Do you love to travel but find it more difficult as you age? Mobility issues and illness can make traveling challenging for older adults. But it doesn’t mean you have to retire your passport. We’ve compiled nine essential travel tips to ensure many years of enjoyable and worry-free travel.
1. Arrive at the Airport Early
Even under the best circumstances, flying is stressful. Traffic and long security lines are impossible to predict. Allow yourself plenty of time by arriving at the airport early. You should arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three for international travel.
2. Sign up for TSA PreCheck
Simplify check-in and save time by signing up for TSA PreCheck. With TSA PreCheck, there’s no need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, or light jackets.
3. Consider an Airline Credit Card
If you’re loyal to a specific airline, consider signing up for their credit card. Some airline credit cards offer a welcome bonus worth free domestic and international travel, free checked bags, priority boarding, and lounge access.
4. Arrange for Special Accommodations Early
Make arrangements for special requests and accommodations well before your trip. Contact the airline asap to arrange wheelchair assistance, seats with additional legroom, or expedited boarding. People make mistakes, so confirm special requests a few days before your trip.
5. Take Advantage of Senior Discounts
Many airlines, restaurants, and hotels offer senior citizens discounts. If you’re not a member of AARP, check out the many travel discounts their membership provides. Contact airlines and hotels directly to see if they offer discounts for older adults.
6. Arrange for Transportation Before Your Trip
After a long flight, you don’t want to deal with finding transportation to your hotel. Instead, contact your hotel before you travel and ask if they offer shuttle services from and to the airport.
All-inclusive resorts frequently cover transportation services in their packages. Set up transportation before your trip and print off confirmation emails. If transportation is not included, contact the hotel concierge to ask about transportation.
Hotel concierges can recommend trustworthy car services, set up transportation to and from the airport, popular excursions, and local restaurants and shopping venues.
7. Medications and Health
Contact your doctor for a medical check-up and ask about infectious diseases and vaccination requirements if traveling to a foreign country. Ensure prescriptions have refills and you have enough medication for your trip. Pack medication in your carry-on luggage to protect yourself from delays or lost baggage.
8. Take Advantage of Technology
It’s okay to print copies of your boarding pass and other documents. However, you should still download your airline app and check-in online to save time and make it easier to be notified in case of trip delays or cancellations.
9. Invest in Travel Insurance
Airlines are notorious for travel delays, last-minute cancellations, and lost luggage. You should strongly consider investing in travel insurance to protect your trip and give you peace of mind. Before you pay for travel insurance, read the fine print, and make sure you’re covered for medical emergencies, evacuation insurance, lost luggage, and flight cancellations.
Safe Travels
Traveling as a senior doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning and savvy travel tips, you can enjoy traveling well into your golden years.
