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Many older adults enjoy traveling when they are retired because they have more time than when they were working. However, it is important for seniors to be safe when they decide to travel, whether it’s to another state or country.

Here are some travel and safety tips for seniors.

Before the trip

• Make a travel list. Be sure to include all of the essential items you might need on the list, such as sunscreen or medications.
• Choose a hotel that meets your needs. This includes any accessibility accommodations you might need, such as being wheelchair friendly.
• Make copies of documents. When you leave, be sure to make copies of your documents such as your passport and driver’s license.
• Check out senior discounts. Many places offer discounts to seniors, and you may be able to find some in the area that you are traveling to.
• Get an international cell phone if needed. If you’re going out of the country, be sure to get a plan where you will be able to still call and text your loved ones.
• Get travel insurance. If you need, talk to your insurance company about travel insurance and how it can cover the cost of items should an emergency happen.
• Talk to your doctor if you have medical concerns. If you have concerns about traveling with a medical condition, schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk to them before the big trip.
• Make an emergency contact sheet. Have a sheet of names and contacts in case there is an emergency during the trip.
• Re-confirm all of your travel plans. Make sure that you have confirmation from the hotel and any services you might be using.
• Hire a caregiver if necessary. There are agencies that specialize in providing caregivers to those who may need them to travel with a senior.

Travel Tips

• Follow all TSA rules for packing medications. Many older adults need medications, and there are specific TSA rules you should follow when packing them.
• Avoid drinking soda and other dehydrating beverages before traveling. When you’re on a plane, you will want to be hydrated because you won’t be moving for a long time.
• Keep healthy snacks with you. Whether you’re at the airport or in a car, having healthy snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars can help keep you from going hungry.
• Get help with your luggage. If you need, you may be able to hire a service to help you with your luggage, especially if you are unable to carry it to a hotel.
• Pack light. Avoid overpacking because it can make hauling items around strenuous.
• Plan to arrive early. You don’t want to accidentally miss your flight or a big event that you need to get to. Plan to be early and on time for everything you want to do.

Safety Tips During Traveling

• Wear sunscreen when outside. This will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• Take frequent breaks. Taking breaks will prevent you from tiring out or overexerting yourself.
• Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable clothes that are appropriate for the weather and what you are doing for your vacation.
• Have a schedule of when to eat. When you’re in a new place, it’s easy to lose track of time, so plan out when you are going to enjoy your meals.
• Do not announce when you are leaving for a trip. This could put your home in danger, as many thieves will use social media to find places to go and steal from.
• Use bags that prevent theft. You should consider using bags that will make it hard for a criminal to steal from you.
• Wash your hands often. You should wash your hands frequently, as well as carry a bottle of hand sanitizer for moments you may not be able to get to a bathroom.

Saber Healthcare

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides services to more than 115 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Delaware. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.