Travel for Seniors

So you want to know how to travel for seniors?
You've come to the right place!

Your parents are getting older and you want to know if it's such a good idea for them to be traveling. Maybe they're heading off to visit their friends in Florida or visiting you for the holidays.

This guide will help you make the right decisions so that they can travel safer and easier... and you can stop worrying. It will also suggest when it might be better for them to stay home and for you to visit them!

In addition to standard travel tips and advice, seniors may benefit from the following suggestions:

Pre-trip Planning
Consider a Pre-trip Medical Check-up
What to do about Medications
What to Pack
Tips for Air Travel

Pre-trip Planning

Ask about senior friendly accommodations (no stairs, accessible bathrooms, rooms close to the lobby and restaurant)
Ask about travel for seniors discounts
Make arrangements for wheelchairs and special seating needs in advance
Review health insurance policies and make sure the individual is covered at the destination. Purchase travellers insurance if needed.
Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance if there is a chance they may not be able to travel due to health
Book direct flights or bus routes when possible
Ask about vacations for seniors or senior friendly tours (less walking, accessible accommodations, etc)
Research senior friendly tour companies who specialize in providing travel for seniors
Do not be afraid to tell travel providers that your parents needs assistance. It is much easier for them to plan ahead of time
Be realistic with planning activities
Plan rest days if needed
Talk to your parents about incontinence issues as this may be one of their concerns

Consider a Pre-trip Medical Check-up

When in doubt, consult a medical doctor for their advice regarding travel
Have a full medical checkup well in advance of traveling in case anything needs to happen before they go
Consider having flu and pneumonia vaccinations

What to do about Medications

Take enough regular medications to last the entire trip
Depending on where you are traveling, some medications may not be legal in the destination country
Depending on where you are traveling, it may be helpful to have a medical doctor write a letter explaining why you are taking the medications
If syringes are needed to take medications, take enough for the entire trip
If you must buy medications at your destination, remember that they may be in different dosages
Wear a medical alert bracelet which contains medical details and what to do for help
If traveling by air or bus, carry several days of medication in your carry-on in case luggage is lost
Leave medication in its original packaging
Have a list of medications and their generic names in case you need to purchase more

What to Pack

Make sure you bring an extra pair of glasses
Bring luggage with wheels which are easier to move around
Bring extra batteries for hearing aids as the battery size may be hard to find at destination
Bring enough depends for the duration of the trip if possible
Bring a copy of your medical history and current list of medications. Let fellow travellers know where you keep it in case of an emergency
For those that wear dentures, consider bringing an extra set just in case

Tips for Air Travel

Be aware of the risk of deep vein thrombosis (development of blood clots in the veins of legs). Consult with a doctor to see if you are at risk and what you can do to reduce the risk
Wear loose clothing
Bring everything you need during the flight in your carry-on
Drink plenty of fluids
Walk down the aisles if you need to stretch your legs
Perform stretches and exercises on longer flights
Avoid feeling rushed when exiting the plane by waiting till after most have departed
Ask for a shuttle for airport transfers
Book direct flights if possible
Ask about travel for seniors discounts or programs