Top Tips for Traveling Abroad as a Senior

You spent most of your life working and looking after your family, so now it’s high time you relax and enjoy the perks of being retired.

If you contributed to the 401k plan during your working days, chances are you will be able to enjoy the rest of your pension years doing everything you ever wanted. For some, it’s fishing or seeking a new life in sunny Florida, while others prefer traveling and seeing the world.

If you fall into the second category and want to see as many countries and places as possible, here are some traveling tips that are meant to keep you safe and enjoy your journey overseas.

Aim for the good seasons

One of the perks of being retired is that you get to travel all year round, without being forced to pick the high season. So, instead of visiting Paris in August along with other about 10-20 million tourists, plan your trip in advance to avoid unwanted crowds. As a general rule, try traveling one-two months before the high season, depending on which country or place you’re opting for.

If Europe is on your list, try April-May or September to get enough good weather while also avoiding hot summer days and overcrowded venues.

Other destinations like Dubai or most Asian countries are best visited in the winter months, from November to February. However, check with the local guides to find out in advance when the rainy season starts or if there are any alerts of bad weather around the time you plan your trip.

Stay in touch with your loved ones

Whenever traveling abroad, make sure your children, friends or relatives know exactly where you are at all times.

Get a good cell phone plan for some international calls or texts and communicate with your beloved ones at least once a day, to let them know you’re safe and stick to the itinerary. Other gadgets like simple tablets for grandparents can help you communicate faster and easier via wireless connections.

Invest in a smartphone or tablet with high-quality cameras that allow you to have a decent video call with your friends or family while abroad. This way they will know for sure that everything is alright.

Take it easy

If you’re not used to walking long distances or spending a lot of hours standing daily, you should refrain from challenging trips that include a lot of destinations and places to be checked daily. Don’t forget that your mobility will reduce after a while and you’ll get tired easily, especially if you walk for hours in the summertime, without too many breaks.

Hiking or cycling shouldn’t be on your list either unless you are used to these types of activities or you have an additional vehicle to get you from one location to another without walking on your own.

We suggest starting with cruises and relaxation holidays in all-inclusive resorts that allow you to enjoy the good life without too much effort. Even so, don’t forget to take a nap in the afternoon or go to sleep early at night to have enough strength to continue the next day.

Don’t forget your medication

Being a senior is not that fun when you have to travel with a full cabinet of drugs with you everywhere. However, looking after your health is important, and this is why you should never go anywhere without your daily medicines.

Make sure to get another prescription or a refill from your physician before departure and take your pills at the same hour daily, even if you’re on holidays and you seem to feel better off without them.

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