The holiday season is around the corner. From Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, the holiday season is an anticipated time when people gather with their loved ones and friends to share the holiday spirit. During this period, some families focus on decorating their homes and hosting loved ones, while others plan for holiday travel. However, many industries, particularly the travel industry, still grapple with the ramifications of COVID-19. Most people, especially seniors, had to cancel their travel plans for the last two years due to the pandemic. Now, they can travel safer during the holiday season.
Today, according to the AARP, the travel volume has increased over the past few months with more flight and hotel bookings. According to the survey, about 43% of seniors plan to travel domestically and internationally. Here are holiday travel tips for seniors traveling for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Ensure All the Pre-Travel Arrangements Are Made
- Research important factors like the climate, health risks, and the medical facilities in the areas they will be traveling.
- Book flights early.
- Book their rental car ahead of time if they need any.
- Consult with the travel agent to make arrangements for assistive devices such as wheelchairs.
- Consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive medical check-up to travel safer. This is important for seniors with chronic conditions.
- Update routine vaccines.
- Seniors should plan for the unexpected. They should find out if their health insurance provider covers medical care in the planned destination.
- Avoid crowded destinations.
2. Take Advantage of Senior Fares
Most airlines provide discounted rates to senior adults. When booking a flight, seniors should inquire about senior fares.
3. Know the Airport to Travel Safer
When at the airport, seniors should:
- Keep important flight documents such as tickets and ID handy.
- Put masks on and sanitize their hands often.
- Prepare for security lines.
- Seniors should eat meals loaded with antioxidants before their flight to help support their immune systems during the trip.
4. Seniors Should Be Aware of Different Kinds of Baggage and Their Rules
There are three types of baggage every traveler should be aware of:
- Checked baggage: It is stored in the and cannot be accessed during the flight
- Carry-on baggage: It is stored in the plane's cabin. Its weight is lower than that of checked baggage
- Personal items: These include items such as handbags, or electronic devices
Pro-tip: Seniors should label their baggage with big name tags to help them recognize their items easily when gathering the baggage upon arrival.
5. Pay Attention to the Flight Attendant's Briefing
Before take-off, seniors should follow the cabin crew rules and ask for help whenever they need assistance to travel safer.
6. Stay Hydrated During the Flight
Decreased humidity in the cabin can cause mild discomfort. Therefore, according to Aerospace Medical Association, passengers should drink about 8 ounces of water for each hour spent on board. Also, increased washroom visits allow one to stretch their legs, preventing swelling due to prolonged immobility.
7. Exercise to Travel Safer as a Senior
Prolonged immobility can lead to fluid buildup in the legs, which can cause swelling of the legs and muscle soreness. Therefore, as soon as the seniors reach their destination, they should lie down on the bed and prop their legs up on the wall for 10 minutes to help drain the fluid and reduce the swelling.
Seniors should also try some simple exercises to stretch the muscles and release the tension in the body. However, seniors should only do exercises recommended by their healthcare providers.
Get Professional Help
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