Top Tips for Planning Overseas Trips as a Senior

After the restrictions and chaos of a global pandemic, travel is more popular than ever. People of all ages look forward to and enjoy the privilege of planning vacations, whether it is across the world or just a city or two away. 

However, planning a vacation is not always the most straightforward task; typically filled with difficult decisions and considerations that need to be made in advance. As a senior, this planning is often taken to the next level. From ensuring you choose accessible travel and accommodation options to securing your necessary medication and buying foreign currency online, following some simple tips can take away the stress. 

Start Planning Early

If you have ever planned any vacation, you will know that having a well-thought-out plan is the best way to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip. By doing it in advance, you can capitalize on the advantages of being prepared.

This can include saving money when booking travel, accommodation, and restaurants, having time to research any available discounts, having more flexibility when booking activities and excursions, and exploring multiple location options before settling on your final choice. 

Investigate Senior Travel Groups

Vacations for seniors are often made more enjoyable when booked as a group travel package. These trips are planned with mobility needs, excursions, and overall assistance in mind, making them well-rounded, pleasant, and, most importantly, accessible for senior travelers. 

Furthermore, it is an excellent way to meet new people and bond over your shared adventures and experiences, with the peace of mind that you will be able to enjoy every aspect of your trip thoroughly.

Finalise Medication & Physical Support

Many seniors are prescribed a handful of medications to combat a wide variety of health issues. This can span from vital medicine for maintaining a healthy heart to less important medication like allergy medicine. Regardless of what it is, it is all necessary for maintaining your health and comfort. 

To guarantee nothing is left behind, it is recommended you make a comprehensive list of all the medications you take that you can refer to when filling prescriptions and packing. If you require assistance in preparing and administering your medication, senior care services located on-site or traveling family members can assist.

Furthermore, any medical equipment like wheelchairs, walking sticks, and other movement aids should be insured in case of damage or loss, alongside travel insurance that will cover any inpatient hospital care, ambulance services, or doctor visits.  

Search for Senior Discounts

As you start planning your vacation, take the extra time to search for locations and travel packages that offer senior discounts. Many hotels, all-inclusive packages, cruises, restaurants, and additional activities offer discounts to senior citizens, potentially saving hundreds, if not thousands, on your travel budget. 

These discounts can be found online or through direct contact with the establishment itself, which can assist you in navigating the different offers available and the ones you qualify for. 

Finalize Important Documentation & Local Currency

For any overseas holiday, having a valid passport and I.D. card is an absolute must, along with any additional foreign documentation that may be required by the country in question. If you take chronic medication that requires a prescription issued by a G.P., you will likely need formal proof from your doctor confirming the legitimacy of your medication usage. 

In addition, it is strongly recommended to acquire local currency before leaving on your holiday. This can be done through your bank or credit union, where rates and fees will be more reasonable than airport kiosks. Always ensure you can access additional funds should any unforeseen emergency arise. 

Assess Transport Options

Depending on where you are going, your means of transportation will differ. For overseas trips, you are almost guaranteed to travel by plane or cruise ship. Regardless of your transport mode, the most essential part of your planning involves your comfort level.

If you know you will need to get up frequently to walk around or use the bathroom facilities, booking an aisle seat on your flight will minimize or eliminate any unnecessary hassles. Additionally, securing a seat at the front of the cabin will ensure you have additional legroom and priority when boarding and debarking the plane. 

Book According to Accommodation Needs

Senior travelers should ensure that the accommodation they are staying in meets all of their needs. Often they will need help moving around or getting in and out of a shower or bath. 

Furthermore, selecting accommodation that has an on-site medical team and designated times for seniors to check in and out will further contribute to a more comfortable experience. Finding somewhere that ticks these boxes may take extra effort, but the benefits will make it a worthwhile task. 

Plan Appropriate Activities

A big part of any trip is planning all the exciting activities and excursions you can take to explore the new city and country you are visiting properly. Planning these activities in advance allows you to make your trip and itinerary more organized and select options you feel more comfortable doing.

It is vital only to choose activities you are confident you will be able to safely participate in and complete, as they could pose a serious danger to your well-being and could ruin the remainder of your trip.