If you are considering taking your loved one on vacation with you, there may be some hesitations in the process. Traveling with seniors tends to be a bit more complicated, but it can still be a great time. Planning ahead for anticipated uncertainties can make the experience better for everyone involved. Before traveling, make sure both you and your senior take proper safety precautions. You can’t predict everything that could happen, but there are some tips to keep in mind for traveling with seniors.
7 Tips for Traveling with Seniors
1. Give yourself extra time
If you are flying, arrive at the airport no less than two hours early. This will give you enough time for your senior to get through security, baggage, etc. without having to rush. Also when traveling with seniors, be sure that they use the restroom at the airport before boarding. Doing this will decrease the likelihood that your loved one will have to use the cramped bathroom on the plane.
This also applies to anything else you have planned for the trip. Give yourself an extra 10-20 minutes to get wherever you are going. This can account for the extra time it takes for your loved one to physically move or to find wheelchair accessible areas. If you are participating in an activity where bathrooms are limited or won’t be easily accessible, again make sure your senior uses the bathroom beforehand.
2. Make sure the traveling is approved
Before making any set-in-stone plans for your senior, make sure to get his/her physician’s approval. This is especially important if you are traveling with seniors suffering from any major health conditions, physical limitations, required treatments or has any other medical situation.
Once you have all the details planned and settled, it is recommended to have another visit 4–6 weeks before traveling. Make sure your senior is up to date on vaccinations and ask any questions you may have. Also, make sure all prescriptions that you need to take are filled.
3. Request special services ahead of time
When traveling with seniors, it is important to know what type of special accommodations they may need throughout the trip. At the airport and on the plane your senior may need wheelchair assistance or accessibility, early boarding, or special seating. Contact the airline ahead to make these requests to ensure a painless boarding experience. Also during the security check, inform TSA agents of any surgical implants that might be detected.
Aside from the airport, when booking hotels, rental cars, and other reservations, be sure to ask for what you need. Bringing a travel pillow and small blanket (if necessary) along will be a great accommodation for your senior during travel.
4. Gather documentation/identification
Before traveling with seniors, make sure you or they have all the proper documentation. If a passport is needed, apply for one ASAP as they can take time. Driver’s licenses, insurance papers, prescriptions, and any other medical information should also be included. Keep everything together with your tickets and itineraries so nothing gets lost or misplaced.
5. Pack light
Packing light goes for both you and your senior. Don’t bring unnecessary things, and don’t bring those outfits that you “might” wear, but you know you really won’t. Packing heavy can only make traveling with seniors more difficult, as they might not be able to carry their own luggage, or just simply can’t handle the weight.
Focus on what is essential to have, and of course, bring any special items your senior might need. You can also check if where you are staying has washers/dryers. Depending on the length of the vacation, laundry might not be the best option. However, it can save lots of packing space!
6. Provide a means for contact
If your senior does not already have a cell phone, it is important that you get them one for the trip. A prepaid phone is a great option for this, as they probably won’t use too many minutes. Put your number in the phone and even on speed dial if you think that would help.
If your loved one does not know how to work a cell phone, be sure to sit down and allow time to teach. If they are still having trouble right before you are leaving, writing small instructions and taping over the paper on the back of the phone is also an option.
7. Plan for some downtime
Traveling with seniors cannot only be tiring for you, but also for your loved one. Older adults tire easily, to begin with, so make sure there’s time to relax every day. Plan for about 1-2 hours in the afternoon, and remember not to schedule things too late into the evening. Of course, it is important for both you and your loved one to have fun, just don’t overdo it.
