Traveling allows you to explore new places, learn about different cultures, try new foods, and create memories. It can be more difficult for seniors with health conditions or lower physical fitness to travel. However, you don’t have to stop traveling because you’re getting older.
Tips that seniors can follow when traveling next
1. Purchase travel insurance. This ensures that you are covered in the case of an emergency. It also provides a high benefit-cost ratio as many countries do not have universal health care.
2. Find out if you need vaccinations. You may need to update or get new vaccinations depending on where you are traveling. Many vaccinations require time to take effect so talk to your health care provider before traveling.
3. Keep your medications with you. This is extremely important in case you can’t access your luggage or if the airline loses your luggage.
4. Bring extra copies of all travel documents. This includes your driver’s license, passport, travel insurance details, and itinerary details.
5. Ensure your passport is up to date. Some countries don’t let travelers into the country who have a passport that expires within 6 months. Therefore, it is recommended to renew your passport 9 months before it expires.
6. Drink lots of water. A lack of thirst sensation and changes in the water and sodium balance that occur as people age make seniors more prone to dehydration than others. Dehydration can cause a loss of stamina and strength.
7. Contact your credit card company before traveling. Once you make a purchase at your new destination, your credit card company may suspect that there has been fraudulent activity and put a hold on your card, so you won’t be able to make any more purchases.
If you are traveling by plane, you can book a ride to or from the airport using the Boom Health transportation service. It will bring you or your loved one where you need to be in comfort and safety. Check out the Boom Health app on the App Store or Google Play Store.
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
