Top 5 Summer Travel Tips for Seniors

Just because you are of advanced age doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the summer. Fun in the sun isn’t just reserved for the young and carefree – older generations can still go on adventures that would give most young people a run for their money. Seniors might need a little extra preparation, but once all the details are taken care of, they are ready to go. However, it is important to know what some of the preparations are and to take some other things into consideration as well – just to maximize the fun factor. Here are the top 5 summer travel tips for seniors.

1. Be pragmatic about your plans. Sure, you can plan an 8-hour day out sightseeing, but you might only be able to handle two hours at a time – separated by naps, snacks, and visits to the restroom. By the end of the day, you could have spent 15 hours on the road. So, make sure to plan the day accordingly and to pack the most important stuff in first, because you might not be able to see it all. The more pragmatic you are, the easier it is to avoid disappointment due to unrealistic expectations.
2. Bring everything you need and be as prepared as possible. A long car ride might be tough for many seniors, so it is important to prepare your trip accordingly. Bring lots of snacks, entertainment, and expect to make many stops along the way. If incontinence is an issue, be sure to bring plenty of diapers so there aren’t any major, embarrassing accidents. The last thing you want when you are on a summer vacation is to have a ‘whoops’ moment.
3. Keep all your medical records on your person. It is critical while you are on vacation to make sure you keep all your medical records safely on your person – just in case of an emergency. You don’t want to have a medical emergency and waste precious time trying to tell doctors if you have a previous condition or not, or if you need medication – this can be especially problematic if you are unconscious. While this will probably not happen while you are on vacation, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
4. Go somewhere that doesn’t require you to be on your feet for so long. For instance, there are many San Diego attractions, like Balboa Park, that allow you to spend as much time on your feet or sitting down as you want. Moreover, you don’t want to be anywhere that makes you go beyond your comfort zone. A theme park with lots of roller coasters is probably not the best place for a senior.
5. Bring a cellphone everywhere you go. It is important to have a direct line to relatives, doctors, or any other emergency contact – just in case. You might have a question regarding your medication or perhaps you are experiencing a side effect that you are not familiar with. It could be nothing, but then again you don’t want to disregard something that could be serious. Moreover, make sure that your cellphone is always charged and has enough juice to last throughout the day.