Safe Travel Tips For Seniors

With the vacation season in high gear, more seniors are taking to the roads, trains, cruise ships, and airports to visit friends and family. The types of vacations they are taking may vary, but one thing they should all have in common is preplanning their trip to ensure it is as safe as possible from beginning to end.
Traveling in your golden years can be exciting and fun. It can be a visit to a familiar destination that rekindles warm memories or an excursion to a faraway place that you have dreamed about all your life. Whatever the reason for your trip, it is important to plan your arrangements wisely to minimize stress and maximize your enjoyment.
Get Medical Clearance For Your Travel Plans
If you are an older adult planning to travel, it is smart to contact your health care provider no less than one month prior to your trip. You will want to make sure than any chronic health conditions you have are under control and that you have a sufficient supply of medications to last the length of your trip. If your travel plans include any strenuous activities, discuss them with your doctor first so that you can be medically cleared to enjoy all the fun things you have planned.
If you are traveling internationally, always check the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website for current health information related to the country you will be visiting. The CDC’s website will provide you up to date information on what vaccines or medicines you will need as well as any diseases or health risks that are associated with your destination. Because travel plans can sometimes be unexpectedly extended, bring along more medications than your trip requires because counterfeit and inferior quality drugs are a problem in some countries.
Stay Healthy On The High Waters
If you are planning a vacation cruise, be aware of the health risks that cruise ships present. Crowded cruise ships can be a fertile breeding ground for many illnesses including respiratory diseases such as norovirus and Covid-19. If your immune system is compromised for any reason, be safe and wear a mask. Remember to wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom. Make sure your hands are clean and germ free before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Being diligent about your personal hygiene during a cruise can minimize the likelihood of contracting many common cruise ship diseases.
Make smart food choices when traveling. Cruise ship buffets can tempt you to overindulge, so be mindful of the type and amount of food you put on your plate. Sampling local cuisine in another country can be an enjoyable experience, but not every restaurant adheres to the highest standards of food preparation and sanitation so be aware of the possible hazards of dining in unfamiliar places.
Common Sense Matters When Traveling
Travel activities can take a toll on your body which is why it is important to stay hydrated and get enough sleep. Drink plenty of bottled water and try to get at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night. Try to stay active instead of spending the bulk of your time sitting down eating and drinking. Bend and stretch your muscles daily by taking a walk, hike, or swim. If you have access to exercise facilities, use them at least 20 minutes a day so that you can retain muscle tone and keep your cardio system healthy. Engage in the physical activities you have planned in moderation because trying to do too much in a short time can put your state of wellness at risk.
Pack your suitcases with vacation appropriate attire. Being too warm or too cold can stress your body, making it more susceptible to illnesses. Bring along clothing that is suitable for your planned destination and be conscious that the weather can change at any time, so have clothing options available should the temperatures fluctuate beyond normal ranges. Always wear comfortable shoes with slip resistant soles that give the proper support for the type of activities that you have planned. If the climate for your trip is sunny and warm, do not forget to bring along a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect you from overexposure to the sun.
Finally, keep all necessary travel documents handy for easy access and reference. Makes copies of important personal identification documents in case the originals are misplaced, lost, or stolen. Having copies will make replacing the documents faster and easier. Carry emergency contact information with you that lists which friends or loved ones should be contacted if there is a problem.
Traveling during your golden years can be some of the most enjoyable times of your life, especially if you learn how to travel smart. The world awaits you, so make the leap and go. Bon voyage!