Whether it’s for leisure or permanent residence, traveling is a good investment, no matter what life stage you’re at. People say that traveling young lets you see the world differently, especially for wanderlusts. However, traveling as a retiree gives you a new sense of appreciation for all the years you’ve worked and saved up to be able to enjoy the travel that you’ve dreamed of.
There’s nothing wrong with traveling young, but doing it as a retiree is like flying away like a free bird. You get to discover new places with nothing holding you back, not even backlogs at work.
When travelling abroad, seniors are at a higher risk for injury since they have a lower tolerance for physical and mental stress. To combat this fear of flying, many seniors opt for a fear of flying course. This course will teach them about safety features in airplanes and the various causes of turbulence. In the event that a turbulence makes them feel uncomfortable, they will know how to take precautions so they can sleep more comfortably. Fear of flying course offers to help seniors conquer their fear of travelling onboard. These courses can make a world of difference in an individuals overall health by helping them understand how to manage their stress and anxiety levels.
However, just like traveling at any age, circumstances will always be different, and it’s good to know that you’re well-prepared for this adventure of a lifetime, which is why we’ve rounded up some travel tips for seniors so you can travel safely and comfortably.
Tips for Seniors to Travelling Safely and Comfortably Abroad
1. Research about your destination
Whether it’s for a vacation or moving to another country, the first thing any traveler should do is research the destination. A quick Google search is all you need to get a gist of the place, including the weather, the cost of living, the primary language used, etc. You can go one step further and read real-life stories of people residing in the destination you want to visit. By doing so, you can better understand the culture and lifestyle of the locals. There are plenty of stories like these on The Doe website. Knowledge is power, and if you’re better equipped about where you’re going, the more secure you’ll be.
2. Get travel medical insurance
Travel medical insurance can help keep you safe, both physically and financially, especially if you incur an injury or contract an illness while traveling. You won’t have to worry about the mountain of bills if you get sick overseas.
Most medical insurances are not covered in different countries, so having travel insurance will significantly help you. Even if you don’t get to use your insurance, at least you know you’re secured even if you’re not within the boundaries of your own country.
3. Don’t bring too much money
Traveling makes it so easy to get lost in the wonders of what a foreign land has to offer. However, remember that even if you are traveling, you have to take note of your expenses and protect yourself from loss or theft of both money and valuables. Be organized and strategic about how you access your money overseas:
- Check with your bank if your ATM will work overseas.
- Register with your bank the period you expect to be traveling, so in case you decide to splurge a little bit, your bank would know that it was your purchase and that your card wasn’t stolen.
- Keep your credit card with you at all times and within reach.
- Remember to print photocopies of valuable documents like passports, tickets, boarding passes, travel insurance policies, etc., and keep one with you at all times. The other copy stays with someone you trust.
- Remember to bring your senior citizen card; you’ll never know what kind of perks and benefits await you.
4. Don’t forget to exchange your money
The best way to get you the best currency exchange rate is by going to your local bank or credit union and buying your currency there.
However, if you want to wait until you get abroad, it’s usually more cost-effective to exchange your money in ATMs than an airport exchange kiosk. If you’re going to go the extra mile, you might want to do some research from travel blogs and see which money exchange kiosks are the best in the country.
5. Remember to stay connected
Always stay in touch with family and friends. Keep them in the loop of where you’re going and with whom. With the wonders of technology and social media, you can easily send a message or a photo to your loved ones to let them know that you’re okay.
6. Use travel apps for your convenience
Travel apps are a great way to enjoy your vacation. These applications provide you with all the details you will need, such as location, the cost for ticket booking, accommodations, the best spots for eating out, and how to enjoy your travel like a true local.
Plan Your Trips Wisely
Traveling is excellent at any age, but only when prepared. Since you’re traveling abroad, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. By preparing for your trip wisely, there are fewer chances for anything to go wrong, and if something does go wrong, at least you’ve done enough planning.
As a senior citizen, some factors could hinder you from enjoying your trip to the fullest. From medical issues to adapting to the new and technological advances, the only way to have a safe and worry-free journey is to do your research and plan.
Author Bio:
Randall Brody
Assistant Marketing Manager
Randall is the Founder of Tax Samaritan, a boutique firm specializing in the preparation of taxes and the resolution of tax problems for Americans living abroad, as well as the other unique tax issues that apply to taxpayers. Here, they help taxpayers save money on their tax return.
