Top Travel Tips for Seniors and Elderly Citizens
Seniors traveling abroad should not have to worry about any health issues while traveling abroad. Often times, senior citizens who travel are doing so to enjoy a nice relaxing vacation. Most of the time, seniors traveling will be able to manage. However, the stress of international air travel does take a toll on the human body. While seniors are traveling, they have to sleep uncomfortably, eat airplane food, & use unsanitary bathrooms. Moreover, once they land, their body has to adjust to the new climate, food, air, and water of their destination. In order to help relieve some of the stress seniors face while traveling, we've compilied a list of the top tips for traveling seniors:
1. Buy Travel Medical InsuranceIt's very imporant a travelin seniors enrolls in a suitble travel medical insurance plan. These plans act as a short term health insurance policy which will cover seniors while they explore the world. If a senioe ends of getting sick while they are traveling, often times it can lead to complications which can escalate quickly.
Traveling Seniors should look for an insurance which covers them for pre-existing conditions (not just acute onset), as well as have some great medical evacuation coverage. Moreover- senior should buy travel insurance from reputable carriers who have good reviews and have an easy claims process. 3. Travel with a Companion or Family MemberAs the saying goes- there is strength in numbers. We recommend traveling seniors arrange for a travel companion who can speak English and will be able to assist in immigration here in the Untied States.
Traveling with a family member will also help visitng seniors navigate large airports, and assit in putting lugage in storage bins, helping with medication, and making sure you are OK in case any emergency happens. 5. Print all Documents (and carry extra copies)We ask seniors to print all of their travel documents, carry multiple copies, and keep these copies in different places on your person and in your baggage. Whether this be your flight itinerary, your visa documents, hotel bookings, or insurance ID cards, we highly recommend making multiple copies.
7. Make sure to move aroundIt is important to stretch your legs on long flights. More often, international flights are averaging 12-16 hours per leg. Many older individuals may suffer from deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to health complications and even death! In order to avoid this from happening, we urge seniors to get up & about the cabin during the flight.
| 2. Keep Medicines on Carry-On & Pack ExtraWe suggest seniors keep their medicines close by and in carry-on baggage. We also ask seniors to keep track of there medicine timings, as changes in time-zone can affect the body and require attention. In case of baggage being lost, you want to make sure you medicines are close by and ensure your health is taken care of.
We also suggest bringing 2-3 times the needed supply for medications for your travels. Often times, seniors may miscalculate their needed prescription, or extend their travel. This will require additional medical. Senior may have a hard time getting prescriptions refilled in their journey abroad. INF offers a telemedicine service which allows visiting seniors to refill prescriptions, but not every travel insurance provides this facility to traveling seniors. 4. Ask for HelpDon't be afraid to ask for help. Airport staff and flight crew are trained to handle any situation & will provide the necessary assistance if you need it. If you need help lifting baggage in to the overhead compartment, or even need extra water, don't be afraid to ask the crew.
6. Eat Healthy & Stay HydratedWe suggest for elderly visitors to keep their diet in mind. Packing & eating healthy snacks is the best way to ensure you are refreshed when you land in the United States. Because most airlines are not aware of dietary restrictions faced by travelers, packing snacks is the best way to ensure you don't go hungry. Moreover, as airplanes are very dry environments, we highly recommend elderly travelers
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