The World is Your Oyster

One of the great epiphanies many experience as they enter the golden years is the world is your oyster.

Typically, seniors are retired, the children have moved out and moved on, the mortgage is paid off and there is more spare time. There is a sense of freedom to do things one previously could not do because of other obligations. And with this emancipation, one of the most popular activities people pursue is travel.

Travel is fulfilling, educational and enlightening. It is equally enjoyable as a single, as a couple, with friends or in a large group. But to truly maximize the experience, leave nothing to chance by preparing for any unforeseen difficulties.

Get Expert Help

With the help of the team at Acendas Travel, we offer these 10 tips for senior travelers:

• Consider a travel agent. If you are a novice traveler, then a travel agent is a must. They are the experts in the business. They design a trip to meet your wishes, and have the answers for your questions. The world is your oyster, but only if you know how to explore it.
• Get travel insurance. Weather, illness, schedule conflicts and more can jeopardize your trip and put you at a financial loss. Travel insurance can mitigate those losses. Travel insurance comes at different levels with various limitations, so at the very least explore all options to determine if any one of them is appropriate for you.
• Let’s get physical. Especially for seniors, it is important that any physical issues are known and addressed before travel. Let your physician know you are traveling so they can offer any suggestions in terms of activities, concerns, needs, etc. In discussions with your agent, it is important to let them know of any physical limitations you might have. If you are on prescription medicines, make sure you have an extra supply with you. Cruise ships, resorts and hotels, tours all have medical resources and access to medical professionals. Your agent can outline those for you. 

Are Your Papers in Order?

• If necessary, update your passport. If you are traveling outside of the United States, you need a valid passport. That means it must not expire prior to six months of your last day of travel. Passports secured for those 15 years and younger are legal for five years. Those for individuals 16 years of age and older have a 10-year life. Don’t delay in your renewal. With delays lingering from Covid-19, processing times have lengthened. There are also some options for online renewals.
• Is your ID compliant? Those who utilize various forms of identification at TSA airport checkpoints, including driver’s licenses, must provide one that is Real ID compliant. The deadline is now May 7, 2025.
• Are you covered? Another important conversation to have is with your health insurance company. Health care coverage varies from country to country. In addition, ask about any payment for services when on the road. Some providers require immediate payment.

Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail

• Phone plans. Cell phone carriers have the means to temporarily extend plans for international access. Consult your representative for the details, including any additional costs.
• Staying Connected. Most people want to disconnect from technology to some degree, but with the need to stay connected to those back home or conduct business, some level of keeping in touch is necessary. Again, ask your travel agent about the adapters necessary to make your chargers and cords compatible. It would also be wise to pack extra batteries and portable chargers should you not have access to outlets.
• Packing Tips. Try not to overpack so as to incur fewer costs and not be overburdened. If you are traveling with someone else, do not duplicate items if possible.  Pack as much in your carry-on such as an extra change of clothes. Copy your itinerary and keep one for you, and pack one in your carry-on and checked luggage. Take at least two credit cards, and do not pack them in the same location in the event you lose a wallet or luggage.
• Know your surroundings. When traveling, it is easy to forget key details. Photograph you car and the space identifier as to the lot, row and space you are assigned. If you forget where you parked, turn to your phone. The same thing for your luggage. After a while, all the luggage appears to look the same. Take a photo of your luggage, address tag and anything else that would differentiate it from others. You might even consider adding a colored bag tag or identifier for your luggage. Lastly, make certain your apartment, home, villa, etc. is being observed. Ask a neighbor to check on your home and collect mail, newspapers, deliveries etc. 

Some of these items are ingrained in your personal checklist through past experience. It might seem like second nature to you. However, if you are new to travel, preparation can eliminate a significant amount of stress and confusion.

For a review of various traveler services such as currency exchange rates, travel alerts, passport information and more, our friends from Acendas Travel offer this online resource.

After all, the world is your oyster and now is the time to enjoy it.

(NOTE: for more information on services provided by Elderly Care Concierge, please click here.)