TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE ELDERLY
If you’re planning to travel with your elderly parents or relatives, you needs to be extra careful. Factors such as sudden changes in temperature, climate and altitude, long hours of travelling or stress can ruin their chances of enjoying the trip. Here are some tips that will help you make their travel experiences safe and comfortable.
Tip #1 Make proper pre-travel arrangements
-Always remember to plan well in advance if you’re travelling with an elderly person. Many travel agents offer special services for seniors. Find out if your agent caters to the needs of aged travellers.
-Get a detailed idea about the medical facilities in the places you are planning to visit.
-Before you plan your trip, consider important factors such as climate, language and culture. It’s always advisable that you choose the place keeping in mind the convenience of your aged parents or relatives. Remember, it’s best to avoid places with extreme temperature.
-The best way to travel with an elderly person is to arrange for a package tour since it may help you travel with less worries.
-Get a thorough health check-up done before the journey and consult your physician for suggestions.
Tip #2 Pack with care
-While packing the luggage for your trip, the most important thing is to keep it as light as possible. Carry lightweight clothes and do not try to pack everything. Make a list of things that are absolutely important and indispensable; include only those on the list and keep aside the rest.
-If you’re traveling in a flight, your carry-on bag must include items such as regular medications, antacids, painkillers, ointments, band-aids and an extra pair of glasses.
-When it comes to seniors, you should opt for a luggage with wheels.
Tip #3 Take proper safety measures
When you’re accompanied by an elderly person, you must take precautions to make the journey safe. To avoid any unpleasant incident, refrain from traveling at night and do not display valuables and cash. It’s advisable that you carry as less cash as possible. Instead, rely on your traveller’s cheques and credit cards.
Always keep important phone numbers handy. If you’re travelling overseas, take the important details of the Indian embassy in that particular country.
