Whether it’s a bucket-list trip to visit the Eiffel Tower or a cross-country road trip to see family, current seniors travel more than any generation before them.
Unfortunately, like many others nationwide, 51 percent of seniors find booking travel difficult and often overwhelming — but that shouldn’t stop you from taking the trip of your dreams. Here are the top safe travel tips for seniors that can help make your next vacation a breeze.
Travel Tip #1: Do your research
One of the best parts of a vacation is the mental and physical relaxation associated with the experience, and amenities play a major role in that. Read online reviews from a few different sources to get a fuller picture of what to expect at your destination. Look for any mentions of traveling to and from the hotel, local eateries and entertainment, and overall travel accessibility.
When planning your vacation destination, there are a few things you should keep in mind regarding amenities:
- Healthcare: Are you near healthcare facilities?
- Mobility: Is this site easily accessed?
- Location: Is everything you need near you?
- Language: Do I speak the common language in this country?
While the desired features will differ for everyone, thinking ahead about what’s important to you can help narrow down your vacation destination options and ensure safe travel for seniors.
Travel Tip #2: Consider common senior trips
If you’re looking for an affordable vacation that still offers a change of scenery, a cruise may be a great alternative. There are plenty of cruises for seniors, and once you’re aboard, there aren’t many additional expenses to worry about. Cruises are also predictable. They offer all the amenities you need in one place and require very minimal planning.
Interested in a cruise but don’t want to venture into the open sea? You might consider a river cruise for seniors, instead. Many parts of central Europe offer river cruises that allow you to get a full European experience on one ship, with activities like visiting the countryside of Germany, tasting wine from the Netherlands, and sampling bread and cheeses from France.
Similar to cruises, senior travel tours are another great way to see the world. Since you’ll be accompanied by a guide and a small group of others, it’s a safe way to travel and meet new people. Oftentimes the price of a senior travel tour includes lodgings and activities, and it may even include a set amount of meals. Senior travel tours are available in countries across the world — an online search for senior travel tours can help you narrow down your options and find a destination you love.
Travel Tip #3: Work with a professional
If you’re one of the more than half of seniors who find booking travel difficult, you might consider hiring a professional travel planner who can offer personalized recommendations and arrange all the details for you. Look for a travel agent that has proper certifications or experience in the areas you’re interested in. Don’t hesitate to call around to a few different agents and ask them about their process and qualifications.
Another popular option is to join a senior travel club. Travel clubs are a great opportunity to save money and hassle when it comes to planning a vacation. These groups are also a great way to meet others in your area who have similar interests as you.
There are a variety of travel clubs to choose from, depending on your interests. If you like your vacations to be exploratory and bold, check out adventure clubs such as Elder Treks or ROW Adventures. If you want to vacation like a local, research the Global Greeter Network. Global Greeter Network offers a system of volunteers around the world that will show you around your travel destination for free, usually through a walking trip.
Travel Tip #4: Look into travel insurance
You may want to consider purchasing travel insurance if you don’t already have it. Medicare offers very limited services outside of the United States, but some Medicare Supplement plans do cover foreign travel.
Travel insurance can be bought directly through a booking agency, or added to your healthcare plan. The latter option is often much simpler because you do not have to continually purchase it with each trip — instead, you are covered any time you travel.
Travel insurance plans typically cover:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Canceled flights
- Trip refunds
- Lost luggage
What is covered depends on your exact plan, but what you know is covered is your peace of mind, wherever you are.
Travel should not end once you hit retirement. With these tips, you can plan safe, exciting trips for years to come.
Travel Tip #5: Make a detailed travel list
Planning ahead can help you stay organized and ensure nothing important falls through the cracks. Start by making a packing list with things like:
- Medications
- Travel documents like IDs, passports, and insurance/Medicare cards
- Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
- Destination-specific items like sunscreen, bug spray, or an umbrella
- Accessible travel aids like a cane or walking stick
- Ice packs or heating pads that can be used after long days of travel
- A small first-aid kit
- Chargers for electronics
- Travel-specific items like an airplane pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
- Entertainment like a novel, puzzle book, or tablet
Packing tips can extend to preparing your home for travel, too. If your trip is longer than a weekend, consider having someone come check on everything a few times while you’re gone. Be sure to unplug non-essential electronics and appliances, set your thermostat to a comfortable level, and think about turning off your water to prevent any surprise leaks while you’re gone.
Write out all the tasks you’d like to finish before you leave, and cross them off as you go. That way, you can have peace of mind on your trip that you didn’t forget anything important at home.
Travel Tip #6: Find senior travel discounts
Many airlines, hotels, and attractions offer discounts for seniors that can help you budget for your trip. Some senior discounts may not be heavily advertised but can still be applied if you ask — often at places like museums, restaurants, and parks.
Travel and exploration shouldn’t have to end once you hit retirement. With these tips, you can plan safe, exciting trips for years to come.
