Know Before You Go: Travel Tips for Seniors

Planning a trip is always important, especially for senior travelers with accessibility concerns while traveling. Call your airline carrier’s customer service line to discuss what forms of assistance or accommodations are available to you. If you need to be boarded early, please let the agent at the gate know.

Gather all the important documents you will need. This should include valid identification, medical information and travel health insurance cards. Please note that Medicare does not provide medical insurance outside the United States. Remember to pack all your medically necessary goods and medication in your carry on. Let the TSA officer know that you have these medical goods with you before you are screened.

Savvy travelers know that the best time to travel is during the “shoulder season,” which are the months of April and October. For example, if you’re thinking of going to Europe during these months, you’re in luck. Summer crowds and hot weather are gone, with the added benefit of lower travel costs. Don’t forget to ask for a senior discount on transportation, museums, shops, restaurants and sightseeing to stretch your money even further.

If you are considering retiring abroad, it might make sense to become a part of the community you would eventually want to live in. Plan on a long-term trip and settle down in one place, and then take side trips from your home base. Two invaluable online resources you may want to check out are The Expat Exchange and International Living for those planning to live overseas.

Outsource the details

For many travelers of a certain age, the idea of going it alone is no longer as appealing as it once was. Happily, there are senior-oriented stress-free travel tours that leave many of the details as well as the driving to local pros. Here are a few of the top-rated travel tour companies that are focused on seniors that are worth looking into:

  • Road Scholar — These tours are geared toward the 50+ crowd and appeal to those who are lifelong learners desiring an educational experience along with their travels. With tours in over 100 countries, there is truly something for everyone. There is an activity level rating for each trip to let you know how physically demanding the tour will be. Some tours even offer the opportunity to take your grandchild along with you to create lasting memories.
  • Globus — Recognizing that one tour does not fit all, Globus, with over 100 years in the business, offers a range of tour types. Itineraries focus on can’t-miss attractions for first timers to off-the-beaten-path experiences for seasoned travelers.
  • Trafalgar — Not only is Trafalgar one of the oldest and most well-respected brands in the industry, it has also instituted the first “well-being directors” program. The directors are tasked with making sure that all Trafalgar partners are adhering to proper health protocols. Additionally, directors see to it that all health-related questions from guests are answered.

Whether you are an independent traveler or welcome the company of a tour group, planning your trip ahead of time is key to an enjoyable and nearly stress-free experience. Contact us for more ideas on how to travel safely and with confidence. Bon voyage.

Reach out to Roz Carothers and her team at Triplett & Carothers to learn more.

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