Preparation is essential when traveling as an older adult. Understanding what factors to consider can help make your next trip smooth and comfortable, regardless of your age.
Post-retirement is a wonderful time to travel. Many older adults take advantage of their clear schedules to explore new locations both near and far.
Leisure travel has been shown to promote overall well-being and healthy aging in older adults.
However, factors such as cost, family obligations, and disability can be disincentives to travel.
While age may present some challenges for travelers, you can still get out and explore. Whether traveling by car or plane, these tips on safety, comfort, and accessibility can help you have a successful trip.
A chief concern for many older travelers is how to stay healthy while away. But worries over your health don’t have to keep you at home.
Tip #1 for traveling as an older adult: Consult your doctor before you go.
Before a trip, schedule a visit to consult your doctor and
For international travel, try to schedule this trip for 1 to 2 months before your planned departure date. This would allow time to get any necessary vaccines or boosters.
If you take medications, you can ensure you’ll have enough to last the duration of your trip (just make sure to pack them in your carry-on bag).
Will you be taking a long flight? Some older travelers may have an elevated risk of experiencing a blood clot from a long spell seated on a plane. A healthcare professional can explain how to reduce this risk.
And those with weakened immune systems may receive guidance on helping prevent illness in a crowded airport setting.
Finally, you can also discuss contingencies with your doctor. What should you do if you lose your medications? Who should you contact if you experience a health emergency while away?
Health and safety are two sides of the same coin.
Tip #2 for traveling as an older adult: Understand safety issues at your destination.
If you’re spending a long weekend a couple of towns over, researching local safety issues may not be necessary. But if you’re doing a bucket-list trip to a far-off destination, there are likely local issues to be aware of.
First, find out if your destination has any active outbreaks or other relevant health issues. Is it a tropical location with a risk of mosquito-borne virus? Are there important vaccinations to have before leaving?
Next, look at whether crime — particularly toward tourists — is an issue. If it is, modify your behavior while away to stay safe. For example, avoid certain areas, don’t walk alone at night, and avoid unmarked taxis.
Certain destinations will have political or social environments that travelers will want to be wary of. The U.S. State Department maintains travel advisories with updated information for Americans going abroad.
Finally, you’ll want to ensure you have all your necessary documentation — and backups of key information — before leaving. This includes physical copies and photographs of documentation such as passports, booked travel and accommodation, and insurance cards.
Disability may be an issue for older adults. And for some travelers, disability may feel like an obstacle to travel altogether.
Tip #3 for traveling as an older adult: Know your accessibility needs and plan for them.
Before visiting a new place — or even booking your trip — learn whether the transportation options and accommodations will meet your accessibility needs.
Do you have any specialized medical equipment or assistive devices? If so, contact the airline or travel provider to learn if there are any special travel rules.
If you have a wheelchair, reach out to any prospective hotel or rental to ensure it offers wheelchair accessibility. And consider where your accommodations are relative to the sights you wish to see. Is public transportation nearby and accessible, or will you need to book private transportation?
Having these issues sorted ahead of time, rather than on the fly, can offer peace of mind for travelers with accessibility needs.
When you’re on a big trip, you may feel the urge to do it all. As an older adult traveler, you may wish to fight this notion.
Tip #4 for traveling as an older adult: Pace yourself.
If you plan an itinerary that’s too aggressive, you may find yourself feeling exhausted or worn out as you race from location to location.
Consider rest and relaxation as important elements, and account for them when scheduling your days. Adequate rest will help you enjoy the activities you and help prevent illness and injury that may result from overactivity.
For many people, older age is the best time to travel. However, as individuals age, they may have health and mobility concerns that can feel like an impediment to travel.
With a bit of extra planning, consultation with a healthcare professional, and a solid understanding of your accessibility requirements, it’s still possible to plan fulfilling trips.