Travel is a great way to stay young at heart. If you’re hitting the open road or flying the friendly skies this summer, you want to do so safely with as few bumps in the road as possible.
We’ve put together a list of summer travel tips geared specifically for seniors to ensure every aspect of your vacation goes smoothly. These are also excellent tips when preparing to accompany an older adult as their support person. Bon Voyage!
Planning Your Trip
If you have the advantage of not needing to plan trips around school schedules, consider traveling in September or October when the weather is temperate and crowds are lighter.
Consider booking a tour, cruise, or travel package intended for active older adults. It takes the guesswork out of planning in an unfamiliar destination and can be a great way to see the top sights.
Pay more up front to travel wisely. Consider opting for travel insurance or flight protection plans in case of last-minute changes or illness. Upgrades to “economy plus” seating can be inexpensive and offer additional legroom.
Make sure you have help lined up for aging parents while you’re away, or if they are the ones seeking to travel, contact us to discuss companion care travel support options.
Angel Companions professional caregivers can give you peace of mind as they care for your loved one while you get some respite and recuperation away from home, or act as your extra eyes and hands while traveling.
Travel Safely
Don’t forget to share your travel itinerary with trusted family and friends so they know when to expect to hear from you and how to get a hold of you while you’re away. However, don’t share your plans in advance on social media in order to ensure your house and belongings stay safe while you’re gone.
If you have a long drive, wear support socks and add in walks a couple of times each day to prevent blood clots.
Despite the rise in gas prices, take taxis or drive (if you’re familiar with the roads where you’re going). Avoid the subway or local transit system, which often involves lots of stairs and confusing maps.
Book hotel rooms near elevators or on the ground floor. Ask about disability accommodations the hotel might have, such as low entrance showers. And if you’re traveling internationally, make sure the hotel has an elevator.
Check Covid regulations in your destination to know whether you need to bring masks or test to enter or return.
Pack Smart
Take smaller, lighter bags to prevent a lot of heavy lifting. Take multiple carry-on size bags if you’re going on a long trip rather than one big suitcase that can lead to injuries. Or better yet, plan to do laundry while you’re away so you can pack light.
Wear comfortable shoes, pack light layers for cool evenings and sun protection during the day, and leave expensive jewelry at home.
Don’t forget charging cords for your phone and any other devices. A portable charger is also helpful for long flights or road trips to ensure your phone doesn’t run out of battery.
Bring backups of all medications you need daily in sealed, waterproof bags. And make sure you have contact information for your doctor in case of a medication emergency.
Seeing the Sights
For crowded destinations, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when crowds thin out and the sun isn’t as intense.
Look for discounts available to seniors, AARP members, or military veterans.
Don’t forget to add some time for relaxing to your itinerary! Avoid overbooking yourself, as tempting as it might be. Remember, it’s a vacation. You don’t want to come back exhausted.
Angel Companions caregivers not only support aging loved ones in the home with personal care, they also provide human connection and mobility in the greater world. Contact us to find out how we can create a flexible care plan to meet your elder’s specific emotional, physical, and social needs.