Five Travel Safety Tips for Seniors

One of the joys of retirement is the ability to travel the world if you choose. But as you enter your golden years, there are some safety risks associated with traveling – even if you’re healthy and don’t have any issues with mobility. The good news is that, by following some simple precautions, you can travel safely well into your senior years.

Purchase Travel Insurance

It’s really advisable for travelers of any age to get travel insurance to ensure that they’ll be covered should they have an accident or injury while traveling. But for seniors who may be taking medications, or have chronic health conditions, it’s even more important to have extra protection in case your travel plans are delayed and you run out of medication, you become ill, or fall and hurt yourself while in a foreign place, particularly if you’re on Medicare, which does not cover healthcare overseas. Travel insurance typically costs between $100 and $200, but costs can vary.

Get a Checkup Before Your Trip

Even if you’re healthy, you should get a checkup with your physician before traveling. If you have chronic conditions like diabetes, your doctor can advise you on how to stagger your medication in a different time zone. You might also want to ask for flu and pneumonia vaccinations and discuss any dietary restrictions that you should be mindful of on your trip.

Pack with Practicality

Pack as light as possible for your trip, and use luggage that’s easy to carry and maneuver. For example, luggage sets with wheels that roll in all directions can be easily pushed or pulled and are therefore a good choice for seniors. Also, be sure to follow TSA guidelines when packing medicines and other medical devices. You don’t want a stop at a security checkpoint to cause you to have to rush to catch your flight.

Stay Safe in Your Hotel

If you’re not visiting family or friends, chances are you’re staying in a hotel or similar accommodations. Because it’s easy for people with ill intentions to enter and wander about hotels, and senior citizens are often viewed as “easy” targets, you should take added precautions to stay safe in your hotel. That means keeping the security chain on your door locked at all times when you’re in your room.

Your senior years are meant to be enjoyed, so don’t let your age stop you from exploring the world. With some common-sense precautions and a mindful approach to staying well, you can travel safely at any age.

Photo via Flickr by Francisco Osorio