Due to technological advancement and the increasing wiliness of the senior citizen to travel, senior holidays have become more popular. However, due to various constraints, it is always a good idea that a few precautions are followed. In this guide, we will explore some of the most beneficial senior travel tips.
Travel Outside of Peak Times (School holidays) – The vast majority of senior citizens would prefer to spend their holiday relaxing rather than with large families that are not theirs. In the summer and to a lesser extent, the winter, families will be on holiday, and if you are traveling to a ‘popular’ family destination you will come across plenty of hyperactive children.
Travel Outside of Peak Times (Cheaper) – Another benefit of this is that traveling outside of ‘peak’ times is much cheaper. Peak prices can half for popular holidays, and this price comes into effect the day of break up. Searching around and looking for the best price compared with the time of the year is something that every person should consider.
Travel Outside of Peak Times (Cooler Weather) – Even though the elder generation may like the hot weather as much as the next person it will probably end up being more of a hindrance. If you are going on a sightseeing holiday, the weather will mean that you have to stop and break more often, which is not a positive point. Ideally, the weather would be warm and not raining but not very hot and sunny, meaning that the best time for travel is usually early spring of late autumn.
Stopping over can be a Holiday – If you are traveling by coach or plane to a far away destination, the chances are taking a ‘pit stop’ is beneficial. As getting back home for work or to look after something should no longer be an issue, why not use this stopover as an excuse to take a pre-holiday. Instead of stopping at your layover for a few hours, spend a couple of nights there.
Doctor Visit – Going to your GP well in advance is essential for many reasons. First, they can prescribe you all your medications. Then, they will tell you if you require any vaccinations. Last but not least they will tell you how to stay safe based on where you are visiting. Having all of this information to hand will ensure you have a safe holiday.
Bags with Wheels – Even though they are what the majority of people consider as standard, ensuring you have bags with wheels is essential. Wheeling your bag around is easier than carrying it, and because they are so popular you can get a sizeable lightweight wheelie bag for under £30.
Move Around When Flying – It has been well documented that moving around when flying is vastly beneficial. However, this is even truer for the elder generation. Senior citizens should move around for about 2-3 minutes every hour when traveling on a plane.
Be Clever with Alcohol – As you will be aware, drinking in a different climate has various effects to drinking in England. Drinking alcohol is dehydrating and because of the effects of alcohol, you will not always realize how bad you are getting. This can lead to sun stroke, which can ruin a holiday. To stop this, have one alcoholic drink then one glass of water afterward.
Work out your trip in Advance – Having a well-documented list of what you want to do and when you want to do it is beneficial for every party but even more so for the elder generation. This list should be drafted well before you leave and should include things like checking your passport is in date and making sure you have appropriate medical insurance. There are plenty of websites that will help you compile a pre and even post holiday list. Then when you are on holiday, it is up to you. Make sure you give a copy of this list to your next of kin just so they know where you plan to be on specific days.
Turn off Roaming – If you have a mobile phone, then make sure you turn off roaming. Go into your provider’s shop before you leave or ask a member of your family or a friend to help. Failure to turn off roaming can leave you with an astronomical bill even if you do not make or receive a call or text message.
Following all the above tips will make sure that your holiday is one to remember. However, missing just one of these points can turn your holiday into a bad experience, and that is something that preparation can stop. The most important step here is making a list to work out your trip in advance. This can stop any nasty surprises while you are on holiday or when you get back.