Just because you’re a senior doesn’t mean you’re doomed to live your days out at the old folk’s home, playing pinochle to pass the time. Seniors live vibrant, active lives, and that includes taking vacations all over the world.
However, that doesn’t mean traveling is as easy as it was in your 20’s.
It doesn’t matter if you’re getting in a car and driving a few states over or you’re hopping on a plane with an eVisitor visa to travel to Australia, you can make every moment of your vacation fun and comfortable with these tips.
Keep Travel Time to a Minimum
No one likes to spend days in the car or hours on the plane. However, it can be especially difficult for seniors to spend so much time traveling. Legs can get stiff and backs can get sore pretty quickly in cramped quarters! No matter where you’re heading, look for ways to reduce travel time.
That might mean choosing a quick flight over spending hours in the car, but it also means looking for the most direct flight to your destination. Even if it costs a little more money, you’ll be glad you avoided hours spent in the airport, as well as all the energy it takes to get off one plane only to have to board another.
Be Upfront About Any Special Requests
The travel industry is extremely accommodating. That means you can make many different requests to airlines and hotels when booking your vacation, and in most cases, your demands will be met.
For example, you may want to request a room on the main level of the hotel, so you can avoid the elevator and staircases. At the airport, it isn’t uncommon for seniors to request wheelchair assistance. Many airport terminals are very large, and a wheelchair can make it a lot easier!
Have a connecting flight and worried about making it there on time? Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Chances are, you can hop on one of the cars airport employees use and they’ll zip you to your next terminal.
Put All Medications in Your Carry-On Bag when Flying
To avoid the hassle of making TSA deal with your medication, you may be tempted to place it in your checked bag. That’s a very bad idea. If your luggage gets lost, or if you experience an emergency on the plane, you want to make sure you have all your medication with you. That means putting it in your carry-on when flying in an airplane.
Fortunately, TSA guidelines for medication are actually quite flexible. A few things to keep in mind include:
• You do not have to notify any officer about any of the medication you’re traveling with, unless it is in liquid form.
• Liquid medications are allowed in carry-ons in excess of 3.4 ounces, as long as you notify the TSA agent.
• You do not have to keep medication in prescription bottles.
• If you don’t want your medication x-rayed, tell an agent, and they can perform a visual inspection instead.
Keep Planned Activities to a Minimum
It’s recommended that travelers of all ages keep activities on vacation to a minimum, but it is especially important advice for seniors.
There’s nothing wrong with needing to rest more often than your younger counterparts. Make sure you have plenty of time to get to your destination, plenty of time to return to the hotel, and plenty of time to rest by keeping planned activities to a minimum. That might mean planning something in the morning and leaving the afternoon open, or not planning anything at all!
Don’t Forget About Senior Discounts!
Don’t forget about senior travel discounts! If you keep your eyes peeled when you’re planning your vacation and when you’re on vacation, you can save some serious money.
A few ideas include:
• Southwest and British Airways offer discounts to senior travelers.
• Most public transit systems offer deeply discounted rates to seniors.
• You can find discounts of around 10-percent when staying in a hotel.
Don’t forget to ask when you get to your destination too. Many community theaters, restaurants, and museums all offer discounts to senior citizens.
Just because you’re over the age of 55 doesn’t mean your days of exploring the world have to be over. Traveling as a senior can be a wonderful experience, even if it does mean it’s different than your younger years. With these tips, you can make the most of your vacation, no matter what your age or destination.
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