We all know that travelling can be an exciting and enriching experience at any age. But have you observed that your body and mind are not as resilient as they once were as you grow older? On top of that, safety concerns can also bother you a lot.
Thus, taking the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip is essential. For senior travelers, this may mean taking extra care when planning and preparing for travel, including seeking advice from medical professionals before departure.
From packing appropriate clothing and supplies to carrying necessary medications and staying up-to-date on weather conditions, there are several travel tips for seniors, especially if you are going to a foreign country.
What are some important safety tips for senior travellers?
Let us have a look at some travel tips and resources for older adults to stay safe while travelling.
Choose the accommodation wisely
Where you stay is very important for your safety and security. You should always opt for established hotels with a proven track record of safety and quality. These hotels are more likely to adhere to safety regulations, provide high-quality services, and maintain their properties in good condition.
Is the hotel senior citizen-friendly? Do they provide transportation facilities? Is the hotel located in a prime area where emergency medical facilities are available? These are a few of the things you should consider while selecting a place of stay.
Choose a credible transport service
You want the transport facility to be senior-friendly and reliable. It would be a good idea to select a tour company that specialises in transporting older adults. Such companies not only specialise in catering to the needs and interests of older adults but also prepare travel arrangements and offer door-to-door service. In fact, they provide all the comfort that you need on a tour.
Stay connected
It’s important to inform your loved ones about your travel plans and itinerary. This way, they’ll know where you are and when to expect you to check in. You can share your itinerary with them via email, text message, or any other preferred communication app.
But how can you do all this without your cell phone? Thus, make sure to keep the cell phone fully charged so that you can use it when you need it. You can even consider carrying a power bank, if you are comfortable using the same.
Also, make sure that you have the phone numbers of emergency contacts, including your travel insurance provider, saved in your phone and on a physical list that you carry with you.
Be aware of your surroundings.
You should always stay alert and mindful of your surroundings while travelling. This is especially important if you are travelling to unfamiliar places. This helps avoid potentially dangerous situations.
One way to stay safe is to avoid isolated areas, especially at night or in areas with few people around. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s best to stick to well-lit, busy areas and avoid taking shortcuts through alleys or other secluded areas.
Avoid carrying cash and valuables
Cash transactions are rare in this digital world. But what if you are not comfortable with digital transactions? There is no other option but to carry cash.
But make sure not to carry large amounts of cash or valuables while you’re out and about. This can make you a target for theft or other crimes.
Instead, consider carrying only the cash you need for the day and leave your valuables, such as jewellery, passport or expensive electronics, in a safe place, such as a hotel safe.
Also, avoid flashing expensive gadgets or wearing flashy jewellery, and keep your belongings close to your body. You can use a money belt or a cross-body bag to keep your valuables secure and close to you.
Consider travelling with a group.
If you’re travelling alone, consider joining a tour group or travelling with a friend or family member. This can provide added safety and companionship.
Group travel offers added safety and security, as you’ll be travelling with others who can watch out for each other and help in unexpected emergencies. Additionally, group travel can provide companionship and social interaction, which can be particularly valuable for those travelling solo or those who may feel isolated or lonely on their trip.
Moreover, group travel can offer access to activities or experiences that may be difficult to arrange independently. Many tour groups offer special excursions or exclusive access to attractions or events. You can even get senior discounts when you travel with a group. This can ensure that you have a memorable and enjoyable trip that is tailored to your interests and preferences.
What are the other travel tips for a senior citizen?
Check the reviews before booking accommodation
As mentioned earlier, it is very important to choose reputable accommodations such as established hotels, resorts, or bed and breakfasts when you are travelling.
How do you check the reputation of hotels and resorts? Online reviews come in handy. You should read the reviews and do your research before making any reservations. This way, you can ensure that the accommodation you have selected is safe and comfortable.
You should look for reviews from other mature travellers or seniors to understand how suitable the accommodations are for your needs.
Buy travel insurance.
The last thing you want is to incur emergency medical costs in a foreign country. Thus, you should consider investing in travel insurance that includes medical coverage, trip cancellation, and emergency evacuation. This can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected emergencies.
Travel insurance is good for travellers over 50 as it offers financial security against unexpected events like a medical emergency, trip cancellation, or medical evacuation. It is especially important for those with pre-existing medical conditions.
You should choose travel insurance based on the duration of your trip, your itinerary, and your medical condition. With travel insurance, you can have a worry-free journey.
Check the weather of the destination.
Weather can play spoilsport, especially if you are travelling to a very cold or hot region. You should check the weather beforehand and pack smart.
Queensland is known for its hot and humid climate. So make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and light-coloured, breathable clothing to avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Eat healthy
Like young travellers, eating healthy is crucial for older travellers as well. Certain food items are hard on your stomach. Try to stay away from them even though they look tempting. The last thing you want is to be held up in a hospital with some medical condition.
Try to include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet. This will fill your tummy and prevent constipation and related health concerns.
Stay hydrated.
Are you someone who skips drinking water to avoid going to the loo? Then, you are not alone. Several people avoid drinking water while travelling. This is the last thing you should do, especially when you are on long flights.
You should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Whether you are taking a long flight or enjoying some outdoor activities like hiking or walking, you should sip water now and then. This keeps you fresh and hydrated throughout your journey. Munching on juicy fruits like watermelons is also a good option.
Move around
The biggest problem with long haul flights is the lack of space. You will be cramped up in one place for a long time. If you do not move around, there is an increased risk of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.
To avoid this, you should slowly move around inside the flight. Stretch your hands and legs at regular intervals to facilitate good blood circulation. Selecting an aisle seat while checking in makes it easy to move around.
Pack light
You do not want to drag the suitcase throughout the travel! Don’t you? It would be a good idea to pack light so you can easily manage the luggage.
You should carry only what you need, and make sure to pack any necessary medications and medical documents in your carry-on luggage.
If you have mobility issues, consider packing a lightweight mobility aid, such as a folding cane or walker.
Conclusion
Being an elderly person does not mean that you should restrict your travel. However, you should stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when you travel. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables, and keep your loved ones informed about your travel plans and itinerary.
Having a guide such as The Funtastic Tour Company can be particularly beneficial when exploring or travelling. We offer group travel options for solo travellers, thus giving them the opportunity to join a group and enjoy the benefits of travelling with others. We also help you select the right accommodation and transport, thus taking the worry out of your trip.
In addition to providing added safety and security, a tour guide can help you make the most of your trip by sharing insider knowledge, offering recommendations, and ensuring you don’t miss any must-see sights or experiences.
