Once upon a time, retirement dreams of working professionals often included extensive travel. Many seniors had to delay their intentions to travel during the years following the COVID-19 outbreak, but now many are considering taking off for far-flung destinations. People over the age of 50 are planning to not only start traveling again, but also spend much more money on trips, according to an AARP survey from 2022.
According to AARP statistics, Americans over the age of 50 spent an average of $7,314 per year on vacations before the pandemic. By the spring of 2022, people in that age group were indicating a willingness to pay $8,369. It’s easy to forget some basic safety precautions when you’re in a rush to get back on the road, in the air, or on the high seas. But problems caused by that kind of carelessness could make traveling less fun. The following advice can help lessen the possibility of problems while traveling for elders.
Find out if your preferred travel destinations are affected by any current health conditions. A great resource for those who are planning a trip is the CDC’s page on travel vaccinations, which may be found at cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a detailed list of countries and regions, along with up-to-date travel health advisories. Visit cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list to learn if there are any health concerns in the countries you plan to visit as a senior.
Consult a medical professional. A visit to the doctor before leaving on your trip might help rule out any potential health problems. Such problems might be manageable for domestic travelers who aren’t going anywhere particularly out of the way, but they’re more likely to be a hassle while traveling abroad. A doctor can advise you on the best immunizations and other preventative health precautions to take while traveling.
A trip to the doctor before departure is also a good time to get refills on any medications you’ll need to take with you. Likewise, make sure to safeguard your money. Of all, not all travel worries involve health issues. Preparation for a trip includes thinking about money. Since the beginning of 2022, inflation has caused a substantial increase in the price of several commodities, including meals and attractions, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Baggage fees have increased substantially in recent years, so retirees on a tight budget may wish to travel with less clothing and do laundry while away. Furthermore, the unpredictability of travel since the start of the pandemic has highlighted the value of travel insurance. Seniors can protect themselves financially in the event of travel disruptions by purchasing travel insurance.
Send your itinerary to me in confidence. You should let loved ones know your travel plans before you go. Don’t broadcast your travel plans online, as this can make you an easy target for fraudsters both at home and abroad. Where you’ll be staying, when you’ll be there, and when you’ll be doing various activities should all be included in the itinerary. Seniors rekindling their love of travel can take a number of precautions to ensure their safety.
