, and airport stores and restaurants are expensive. It’s also important to stay hydrated. When traveling by air, take an empty water bottle through security and then fill it once you’re headed to your gate.
Share Your Details
Let a loved one know as much as possible about your itinerary. If you’re flying, share the departure and arrival times and gates, terminal maps, immigration information, and whatever else you can think of to share. If you’re traveling by car, pay attention to the weather and share your route, checking in periodically so that someone knows where you are.
Make Copies of Everything
Keeping a copy of all your travel documents can help smooth your way to getting assistance if your wallet or passport is stolen. Scan your documents before you leave, creating digital copies to send to your loved ones in case you need help along the way.
Follow Some Helpful Packing Tips
Pack as light as possible, aiming to travel with just a rolling carry-on and an over the shoulder carry on. The in-cabin flight staff will put it in the overhead compartment for you, and your shoulder bag will count as a personal item that can be stowed under your seat. Keep all medications in a one quart zip-lock bag, along with their prescriptions and any physician statements. Medications should be in their prescription bottles, not in a pill container. If you’re carrying gifts with you, don’t wrap them. Rather, put the in your rolling luggage.
Request Accommodations
If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. Airports will provide wheelchair service, assistance getting to your flight, and other accommodations, but you need to ask ahead of time. When you make your reservations, request any accommodations you will need, and advise the airline of any dietary restrictions. Additionally, ask about senior discounts whenever you travel, because they might not be advertised.
Be Early
Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, so you won’t be rushed getting to your gate. Check the airport website for recommendations about how early to arrive, and remember to leave time to get through security.
Be Prepared for TSA
No matter your age, TSA can be a challenge. Be prepared for things like surgical hip and knee replacements to set off alarms, and carry documentation so that you won’t be delayed. Research TSA rules ahead of time, and you should not have any problems.
Consider Senior-Centered Travel
There are so many tour and cruise possibilities that are geared towards seniors that it would be a mistake not to look into them. Some of them cater to those with special needs and disabilities, while others are just a great opportunity to travel with your peers. Tours and cruises offer a unique opportunity to have your vacation totally planned for you, staffed with people who will make traveling easier.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Consider a money belt or a wallet that is worn around the neck, to prevent someone from stealing your purse or wallet. Secure your carryon at all times, keeping it between your feet or wrapping the handle around the leg of your chair. If you need to access Wi-Fi, don’t log in to any free Wi-Fi without verifying the source, and avoid accessing your bank account or any other sensitive information while you’re on public Wi-Fi.
Have fun!
There are so many great options for vacations that will check destinations off of your bucket list! Take the time to plan carefully, and you can explore the world at any age.
Contact BrightStar if You Need Help
Sometimes, seniors need a little bit of extra help, whether they’re traveling or just living their everyday lives. At
BrightStar Care® of Chico, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services, customized to meet our clients’ unique needs. We strive to provide high-quality, compassionate care and unparalleled support for the local healthcare system, working to strengthen the community and make our clients’ best lives possible. From our caregivers to our office team and staff, we’re all committed to providing our customers with the care and support they need and deserve. We’ve earned a reputation for excellence, and we’ve been recognized with some of the most
prestigious awards in the industry, both as part of a national home care brand and as a local company. We are proud to offer Home Care and Support for the elderly, including 24 hour in-home care, as well as support for residents of independent and assisted living communities, at all levels of senior care. Additionally, we provide Medical Staffing and Physical Therapy for pediatric adult, and geriatric patients, Home Child Care, Sitter, and Nanny Services for children and Support for New Mothers. We also support Veterans and those with special needs, providing transportation for disabled drivers and helping to monitor seniors for out of town family members. To learn more about the extensive services we offer and how we can be there for you and your loved ones, call us at (530) 767-3805 or
contact us through our website.
