Getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop heading to places where you love. With the ideal precautions and steps, it’s possible to have the best time, even if there are a few more items you must consider to get where you need to go. It’s vital to consider every step, from where you’re staying to what you must bring.
If you’re interested in learning more about navigating travel as a senior, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more about what you should know, from checking into a hotel with an elevator to ensuring your passport is updated and valid wherever you go. With the ideal preparation, travel will be a breeze as a senior.
1. Only Book Hotels With Elevators
First, ensure you look for a hotel with an elevator. Although most seniors will book their rooms on the ground floor, there might be instances where there are no other rooms available. For an aging senior, it would be best to have a hotel with an elevator. An elevator is especially helpful if you have multiple bags at a time.
Most hotels will have information about their elevator options online. However, some of them might fail to disclose this information. In that case, give them a call, and the front desk person will let you know about your options.
2. Consider Using a Tour Company
There are ample travel clubs for seniors and travel sites that offer tours dedicated to seniors and people of all ages. If you’re nervous about navigating a new place as an older adult, it might not hurt to spend a little more to get a tour guide, an itinerary, and a group of people to navigate new territory with you.
Explore all your options before landing on a final choice if you decide a tour company is the best choice for your travels. Some are made for more adventurous seniors, while others are tailored to those who would prefer to have a more classroom style of teaching. Don’t book something beyond your comfort to have the best time.
Related: The 11 Best Tour Companies for Seniors (50+)
3. Have Your Luggage Delivered
One study shows there are mental benefits to traveling somewhere new, such as gaining emotional agility and increased empathy. To glean all the best things you can from your travels as a senior, consider having your luggage delivered to your hotel room. Many companies will perform this process for a small fee.
Having your luggage delivered will cost a little more money. However, it will save you time, and stress, and even put less pressure on your joints and the rest of your body as you traverse to wherever you are staying. Your bags will be waiting for you.
4. Avoid Cutting Corners
One study shows that seniors who travel tend to feel happier and more content. However, to achieve these sensations, you must have everything in line to prevent anything from going wrong.
At any moment when you’re booking the trip and it seems like there is an opportunity to save some money, it’s worth taking a step back and considering your options. In many cases, it will be well worth it to pay more for maximum comfort in your journey.
5. Make Copies of documents
When seniors travel, it’s easy to lose documents necessary for getting through the airport or accessing health care while traveling across the world. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, which means making copies of documents whenever possible.
Also, purchase a folder or an envelope to keep your copies in. It might be best to make several copies and place them in different locations to prevent loss.
6. ask for Senior Discounts
Senior discounts are abundant. Whenever you can, try to see if you can save money based on your age. Museums, tours, and other entertainment venues are the most common locations to offer senior discounts. If in doubt, give them a call.
7. Travel in the Off-Season
When looking at vacations for seniors, consider traveling in the off-season. It will be cooler and less packed, and the prices will be far lower.
Traveling in the off-season with a tour group might be one of the best things you can do. There will be ample time to do everything you want at a slower pace.
Related: Tips for Traveling During the Holidays
8. Pack as Light as Possible
Whether you’re staying at hotels or elder hostels in Europe, it’s vital to pack as light as possible. The less you take with you, the less you must carry, and the less stress there will be packing it all at the end.
It’s a good idea to lay out all your outfits, medications, and more. Go through each day to ensure you make the best selections with as few things as possible.
Related: The Best Travel Accessories in Your Later Years
9. Double-Check Medications
One study shows that it’s easier for seniors to get sick while traveling, so it’s a good idea to take all the medications you need in a small container. Double and triple-check to avoid any disasters.
Also, check with your doctor and insurance to see what your options are in case of an emergency. Many seniors invest in travel insurance to keep them extra safe.
10. Ensure your Passport Is Updated
Finally, double-check to ensure your passport is updated if you’re going to a location where you need your passport to enter and leave the country. You don’t want to arrive at the airport only to realize your passport is a few months expired.
Always give yourself at least a few months to renew, and be prepared to pay for expedited shipping. There have been instances where passport processing has taken several months to get to you.
Final Thoughts
There are ample tips and tricks seniors are welcome to try to make their travel experience far more enjoyable! Try to have your luggage delivered, avoid cutting corners, check out senior discounts, travel in the off-season, and pack as light as possible to ensure you and any of your travel friends make things as simple as possible.
Whether you’re in the first years of life as an older adult or well into the process, it’s still possible to enjoy travel. You can remain local or head to another country – ultimately, it’s up to you to determine your comfort level. As long as there aren’t any serious medical concerns, excellent preparation will make the process as straightforward as possible.
Ready for your next big adventure? Be sure to check out our article The Best (and Worst) Destinations for Senior Travel.
