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| My MBBS batch mates taking a dip in the Gangesin our 40th reunion! |
Travelling
the world is my passion and a huge learning experience for me. My policy has
always been that traveling is fun, and let it be just that. Plan it well, but
don’t get obsessed by your plans and disheartened by minor irritants. Enjoy
them, as they become your travel stories to tell. I have missed flights, missed baggage, lost boarding pass (when they were printed on paper), misplaced wallet, sprained my ankle, ordered horribly wrong food, been duped by travel agents but I regret none of them. My advice to you is be careful and avoid the
major glitches and be sure to start planning for the next holiday as soon as
you are back home from one.
As
we get older or tolerance for the unexpected unfortunately decreases. We want
everything planned to perfection, but experience has taught me that perfect
travel plan is a utopian dream, one that is never fulfilled. Yes, I will always
advise you not to make major mistakes to ruin your holidays and I have written
a blog on this subject:
https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2019/10/dont-ruin-your-holiday.html
Another
blog, which again comes from my experience, is travel tips for all age groups.
https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2017/09/travel-tips-for-all-traveland-tourism.html
Travelling
can be an exhilarating and fulfilling experience, but it also presents unique
challenges, particularly for seniors, and this blog is all about travel tips to
seniors. Surely, the tips to all age group hold true for seniors as well, but
they are special, and also especially vulnerable.
Long
trips, unexpected schedule changes, and unfamiliar environments can lead to
added stress if not carefully planned. While younger travelers often adapt
quickly, older adults may require additional precautions to ensure their
journeys are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Fortunately, with some
thoughtful preparation and effective strategies, seniors can travel with
confidence. So, here are some practical tips to help senior travelers stay
organized and make the most of their trips.
1. Keep medications
easily accessible
Managing
medications while traveling is a top priority. Seniors should always keep at
least a few days’ worth of prescriptions in their carry-on bags. This ensures
they won’t miss a dose if their checked luggage is delayed or lost. Liquid
medications may require special clearance at airport security, so getting a
doctor’s note in advance can help avoid unnecessary trouble. Having a list of
medications, dosages, and doctor contact information is also useful in case of
emergencies, especially when visiting another country where replacement
prescriptions might be difficult to obtain. Additionally, seniors should
consider carrying a small pill organizer to keep medications organized. If they
have complex medication schedules, setting reminders on a phone or a travel
alarm can be helpful. Pharmacies in some locations may not have equivalent
substitutes, so carrying a sufficient supply for the entire trip is always a
wise decision.
2. Stay active to
prevent discomfort
Sitting
for extended periods during flights, car rides, or train journeys can cause
stiffness, discomfort, and even serious health risks such as deep vein
thrombosis (DVT). Know all about DVT in my blog: https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2024/06/deep-vein-thrombosis.html
Booking
an aisle seat is always useful. It allows for easy movement, making it easier
to get up and stretch regularly, and also go to the washroom without disturbing
co-passengers. For road trips, it’s important to schedule breaks every couple
of hours to walk around and loosen up. Simple leg exercises, even while seated,
can improve circulation and reduce the risk of complications.
Hydration
also plays a key role in preventing stiffness and fatigue. Seniors should drink
plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, which
can contribute to dehydration.
Wearing
compression socks may further help in reducing the risk of blood clots during
long journeys.
3. Prepare for airport
security checks
Airports
can be stressful, especially with strict security measures. Seniors with
medical devices such as pacemakers, artificial joints, or prosthetics may set
off metal detectors, which can lead to additional screening. Having a physician’s
letter or medical identification card can help clarify any concerns at security
checkpoints. Knowing the security protocol and procedures ahead of time can
also ease anxiety and make the process smoother. To make security checks more
efficient, wearing slip-on shoes and avoiding excessive metal in clothing or
accessories can save time. Arriving early at the airport ensures there’s no
rush, allowing seniors to go through screenings at a comfortable pace.
4. Choose destinations
wisely
Not
all travel destinations are equally accessible for seniors. Some locations have
limited healthcare facilities, rough terrain, or inadequate public
transportation. Before finalizing a trip, it’s important to research the area
to determine whether it suits the senior traveler’s needs. Kailash Mansarovar
trek is for the youngsters as the air is thin at higher altitudes and seniors
staying at sea levels or plains may find breathing very difficult if they are
not used to such altitudes.
Seniors
should check if their accommodations have elevators, ramps, and other
accessibility options. They should also consider how easy it will be to get
medical help in case of an emergency.
Weather
conditions should also be taken into account. Extreme heat, high altitudes, or
harsh winters may present additional challenges. Seniors should choose
destinations that they can comfortably explore without straining themselves.
5. Pack light and use
luggage wisely
Heavy
suitcases can make travel unnecessarily difficult. Seniors should pack only
what they need and use rolling luggage for convenience. If a trip involves
multiple stops, having a smaller carry-on bag with essentials like toiletries,
a change of clothes and important documents can reduce the need to haul large
suitcases frequently. Seeking assistance from hotel staff or using airport
luggage services can help prevent strain and injury. Packing cubes and
vacuum-seal bags can maximize space and keep belongings organized. Choosing
wrinkle-resistant and versatile clothing minimizes the need for excessive
outfits, making packing more efficient.
6. Be cautious with
public Wi-Fi
Many
seniors rely on free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with family and friends while
traveling, but unsecured networks can expose them to security risks. It’s best
to avoid checking sensitive accounts, such as online banking, while connected
to public networks. If internet access is needed, verifying the official Wi-Fi
connection with hotel or café staff is a safer option. For added protection,
using a virtual private network (VPN) can help secure personal information.
Carrying a portable hotspot or using mobile data for important tasks can provide
a more secure way to access the internet. Seniors should also enable two-factor
authentication on important accounts before traveling.
7. Carry copies of
important documents
Losing
passports, tickets, or identification can create major setbacks. Keeping extra
copies of these documents in phone or as hard copy can help speed up
replacements if anything goes missing. Seniors should carry both physical and
digital copies of their travel documents. Scanning documents and storing them
in a secure email account or cloud service ensures that they can be retrieved
if needed. Having emergency contact information and addresses written down can
be helpful in situations where electronic devices fail or get lost. A small
travel pouch for organizing documents can make access easier.
8. Ask about senior
travel discounts
Many
airlines, hotels, and attractions offer discounts for older travelers, but they
don’t always advertise them. Carrying an ID or passport can help secure these
savings. Seniors should also ask about special rates when booking flights,
transportation, or accommodations. Travel organizations like Make My Trip and
Yatra.com often have exclusive deals that can make trips more affordable.
Booking in advance and checking for bundle deals may offer additional savings.
Signing up for airline loyalty programs can also provide benefits such as
priority boarding or extra baggage allowances.
9. Consider travel
insurance
Unexpected
health issues or travel disruptions can be costly, making travel insurance a
smart investment. Many standard health insurance plans do not cover medical
expenses abroad, so seniors should look for policies that include emergency
care and evacuation coverage. Insurance can also protect against trip
cancelations, lost baggage, or unexpected delays, offering peace of mind
throughout the journey. Reviewing the fine print of policies ensures that
seniors get the coverage they need. Choosing plans with 24/7 assistance
services can be helpful in case of medical or logistical emergencies.
10. Consult a doctor
before traveling
A
pre-trip medical check-up can help ensure that seniors are fit for travel. Any
chronic conditions, recent surgeries, or necessary vaccinations should be
discussed with a doctor. If traveling to a country with potential health risks,
seniors should be informed about recommended immunizations and any precautions
they should take during their stay. Doctors may also provide advice on managing
jet lag, dietary restrictions, and adapting to different time zones. If you are going to trek then let your doctor reassure you that you will be safe in that altitude. Carrying
an updated health summary can help medical professionals abroad in case of
emergencies.
11. Travel off season
I love travelling off-season. With good protective clothing and plenty of me time in the tourist attractions, National Parks and art galleries you are bound to see something most tourists never will. The locals have more time for you to share their stories and off-season has its own culinary delights that await you! You have the freedom to change your schedule on a whim and not suffer the consequence of paying more for a bus ticket or a hotel room. I have in the past written about the joy of off-season travel. Please click:
https://surajitbrainwaves.blogspot.com/2022/08/the-joy-of-off-season-travel.html
12. Don’t rush
Instead of a busy travel schedule with Expedia or Sita
Travels, plan your own trip at a leisurely pace. Go to a place and stay there
for some time to enjoy its physical beauty, its culture and its cuisine.
Rush-rush trips are not for seniors. If you love to drive and are comfortable
driving on the right side of the road then only rent a car. Otherwise use
public transport and eat where locals do. Spend time with the locals even if
you don’t understand their language. A judicious combination of English and
hand signs usually does the trick. You can also use your phone’s language translation
software like Google Translate to communicate
and locals invariably help. Remember ‘smile’ is the universal key that opens all
locks in this world.
Every trip I take, whether in India or overseas, I enjoy, I experience and I learn. I started travelling in my teens. My taste of travel, purpose of travel, my choice of destination and my modality of travel has changed. Low cost 3 tier sleeper coaches in Indian Railways and Aeroflot air tickets with long stops in Moscow were once my choice, because that is what I could afford, but I have no regrets. I enjoyed them too. Today I can sacrifice economy for comfort and pamper myself with an occasional spa experience, which once was a useless luxury. But the quotient of enjoyment is certainly not related to the amount of money spent. It is all about the state of mind.
