Have you always dreamed of traveling but had to work and care for your family instead? Now that you’re older, you have time, money and energy to see the world. Dust off your suitcase, and use three tips as you plan your travel adventures today.
Choose a Destination
Sounds obvious, right? But, really, your destination is limited only by your imagination, your budget and your physical health. Additionally, consider what you want to accomplish as you travel.
- If you want adventure, buy an airline ticket and play your vacation by ear.
- Travel on a budget with all-inclusive cruises, resorts and tours that allow you to pay for your vacation upfront.
- Rest and relax in a beach-side hotel with room service or in a secluded cabin in the woods.
With these considerations in mind, choose the perfect destination for your next trip.
Choose Your Travel Companions
Traveling is a great experience to enjoy with your family. Explore ancestral roots with your children, or run away with your spouse on a romantic getaway. Treat your grandchildren to an amusement park adventure, or spend a summer touring the U.S. with your best friends. When you travel with family, you build relationships and make memories that last a lifetime.
You don’t have to travel with family, though, especially if you want to take a solo pilgrimage or your loved ones don’t enjoy traveling. Join a travel club or find a bus tour. When you travel with at least one other person, you always have someone to talk to, you save money on double occupancy rooms and you feel safer.
Choose the Best Time to Travel
Unless your travel companions can only get away during the tourist season, travel during off-peak seasons. You’ll skip the crowds, and you’ll save money since most travel agencies and hotels charge less during the off-season.
Beat the airline crowds and the huge airline costs when you book early morning flights. You’ll also save money when you fly Tuesday or Wednesday.
Remember to ask for senior discounts when you book flights and hotels rooms or buy tickets for the bus or train tickets. Some companies offer senior discounts to travelers as young as 55, but they won’t give you a discount unless you ask.
Keep your Health in Mind
Whether you’re in perfect health or suffer from physical ailments, travel can be relaxing and enjoyable. You may want to get your physician’s okay before you book your trip, and travel medical insurance for seniors is also a good idea. Then pack enough prescription medications to last your entire trip, and carry copies of the prescriptions in case your medicines are lost or stolen. You should also purchase travel medical insurance for seniors. It ensures you can access medical treatment as you travel.
To treat minor injuries or illnesses on your trip, pack a small first aid kit that includes:
- Bandages, gauze and tape
- Antibacterial ointment
- Pain medication
- Anti diarrheal tablets
- Antacids
- Motion sickness pills
- Anti-itch ointment
- Cough drops
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Tweezers
With these medical considerations, you stay healthy no matter where you travel.
Don’t let excuses keep you from enjoying the travel adventures of a lifetime. Choose a destination, invite a few friends or family members and book your trip. Where will your next vacation take you?