When people reach retirement age, going on a trip is at the top of their must-do list. Among Americans aged 50 and up, 62% intended to take a leisure vacation in the past year, according to the AARP’s 2023 Travel Trends survey. You should reward yourself with those vacations you’ve been meaning to take but have put off due to work if you’re part of this group.
The exciting question is, “Where should I go?” and “What am I to do upon arrival?”
The number of amazing places to see and fascinating adventures is unlimited. Priorities while organizing a vacation should center on your financial situation, level of physical fitness, and desired activities. And, when you’re planning a trip with senior family members, it’s pivotal to plan beforehand.
Here are tips for seniors on how to have a smooth journey.
1. Make a Route Plan
To ensure a more trouble-free journey, creating a travel schedule is the first and foremost task at your disposal. Reducing your time on your feet and avoiding stressful situations are both important.
Here are some things to keep in mind when making your travel plans:
- Pick a place to stay that’s convenient for all your activities. This will reduce the time you spend traveling.
- Set aside certain times and days to carry out your ideas. Keep a level head. By planning ahead of time, you can save time on your commutes.
- Prepare for the journey from the airport to your lodging and back again. You should arrange for transportation to take you to the airport promptly upon landing so you may board your aircraft without any delays.
- Pack well, whether adult briefs or specific essentials.
2. Reserve Flights with No Stops
Layovers on long flights can drain your energy. To avoid missing your connection and endure long airport waits, it’s best to book direct flights. This way, you won’t have to worry as much about making travel plans, and your trip will go more smoothly.
Nevertheless, direct flights might not always be an option for lengthier routes. In this situation, keeping more time between your connecting flights is a good idea. If you give yourself at least 24 hours between each journey, you will have plenty of time to book a hotel and get a good night’s sleep. The trip may take longer and cost more, but you can enjoy more luxury and less stress if you do this.
3. Notify the airline ahead of time if you need assistance.
Please inform your airline of any assistance you need when you make your flight reservation. Depending on your needs, assistance may include faster screening, transportation to your gate (by wheelchair or cart), and assistance with moving around and bags once you get there. When you book your flight, you may be able to ask for help; however, this varies per airline.
Calling ahead may be necessary with other carriers. The best action is to inform the airline of your trip plans and any special needs at least a few days before takeoff. Your vacation will go more smoothly if you let your needs be known and prepare beforehand.
4. Take a Traveling Partner
If you need assistance throughout your journey, you are advised to bring a friend, family member, or caregiver with you. Having a travel companion might be helpful if you have health issues or find physical exertion challenging. As part of this service, we will help you organize your trip by creating an itinerary, reserving transportation and lodging, and handling your checked bags, boarding, and medicine needs.
5. Journey from Mid-Morning to Mid-Afternoon
Instead of going out first thing in the morning or last thing at night, travel during the day. This can help you obtain a good night’s sleep before your trip and a good night’s sleep when you get there.
Some people have trouble breathing when they travel overnight. Talk to their doctor before you go on a trip if you’ve ever had trouble breathing. Let your senior family member’s doctor know about your travel plans.
6. Retain Any Prescription Drugs in Your Carry-On
Be sure to include any necessary medications in your carry-on luggage. If your bag gets lost or damaged in transit, do not include them in your checked baggage. According to the TSA’s website, there are a few caveats to remember when traveling with drugs. If you take any prescriptions and lose them, it’s smart to have a list of them and the dosages on hand in case you need to see a doctor.
7. Consider Purchasing Travel Insurance
Many seniors should consider travel insurance. If you have travel insurance, you may relax and enjoy your trip. Traveling uninsured is possible for many younger generations. Nevertheless, these insurance policies are set up so that you might receive a reimbursement for your vacation if you are injured, fall ill, or have an emergency.
One choice is to research how much vacation insurance will cost. If your senior family member is a frequent flier, you might want to look into travel-oriented credit cards. Some of these cards offer automatic trip cancellation insurance when you charge your aircraft ticket to the card. Always keep your finances in order and make sure you know how credit works.
8. Get Ready for TSA Regulations
Every traveler should be ready to deal with TSA screenings when they arrive at the airport. Relatives in their golden years should know that some medical issues could trigger suspicions at airport security checks.
Have information about TSA protocols ready to go about medical problems that can trigger alarms, including infusion ports, surgical hip or knee implants, or that can be visible in scans like prostheses. Obtain a doctor’s statement or a description card of the equipment and ensure the elderly have it on hand to prevent unnecessary delays.
In the end!
There are several solutions that may be more accessible for an older loved one with health issues if you would like to arrange a memorable family holiday. There is usually a doctor on board, a wide range of activities to suit everyone’s interests and needs, and accommodations for those with mobility issues are common on cruises. Short-term vacations to nearby destinations can still be meaningful even without the stress of a long flight.
