You do not need to stop all your dreams of travelling just because you’re getting older or have decided to go on retirement. If anything, it is when you are getting on in years, and don’t have the stresses and strains of work to worry about, that going on that epic journey means more.
A lifetime of knowledge and experiences allows you to fully admire the new experiences that you are having. And, if it was not for travel, what did you slog away so hard for all those years?
However, being older does often mean that you are not able to travel the way you used to. We are not speaking about upgrading from a hostel to a proper hotel. What we are referring to are physical limitations that you might need to work around.
Always Get Insurance
While travel insurance is incredibly important for people of any age, it is extremely essential for older travellers who are more at risk of:
- Falling as well as hurting themselves,
- Getting sick, or
- Requiring extra medication if their travel is interrupted or – alternatively – delayed.
Nothing is worse than if you are in a foreign land and you find yourself in a situation where you have fallen or run out of medication and not knowing what to do or if you will be covered. Insurance usually does not cost a lot extra.
Take A Load Off
Airports are vast spaces with queues which can challenge the stamina of travellers half your age. Take it easy: Reserve a wheelchair from your airline (they are free!) and roll your way through security and customs right up to your gate.
Services Animals On Planes
Service animals are permitted to escort people with disabilities onto airplanes. However, each airline has its own policy about the various types of animals that are allowed on board. This means that you need to check with your airline beforehand if a service animal will be traveling with you.
Service animals, such as dogs, should not be a problem on any of the airlines. However, if an emotional support animal is traveling with you will need to have proper documentation from your physician and approval from the airline.
Mind Your Diet
Like it or not, older people tend to have more sensitive tummies and are also frequently on restricted diets. It’s understandable that you might want to forget those facts while you’re away from home but doing so could have undesirable side effects.. If you don’t want to spend more time in your hotel room as opposed to out and about and seeing the sights and enjoying online keno games, you will almost certainly want to keep the heavy, spicy or cheesy items to a minimum.
Some medications do not interact well with particular foods. For example, you don’t want to eat bananas if you’re on an ACE inhibitor. If you are taking any medication, consult with your doctor before you leave for a trip in order to find out if certain foods popular in your destination are off limits.
