Since they are often retired, many seniors like to plan trips and travel during the summer months. If you are a senior yourself, or you are helping a senior to plan their summer trip, considers some of these accommodations that should be planned for. Planning ahead can take a lot of stress out of a summer trip, and help you to stay healthy and relaxed for your entire vacation.
Seniors should meet with their doctor before traveling, and should discuss their upcoming vacation. This will allow the doctor to give any needed medical advice and refill any prescriptions that might expire while you are away. If you have any serious medical issues, you might have your doctor write out an outline of your medical history and course of treatment, along with a list of medications and dosage instructions. This will be very helpful and save a lot of time if you need to seek emergency treatment away from home.
Airports, train stations, and bus stations are all extremely crowded places. Wash your hands frequently and carry an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Always wash your hands to avoid picking up and germs as you travel, especially before eating. Avoid traveling overseas to locations that are suffering from flu or other outbreaks of contagious disease. Stay comfortable while traveling to your destination by packing any medications that you might need, a sweater, sunglasses, water, etc in a carrying bag that you will have on hand.
While you are on vacation, make sure to keep comfortable. Warmer summer temperatures make everyone more susceptible to heat stroke and exhaustion. Symptoms can include confusion, short rapid breathing, a fast pulse, excessive sweating or lack of sweat. Avoid the heat and direct sun. Seek comfortable places to relax, such us under an umbrella, on a patio, or anywhere air-conditioned. Drink plenty of water, and wear light loose-weight clothing in light colors. Pack sunscreen, glasses, and hats.
If you are worried about traveling alone because of any health conditions that you have, consider traveling with a friend or family member. Another option is to join a tour group that is aimed at seniors. These can be nice ways to travel where you want to go, and maybe make some new friends on the trip.
Just because you are a senior, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a great summer vacation. Just take the time to plan ahead, and that way you will have no worries while you are away. Have a good vacation!