Travelling as a senior

Preparing your trip

Are you fit to travel?

As a senior, you now have a great opportunity to travel and visit foreign countries you might not have had the time to visit before. But as travelling may prove to be stressful, it is important to plan ahead carefully, so that you spend a healthy, relaxing and enjoyable trip.

Choosing your destination

Start by choosing a destination and gathering information about the places you want to visit, paying careful attention to the elevation, climate, health hazards and availability of medical services. Keep in mind that it is best to avoid any destination that is currently experiencing massive outbreaks, especially flu outbreaks. When making reservations for a hotel, be sure to ask for specific information on where you'll be staying, so that you can avoid having to take the stairs if this causes you trouble.

Medical preparations

See your physician

It is strongly recommended that you see your physician for a checkup at least four weeks before departure. Explain your travel plans so that he can assess which immunizations may be needed, confirm that there are no limits on your activities and give you further medical advice. If you have a serious medical condition, ask your physician to write an outline of your medical history as well as the course of treatment you have been following.

Medication

If you take medication, ask your physician for a refill prescription and another extra prescription in case you should run out while travelling. Make sure the prescriptions include the generic name of the active chemical substances (in English), as some trade names may not be known at your destination. Keep the extra prescription on you at all times. The medication should be kept in its original packaging to avoid problems with customs as well as to aid doctors in case of an emergency. If possible, store your medication in two separate bags, but keep in mind that one of them should always be close at hand (e.g. in carry-on luggage) so that you can easily access your medication if necessary.

What to take with you

It is a good idea to keep some identification and medical information on you in case of an emergency. If you are travelling alone and have a serious medical condition, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. Remember to write down your doctor's name and contact details so that he can be contacted in case of an emergency. It is also a good idea to bring a list of all the drugs you are taking, including the dosage.

Pack with your destination's climate in mind, but limit the amount you take with you. Cotton-based clothing is preferable, as it does not hinder movement, is easily washed and well suited for tropical climates. If you have eyeglasses, remember to take an extra pair, in case your first pair gets lost or broken. Likewise, take a pair of glasses if you wear contacts. Other useful items you may want to take with you are decongestants, eye drops, sunglasses or extra batteries if you are using a hearing aid. If you are travelling with others, consider taking a mobile phone along, so that you can find or meet each other if you get split up. Should you travel by plane, remember not to pack too much in your carry-on bags.

Travel insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance before leaving, as with increasing age, medical conditions are more likely to occur. Medical bills can be very expensive abroad, so it is important to have insurance in case something happens.

Transportation

By plane

Travelling by plane can be quite stressful, but you do not need to worry as long as you take some time to plan your flight in advance. Think about the services you will need before booking your airline ticket and inform the travel agent accordingly. For example, it might be a good idea to request a wheelchair if you get tired easily, as you are likely to have to walk long distances or stand for a long time at the airport. Likewise, if you have a special diet, request a special on-board meal at least 24 hours before departure. Ask for a seat in the aisle, so that you can get up easily during the flight to stretch your legs.

On the day before departure, get a good night's rest and anticipate how much time you will need to prepare to leave. On the day of your departure, eat lightly, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol and coffee. If your health condition is good, try to get some light exercise before the flight and walk around the airport. Once on board, try to sleep as much as you can during the flight. Because jetlag becomes more uncomfortable with age, you might want to slowly adapt to your destination's time in the week before the trip. You should not feel the effets of jetlag if you fly through fewer than three time zones.

At your destination

Precautions

As long as you stay attentive to certain health related risks, there is no reason that you should not have a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The first thing to look out for, if you are travelling to a hot destination, is heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when the human body is unable to get rid of excess heat due to environmental conditions. Common symptoms include a high body temperature, the absence of sweating, hot red or flushed dry skin, difficulty breathing and eccentric behavior. To avoid having a heat stroke, do most outdoor activities in the cooler early hours of the morning or in the late afternoon. Drink regularly, preferably water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Do not forget to wear sunscreen on bright sunny days.

Another risk to watch out for is altitude sickness. If you usually live at a low altitude and are travelling to a place at an altitude above 5,000 feet (1,500 meters), you should expect to require ten to fourteen days to adapt to the altitude change. If you feel altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude or, if needed, get additional oxygen.

If your health is satisfactory, try to do some light exercise now and then. Activities during holidays can prove to be tiresome. As a result, you should be sure to get enough sleep every night and possibly take a nap during the hot hours of the day. While travelling, frequently wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer to avoid possible infections. Remember that if you feel tired, fatigued, or short of breath, you should stop whatever you are doing and rest.

In case of emergency

Should you suffer from a heart condition or another serious medical condition, tell other people around you so that they can assist you in case of an emergency. If you get sick, but you do not consider it to be an emergency, ask your nearest embassy or consulate for a list of recommended doctors.