Are you a senior getting ready to go on a much deserved vacation? Whether you are cruising the Caribbean, playing your best hand in Vegas, or going on a safari in South Africa, knowing the four P’s of senior travel is essential to every senior trip:
Pre-Planning
Leave spur of the moment and impulsive traveling to the younger generation. Seniors should pre-plan all lengthy travel.
-Learn about the climate, language and culture of your chosen destination.
-Find out where the local medical facilities are located.
-Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
-If you are disabled and need oxygen, wheelchair or guide-dog accommodations, make them in advance, with both the airline and the hotel in which you are staying.
If you need more information than online research provides, purchase a guide book from the bookstore or your local travel agent. Pre-planning helps you cover all bases while leaving you better prepared for emergencies.
Packing
Before you pack that suitcase, prepare a packing list of everything you’ll need for your trip. Pack a carry-on bag or car tote with essentials that you may need en route.
-Include a medical kit that contains all of your “must haves” including prescription medications, over-the-counter pain medications, antacids or anti-diarrhea meds.
-Don’t forget the band-aids and hand sanitizer.
-Always carry a note from your doctor regarding your prescription medications. If you take multiple medications, keep in mind that your RememberitNow! account will send you a phone and/or email alert whenever your medications are due, even while you are traveling.
-Keep all your medications in their original containers.
Pack your clothes and other essential items in a suitcase equipped with wheels. You certainly don’t need a back injury before your vacation even begins.
Pre-Trip Medical Checkup
Never leave for a trip without consulting with your doctor first, particularly if you have recently had surgery, had a heart attack or have a chronic health condition like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.
-Discuss all health-related concerns during you pre-trip medical exam, including dietary issues related to local cuisine, medication management in different time zones and whether or not you should have a flu or pneumonia vaccine before you travel.
-Remember, if you are travelling to an exotic location where infectious diseases are more common, you may be required to have specific vaccinations before you are allowed to enter certain countries.
A pre-trip medical checkup will ensure your health and safety while you are traveling so you’re not burdened with unexpected illness during your trip.
Phone Numbers
Always carry a phone list when you travel that includes:
- your personal contact information
-your doctor’s phone number
-emergency phone numbers
-numbers to the U.S. Embassy
- your travel agent’s phone number (if applicable)
-the number of the hotel where you are staying
-and the number to the airlines
Keep a blank space for any important numbers that you may pick up along the way. These contacts can all be printed out easily from your RememberItNow! account as well.
The senior of today is healthier, happier and more active than ever before. But, this doesn’t mean that planning for a vacation won’t bring about a little stress and worry. Keep worries to a minimum by being fully prepared for whatever vacation location that you choose - one that will provide a lifetime of memories for many years to come.
Tags: senior, seniors, travel, travel tips, traveling
