Whether you yourself or a seasoned globe trotter, or you’ve waited until after you’ve retired, our travel needs and preferences can change significantly as we get older. Travel is a great way for seniors to explore new places, experience different cultures, and connect with loved ones.
Traveling to places both near and far is also a great way to maintain an active lifestyle and stay engaged both physically and socially. However, traveling in retirement can present its own set of challenges, from selecting the right destination, to navigating with transportation at the locale.
Once you have selected your dream vacation and you finish packing your bags, there’s some helpful tips for seniors that can help you to get the most out of your journey, no matter where you go.
When you’re booking your hotel, airline, or other travel accommodations, be sure to check for special offers and discounts that are exclusive to seniors. Organizations such as the AARP can offer discounted rates to members. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up when booking accommodations, as many of them are happy to offer them to older travelers.
It’s always best to be prepared. Once you have a destination in mind that you’ve picked, you can map it out for each day with sights to see, restaurants to enjoy, and shops to visit. That way, you’ve got plenty of activities to enjoy when you’re looking to get out.
When packing, choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched for different occasions, such as clothes that you can dress up or dress down. Also, try limiting yourself to a few pairs of comfortable shoes, so that your suitcase isn’t overloaded with things you won’t wear.
For seniors, traveling is all about comfort and accessibility, ideally without having to sacrifice any of the fun. Bus tours and cruises are an excellent way to travel wherever you want with both comfort and ease. Both bus tours and cruises offer all inclusive package deals, with entertainment, meals, and other accommodations all conveniently rolled into one purchase.
It’s important to make sure to stay in touch with loved ones back home, by bringing a smartphone or a tablet. It’s never a bad idea to purchase a cell service plan in a foreign country, but also keep in mind that many hotels, cafes, and other popular areas will all have free or cheap wifi for you so that you can access the internet.
No matter if you’re traveling solo or with a tour group, it is always important to make sure you’re prepared for anything. Bring spare batteries for hearing aids or other medical devices, and have important numbers accessible on your phone. Prepare your medications ahead of time, and keep your personal documentation with you at all times.
One of the best ways to have an enriching trip is to share your travel experience with other like minded people. Joining a senior travel group is a great way to meet new friends at the same time as you’re exploring new places.