Tips for Trouble-Free Senior Travel

No trip or vacation is complete without a checklist. So here are some things to think in order to help seniors make their trips as healthful, safe and trouble-free as possible.

Plan for Your Health
You should not leave home without your prescriptions. Keep pills in their original containers so they are easy to identify and easily refilled if you stay longer than planned. If you are flying, pack your medications in your carry-on to make sure they do not get lost. Do not forget your doctor-approved over-the-counter meds, such as pain relievers, antihistamines and antacids.

Check with your doctor before you leave. Ask your doctor to provide you a summary of your medical history—past and current conditions and how they are being treated, along with a list of drugs you are taking, with the doses. This will help in the event you need medical attention while away. If you are crossing time zones your doctor can advise you on when to take your medications.

Talk with your doctor about prevention of deep-vein thrombosis, a dangerous condition in which blood clots form in veins, usually in the legs. Sitting for a long time on an airplane or train can contribute to this. Your doctor may also recommend that you update your vaccinations. You may need vaccinations for overseas travel, and these should be received up to six weeks before departure.

If you are vacationing where it is warm, it is also important to remember to stay hydrated. Carry water with you, and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Keep in mind that many medications can make you more susceptible to heat-related medical issues. When out and about, wear a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Many seniors have mobility issues that affect how they travel. If you have mobility issues, tell your travel provider up front. They will be glad to make special arrangements to help you.

Another important item to remember before traveling concerns your insurance. Ask your health insurance provider if you are covered for medical care and medical evacuation if you become ill during an overseas vacation—or if you need to buy emergency coverage. For country-specific health insurance information, visit the U.S. State Department at http://travel.state.gov.

Protect Yourself and Valuables
Prevent identity theft by bringing only the ID and credit cards you will need. Leave anything with your Social Security number at home. Use prepaid or stored-value travel cards and keep the issuers' phone numbers in a safe, accessible place. Keep your passport and other ID, credit cards and cash in a money belt worn under your clothing and carry an inexpensive decoy wallet.

Travelers should also plan leave expensive jewelry at home and dress in clothing that does not shout “tourist!”

It may also be a good idea to make copies of important documents, like passports and tickets. This will make it easier to replace them if they are lost or stolen. Give a copy of your passport to a friend or relative and carry one with you. Also keep a list of credit card and transportation contact numbers.

No matter where you lodge during your trip, never open your hotel door to strangers. Use the door viewer to see who is outside, and do not trust anyone claiming to be a hotel employee if you are not expecting one. Call the front desk to check. Keep the door to your room locked at all times, and turn the deadbolt and fasten the security chain when you are inside. It is always best to use the main entrance when leaving your hotel after dark.

Many seniors also prefer group travel for ease of transportation and safety, but do check to make sure the itinerary is at the right pace for you.