Bon voyage: Travel Tips for Seniors Who Seek Fun in the Sun

By: Alyssa Vincent

Experts offer travel tips for seniors who are planning and packing for vacations.

One of the greatest perks of retirement is having more time to travel, and now that spring is just around the corner, more and more senior citizens are catching the travel bug. But whether you’re traveling a few hundred miles to visit the grandchildren or a few thousand miles around the world, it’s important to plan ahead. “Always travel with a friend or travel partner,” said Jim Dalton, chairman of the board for Utah-based ActiveCare.If traveling with another person isn’t possible, Dalton suggested consulting a travel agent for packages tailored to seniors. “It’s important to book with reputable companies while traveling,” said Jesse Greathouse Jr., president of A Plus Tours and Travel. “Get referrals from friends and family who have had prior experience with companies and tours.”Dalton recommended leaving a copy of travel itineraries and contact information with a family member or friend so someone knows where you are at all times.

The U.S. Travel Association estimates that, in 2010 Americans spent more than $526 billion on leisure travel. Mature travelers represent 21 percent of all leisure travelers in the United States. For seniors, Greathouse recommended addressing mobility issues with travel agents when planning vacations. “We specialize in custom group tours. If a group of senior citizens wants to take a trip together, we can arrange that while taking mobility concerns into account,” Greathouse said.

Dalton suggested using ActiveCare’s Personal Assistance Link when preparing to travel. “ActiveCare’s Personal Assistance Link is an asset because it offers roadside assistance, GPS locating and directions, so if you break down on the side of the road or find yourself lost, you’re only one button away from being connected to a care specialist,” Dalton said. “But it’s important to pack enough medicine to last your entire trip plus a few extra days. … You never know if something will come up, forcing you to stay longer than anticipated. This is especially important if you are traveling abroad, as some medicines may not be available in certain countries.”

Dalton said that carrying doctor notes that explain the use of medications is also a good idea.“It’s important to do your research before traveling. Write down the medical facilities in the area. If you’re traveling abroad, look up the U.S. embassy’s location and phone number,” Dalton suggested.

Senior citizens should also:

• Call airports and hotels ahead of time to make arrangements for wheelchairs, service dogs, oxygen tanks and other medical devices.
• Look into purchasing travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions.
• Purchase cancellation insurance in case of illness or unexpected emergencies.
• Visit a doctor before leaving to get a physical and necessary vaccinations.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying too much cash.
• Carry medication in carry-on bags in case of emergency.

“Finally, have fun. Plan activities that match your energy levels and make certain to get enough sleep and take time to relax,” Dalton advised.