Air Travel Tips for Adventurous Seniors

Updated 08/02/2017 12:00pm | Home is where the heart is, but sometimes you yearn for an escape. Leaving town for palm trees, warm sun, and delicious food sounds like paradise - why not go on a vacation for the holidays? Whether you’re going with friends or flying solo, traveling is one of the best activities to do. You get to meet new people, learn about new cultures, and see some of the finest views in the world.

As you get older, you may think you can’t travel anymore. Maybe it’s hard to walk around with your aching back and knees. Or maybe you’re concerned that you’ll have an accident in an unfamiliar city. Don’t let concerns like these stop you from traveling. To make sure your holiday trip is both safe and exciting, read our top travel tips for the adventurous senior.  

Going on vacation requires a lot of planning. Between choosing hotels and airlines, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Before buying your tickets, follow these tips to ease the process.

• Get a Checkup. Before planning your trip, schedule an appointment with your doctor. The doctor can clear you for flying and recommend medications if needed. They will also give you any required vaccinations before you leave for your trip. You want to be in your best shape. This is especially important if you’re flying abroad for a long period of time. 
• Research the Perfect Hotels. After having a fun-filled day, you will want a perfect hotel to relax in. Use the Internet to help you find the best ones. Nonbiased review sites like kayak.com will help you determine what works best for you. There are many questions you need to consider. Is the hotel in a good location? Will there be any ongoing construction? Is the room located on the ground floor? It’s not all about price when it comes to hotel rooms. Choose the best option for your needs.
• Sign Up for TSA Pre-check. If you’re a frequent flyer, a TSA pre-check is a great investment. A five-year membership is only $85. It's exhausting to wait in line for security check. Sometimes, waiting in line feels longer than the flight itself. When you apply for TSA pre-check, you skip all the long security lines. You’ll have plenty of time to eat and relax before your flight.

Now that you’ve bought your ticket and are ready to go, keep these tips in mind whilst traveling for a safe journey. 

• Keep Necessities in Your Carry-On. Pack important things in your carry-on in case your luggage goes missing. Essentials like your wallet, passport, and medication should always stay by your side. After all, you never know if your check-in luggage will make it to your destination. If you keep your important items with you at all times, you won’t have to worry about losing them. 
• Ask for Onboarding Assistance. Most airlines will offer assistance to those in need to make their flying experience easier. This is a great option for seniors with physical disabilities.If you need help with your luggage through the terminal, an airport employee can assist you. At the gate, ask an airline attendant for onboarding assistance. An airline assistant will ensure that you’re safe and relaxed throughout the flight.
• Make Yourself Comfortable. Pack a portable pillow, blanket, and earplugs in your carry-on to ensure you get some sleep on the plane. Long flights are draining.  No matter what your age, it’s hard to get a decent night’s sleep on a plane. With these items, you’ll wake up at your destination energized and ready to go.   

Now that you’ve reached your destination, it’s time to have fun! With so many activities to do, you need to make sure you’re safe while doing them. You could get injured on a hike or have your wallet stolen in downtown. Senior tourists are the most vulnerable to accidents and theft. To stay safe while enjoying your trip, make sure you follow these tips.

• Wear a Money Belt. A money belt is more discrete than a backpack or fanny pack. The less you look like a tourist, the less likely thieves will target you. When you wear a money belt, your shirt will cover your credit cards, cash, and phone. Your belongings will always be in front of you, and no one will be the wiser. 
• Carry Your Mobile Medical Alert. If you’re traveling within the United States, a mobile medical alert system is perfect to have during your vacation. Alert1’s mobile alerts use advanced GPS technology to find you wherever you are during an accident. You’ll never get lost in an unfamiliar place, and your family will know you’re always protected.
• Keep a Contact Card. In case you lose your phone and can’t remember phone numbers, refer to your contact card.  List the phone numbers of family and friends on your card. For trips abroad, write down the U.S. Embassy’s information. The U.S. Embassy will always help you in an emergency.

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Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t travel. In fact, it’s the perfect excuse to explore the world. There are so many vacation options out there for seniors, you can go anywhere you want.

It’s common to worry about safety in new places, but don’t let this fear stop you. With the right preparations, you’ll always be safe and happy through your holiday travels. 

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