Most importantly, traveling at an older age might require more planning than trips taken in our youth. For example, seniors need to have medications on hand and check out the healthcare available in their travel location - just in case. 

For those unsure where to start, we have compiled 6 tips for traveling when older so that you can set off on your trip safer and more assured than you otherwise would.

Top Tips for Traveling When Older

When traveling, it is always important to be aware of the potential risks before you travel. Some of these apply to all travelers, such as the risk of illness from insect bites or food poisoning from contamination. However, depending on the activities completed, there is also a risk of injury. This risk may be higher for older people with certain conditions.

It is important to emphasize that age alone is not a barrier to exciting travel adventures. Getting sick can happen to anyone, young or old. However, proactive and conscious preparation can help ensure that your trip is calm and manageable. What medication should you take with you for your specific destination? Do you have any personal medications that you need to take with you? How many days of travel can you expect?  And do you know who to contact if any health problems occur? All these questions should be taken into account when preparing for a trip.

Let’s take a look at 6 tips for traveling when older so that you can minimize and be prepared for these risks.

Keep Medication Close

Some of those who are older can have a multitude of pills to take each day, whether to manage a disease or keep your symptoms at bay. These medications are important to take, which is why it is essential for seniors to always keep their medications close.

Keeping medication close allows you to take it when needed throughout the day, adhering to your schedule. It also ensures that, should your flight be delayed, or your bag lost, your medication is still with you. 

For those traveling by air, this means keeping at least a part of your medication in your carry-on. In case your carry on gets stolen, also keep some of your supply in your suitcase.

Liquid medication may appear as a hurdle, as some airport securities don’t allow liquids above a particular volume in a carry-on. However, you can work with your physician to obtain paperwork that allows for the medication to join you on the flight by stating the necessity of it. As such, preparing for your trip ahead of time ensures you have the documentation you need to keep your medication with you, and removes concerns that you’ll have to go without it.

Furthermore, when packing your medicine, always be sure to pack enough for a few extra days. You never know when you might be delayed, and this way, you’ll be prepared. 

Get Up and Move

Traveling can often involve hours of sitting in a single position, which can put seniors at serious risk of deep vein thrombosis, or the formation of a blood clot, typically in the legs. If these blood clots break loose, they can travel through your blood to the lungs, blocking blood flow. This is a serious condition, which is why seniors must do all they can to prevent it.

When on a flight, train, or car ride, get up every few hours to stretch and walk around. If on a train or plane, getting an aisle seat can make this easier. Also, drink plenty of water and put on light compression socks.

Don’t Push Yourself

It goes without saying that you have high expectations for your upcoming trip and a list of activities you would like to experience. However, it is important that your own health is always at the forefront of your planning. Take a moment to consider whether the activities you have in mind are realistic and in line with your well-being.

Know the Medical Facilities

While no one wishes to consider this possibility, being prepared is essential. Should a health emergency occur, you will want to know where to go. 

Before your trip, find medical facilities in the area you will be visiting and ensure that they can handle your potential needs. Make a note of these locations and keep it on hand so that, should you need to see a physician, you know where to go. 

Consider Travel Insurance

Tacking on to the previous tip, it is often worthwhile for seniors to look into travel insurance. It can be expensive, but many may find it a worthwhile investment because it can help in the case of a medical emergency if your standard medical insurance is not accepted at your travel destination.

In particular, when considering travel insurance, you may want to look into evacuation insurance, which allows you to reach adequate medical care in an emergency. If you look into the nearby medical clinics and are concerned that they may not be able to handle emergencies, this insurance may offer you some peace of mind. 

Book A Travel Consultation Before Traveling

Traveling can sometimes be stressful, especially if you don't travel often or are visiting an unfamiliar country. There are many aspects to consider, such as possible illnesses, health conditions and the safety of the itinerary. All of these things can be a challenge, but with the right preparation and planning, you can enjoy your trip stress-free and safely. This includes comprehensive medical travel advice.

Your travel consultant will review all the health and safety elements you need to focus on before and during your trip. Using your specific case, they will look at your travel destination to see if there are any vaccinations you need or precautions to take (such as wearing long clothing and using bug spray when out). They will also analyze your health history and itinerary to give advice on how to minimize your risk of injury or illness.

If you want to make fun and enjoyment (not concern, injury, or illness) the focus of your trip, book a travel consultation with the University of Zurich Travel Clinic.