One of the most common misconceptions about the senior years is that they are a time for slowing down, when to the contrary, many people find that their golden years are the most productive and enjoyable years of their lives. Travel can play an important part in your life after retirement and you don't have to let your age prevent you from embarking on new adventures. There are many great destinations for seniors across the globe, all full of activities and experiences to be had. Whether you're looking internationally, in the U.S., or even sightseeing via cruising.
At this point in your life, you finally have the flexibility and freedom to broaden your horizons and travel at your leisure. However, you may have to keep a few other considerations in mind that you didn't have to worry about earlier in your life. Below, we go over the 21 top travel tips for seniors that will help you stay safe and healthy, while allowing you to confidently explore the world and broaden your horizons.
1. Make a Bucket List of the Places You Want to Go — And Prioritize It
Now is your chance to see all of those places you have been dreaming about. As you begin to plan out the trips you want to take during your golden years, you should make a bucket list of destinations you simply need to see. Then, you can prioritize it accordingly and start deciding when you will visit those places. Some of the most popular destinations for seniors include the U.S. National Parks, France, Germany, Italy, Hawaii, Costa Rica and Alaska.
2. Travel During Off-Peak Times
Now that you are retired, you are no longer confined to traveling during school holiday breaks or when you are able to take your PTO. You can officially begin traveling during the time known in the tourism business as the shoulder season — the time when the tourist crowds are not too high, but there are plenty of restaurants, shops and activities available for you to enjoy. The shoulder season may vary from one destination to the next, but is typically defined by lower prices, fewer crowds and moderate weather conditions.
3. Monitor Current Travel Health Notices
In your older years, you may find that you have to take your health a little more seriously. It's important to monitor current travel health notices in order to be aware of what communicable diseases may be circulating in a destination. As you become aware of the notices that are currently posted in destinations around the world, you should evaluate your own health and your risk factors before deciding if now is a good time to visit that destination.
4. Keep All of Your Travel Documents in a Secure Place
When you are traveling, it's important to keep all of your confidential information and personal travel documents in a safe place. In general, it's best to keep your travel documents stored in the safe in your hotel room or in your cruise ship stateroom. If you need to keep your documents with you, be sure that they are tucked away in an interior pocket where they cannot be reached. You may want to consider wearing an interior money belt when carrying your passport, identification or credit card.
5. Share Your Travel Itinerary With a Trusted Family Member or Friend Back Home
Before you leave for your next trip, be sure to leave a detailed copy of your itinerary with a family member or friend back home so that they can reference it in the event of an emergency. Your itinerary packet should include:
- The dates that you will be away.
- The accommodations that you have booked as well as contact information for those places.
- The best way to reach you while you are away.
- Any other tours or excursions that you have booked.
- Contact information for the tour company or your guide, if you are going on a group trip.
6. Consider Purchasing Trip Insurance
Travel insurance is a type of insurance coverage that can be purchased as-needed when you are traveling. In general, you will have to purchase trip insurance before your trip and your policy may provide you with coverage if something happens that prevents you from going on your trip or if an emergency occurs during your trip.
7. Consider Traveling With a Group
Depending on your age and personal circumstances, you may find that traveling with a group is more comfortable. Group tours that are designed with seniors in mind often include light itineraries that are perfect for older travelers as well as accessible accommodations. When traveling with a group, not only will you enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that all of your travel arrangements are being taken care of, you will also have the opportunity to meet other like-minded travelers at the same stage of life as you.
8. Pack a Full Supply of Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications
When you are traveling, it is important to bring all of your prescription medications as well as a decent supply of over-the-counter medications that you use regularly. Even if you are only going to be gone for a short period of time, you should bring your full supply of prescription medications, because you may find it difficult to get a refill while staying in a different destination. Talk with your doctor in advance if you think you may need extra medication due to the length of your stay.
9. Book an Accessible Hotel That Will Accommodate Your Needs
Choosing the right hotel is crucial when you are traveling as a senior. It is best to choose a hotel that offers the accommodations you need, such as an elevator or a first-floor room. While boutique hotels and charming inns may look appealing, you will want to ask about their facilities before you book. In some cases, older hotels or those located in historic buildings do not have elevators and you may have to use the stairs in order to get to your room.
10. Schedule a Physical Appointment With Your Healthcare Provider Before You Travel
Your health and well-being are a top priority while traveling and as a senior, you should schedule a check-up with your physician before you leave for your next trip. Your doctor will be able to review your vital signs, order diagnostics and discuss the logistics of the trip with you, helping you to decide which types of activities and excursions you are capable of enjoying during your vacation.
11. Update Your Vaccines Before You Leave for Your Trip
Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, you will want to make sure that all of your vaccines are up-to-date before you leave. Communicable disease spread may be different in the destination that you are visiting and updated vaccines may be able to give you the immune support that you need to stay healthy. If you are traveling internationally, your doctor may recommend additional vaccines to give you greater protection while you are away.
12. Take Plenty of Photos — But Avoid Posting Them Until You Return Home
Keep your phone handy and charged at all times, because you are going to want to capture every moment of your trip. While it's tempting to immediately post those photos to Facebook so that you can share updates about your adventures with your family members and friends, it's best to save the social media posts until you return home. By broadcasting your vacation on social media, you may inadvertently advertise the fact that you are away from your home — and increase the risk of home invasion or burglary while you are gone.
13. Keep Your Valuables In the Hotel Room While You are Touring
If you are traveling with valuables, such as jewelry, extra cash or travel documents, you will want to make sure that everything is safely stored away before you begin your daily tours and excursions. In general, all valuables — including prescription medications — should be stored in the safe in your hotel room.
14. Pack Comfortable Shoes — And Know Your Physical Limits
You may not be too old to travel, but you need to keep in mind that you are no longer backpacking through Europe in your 20s. Comfortable shoes are essential to keeping yourself safe and happy while you are traveling. Not only will the right pair of shoes help you avoid sore feet and legs, but they could also protect your back. Know your own physical limits and try to avoid over-exerting yourself. The last thing you want is to accidentally injure yourself or to become so exhausted that you cannot enjoy the rest of your trip.
15. Take Advantage of Senior Discounts
No matter what your budget is, you should find ways to save money whenever possible. Fortunately, many places will offer senior discounts that allow you to maximize your fun on vacation without breaking the bank. From hotels and tour companies to restaurants and shops, you may find senior discounts at a wide range of places throughout your vacation.
16. Avoid Overpacking and Be Mindful of Carrying Your Luggage
It is always tempting to bring that extra outfit or yet another pair of shoes, but overpacking can lead to serious complications during your trip. Not only can it put you at the risk of having to pay those overage fees at the airport, but a heavy suitcase can also become cumbersome to lug around from one place to the next. If you are carrying your luggage up the stairs at the hotel or trying to load it onto the bus, be careful to avoid injury and ask for help if needed. Using some packing tips to prepare more efficiently for your trip can make a world of difference.
17. Bring a Water Bottle Wherever You Go
Even if you are not in a warm weather destination, you will want to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated while you are traveling. Dehydration can quickly become a medical emergency, especially if you are an older traveler. It's best to pack a refillable water bottle and keep it in your day bag so that you always have access to it.
18. Keep Your Emergency Contacts on Hand
Whether you have them programmed into your phone or you prefer to keep a hard copy in your wallet or purse, it's important to make sure that your emergency contacts are listed where people can find them. In the event of a medical emergency or another unforeseen circumstance, it is important that other people in your travel party know who to contact.
19. Try Not to Pack Too Much Into One Day
Traveling as a senior should be fun, enjoyable and relaxing — not stressful. Try to avoid cramming each day with too many tours and activities, as it could leave you feeling burnt out before your trip is over. Generally speaking, many seniors find that one primary activity and maybe an additional excursion is plenty for one day.
20. Use Public Transportation Whenever Possible
Public transportation is a safe, convenient and affordable way to get around a destination. In addition, you might want to consider booking hop-on, hop-off tours that allow you to see the sights without forcing you to drive a rental car in an unknown area that may have congested streets and limited parking.
21. Take Full Advantage of Your AAA Membership
Your AAA Membership can open the doors for you when you are traveling as a senior. Not only can you access travel-planning services and enjoy premier rates on travel insurance, but you can also receive the personalized support you need while you are away. Always mention that you are a AAA member, as many hotels, restaurants and tour groups offer AAA discounts.
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