Almost everyone travels during the holidays, whether a few days in a car or a couple of hours on a plane. Although it might seem ideal to pack your bags and get going right away, there are tons of things that can go wrong. Is there anything you should ponder during the busiest travel time of the year to remain in good spirits?
There are plenty of things to keep in mind before traveling to stay safe and healthy during the holidays. Keep reading as we dive into a few of the most critical tips to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy before celebrating the season together.
Consider Your Travel Method Carefully
Before you begin to travel, it’s critical to pick your method carefully. There are many choices – cars, buses, planes, trains, and more. However, some travel methods offer more accommodations and even senior discounts. Also, some travel methods will get you there much faster.
Flight companies like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines often provide discounts for seniors. There can also be more accommodations on flights with flight attendants as they are equipped and prepared to help passengers. Typically, flying and driving cars are the best choices for seniors.
Arrive Early for Comfort
One of the best things you can do for travel holidays is to arrive early. This tip mainly applies to airports, as they’re even busy when it isn’t the holiday season. Give yourself or your loved one at least two hours to check your luggage, move through security, and find your gate. The holidays are chaotic, especially if you’re traveling from a massive city airport like LAX.
If you or a loved one have mobility issues, you might need to allot more time to ask for assistance or to move from one spot to the next. With age comes more risk of muscle pain and stretched tendons – which means you might be unable to sprint from security to your gate like a younger individual.
Examine Travel Insurance Options
Although it isn’t a requirement, it is a good idea to consider travel insurance options. If you have Medicare and you’re about to go out of the country, you won’t receive any coverage. Luckily, there are temporary travel insurance options to keep your bank account intact if you run into an injury or a need for medication while abroad.
Most travel insurance policies come with a CFAR, Cancel for Any Reason, addendum that permits coverage and will allow you to cancel the trip if it’s necessary. Some countries require visitors to get a COVID-19 vaccine and other immunizations before taking the trip, so ensure you meet those requirements beforehand.
Reserve Additional Assistance In Advance
Many seniors struggle to walk, carry items, or navigate from one spot to another in public places. One study shows that with age, particularly in entering the 50s and 60s, balance gets much worse. If you think you or a loved one will need assistance, it’s crucial to reserve the assistance far before you get to the airport, train station, or bus stop.
Popular forms of assistance include wheelchairs, crutches, or even airport golf carts to help you traverse between different locations. Although it’s possible to ask for this assistance when you arrive, it’s best to call the location beforehand to ensure they have the help available. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance – it will make traveling much less stressful.
Fill Your Carry-On With Necessities
It’s always critical to have a to-go bag, whether you’re getting on an airplane or hopping into the front seat of a car. Keep a small bag with you to have everything you need in case an emergency arises during travel. A purse or a backpack is the best way to go.
Carry-on necessities include medical documents, medical alert jewelry, medications, medical alert jewelry, cell phones, phone numbers, valuable documents, water, and more. Anything you would panic about losing if your luggage got lost should be inside the bag – but don’t get carried away, or it might be tricky to transport.
Ponder All Health Precautions
Seniors are impacted much more by sickness than younger folks, so it’s critical to stay healthy before you leave. There are a few things you can do to prepare yourself for the trip that will make a big difference.
Here are a few things you can do to keep in the best shape:
- Get as much rest as possible, at least seven hours of sleep
- Eat nutritious meals three times a day
- Limit the people you hang out with
- Drink water from only safe sources
- Wash your hands after touching any public surface
These are great ways to keep sickness at bay.
Keep these in mind for at least a week or two leading up to the trip, if not more. Leave plenty of room to get healthy if you decline in any way before the trip.
Dress for the Travel Conditions
It’s critical to dress appropriately for the location where you’re traveling. If you’re headed to Chicago for Christmas, bring thick coats and warm socks to keep blood flowing throughout your body. If you’re going to Hawaii for Easter, wear linen and looser garments to chill and stop overheating.
Wrong attire can lead to overheating or pneumonia. Always research to ensure your or your loved one’s bag is packed for the journey and conditions.
Related: The Best (And Worst) Destinations for Senior Travel
Ask For Help When Necessary
Whether flying on Christmas Day or another holiday, don’t be afraid to ask. That’s what employees are there for. They might be able to bring you or your loved one accommodating devices to make it a much better experience. If you’re helping a family member, be ready to vouch for them to get what they need.
Sometimes, you will be able to board the plane, train, or bus early to prevent getting bowled over by other passengers. Also, prepare yourself to pay for adaptive tools like canes if the need suddenly arises during your adventure.
Consider Senior Discounts
One of the perks of getting older is access to senior discounts. Many airlines, bus companies, and trains provide senior discounts to those over a certain age. Check out your options to see if there is anything you qualify for before buying any tickets.
There are even more discount options that will help during your holiday travels. Check out offerings through AARP, hotels, restaurants, cruises, and more. If you start planning early enough, you will map out all the senior discount options for the ultimate money saver.
Make Travel Document Copies
Always bring copies of your travel documents. It’s natural to struggle to remember things as we age, so multiple copies will ensure you always have what you need to get on a plane or pass through a driving checkpoint. It’s much harder to forget something when you have six copies in your suitcase.
Also, place the travel documents in your luggage far before leaving or put them on a table where you won’t miss them before stepping foot outside. Include copies of your passport ID, prescriptions, medical information, visas, emergency contacts, and other valuable information.
Stretch and Drink Water
Ensure you’re stretching whenever you travel, whether you’re in a car or on a long plane flight. One study shows that stretching will reduce the risk of joint pain, muscle damage, and strains. If you have a long flight, try getting up every hour or so to stretch in the aisle. If you’re driving, pause at rest stops to stretch your tendons and muscles.
Hydration is equally critical when traveling during the holidays. One study shows tons of benefits to drinking water – normalized blood pressure, lower risk of constipation, nutrients and oxygen for your cells, protection for organs and tissues, better digestion, and more. Water will keep you or your loved one ready to endure long hours on the move.
Related: Healthy Travel as an Older Adult
Speak To Your Bank Before Leaving
Finally, remember to speak to your bank before leaving. They need to know you’re traveling before you depart, or they could pause your credit card or account while you’re out of the country. Avoid this issue if possible – you don’t want to be stuck without money, especially in another country.
The best way to let your bank know what’s happening is to visit in person or call. Another option is to use the app for your credit card or your bank. They usually have a section where you can schedule the days you’ll be gone and where you will be going.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re flying on Christmas Eve or taking off for the grand family Thanksgiving, it’s critical to prepare yourself for the chaos of traveling during the holidays. From arriving early to considering senior discounts, there are plenty of tactics to consider.
It’s always ideal to prepare for travel, whether it’s for you or a loved one. You never know what the circumstances could bring, so having everything on hand will prevent any issue from getting out of control.
New to traveling as a senior? Check out our 13 Tips and Tricks for Enjoyable Travel as a Senior.
