Whether you’re travelling solo or with your children, it is an adventure trip to a destination or a cruise tour, here are 5 important travel tips to keep in mind: 

1.Search for senior-friendly travel services 

Planning, reserving and confirming your travel should be done sooner than later. Once you’ve decided the destination, travel dates and means of transport, find the most direct and shortest travel times for air & land transportation. Enroll yourself in the ‘no-cost frequent flier program’ to benefit from lowest fares and other special service requests. 

2.Request and Reserve Elderly Accommodations

When booking transport, request for seat assignment in rows meant for disable travelers. Also, don’t forget to request for cost-free wheelchair service at every airport, connection and arrival location. If meal service is available, inform the reservation system about any dietary needs. If these requests are not made and confirmed at the time of reservation, the transport service won’t be able to arrange them for you at check-in or en route. 

3.Prepare Personal and Medical Documentation

Make sure you have at least three photocopy sets of the following documents: passport, driver’s license, Medicare and insurance cards, travel tickets, itinerary, boarding pass and any physician prescriptions and/or statements. One complete set should be placed in your hand-carry bag, one set should be forwarded to family members at the arrival destination and one should be kept at home. 

4.Packing Tips

Aim to pack light. Make sure you pack everything you need in a roll-aboard suitcase and medium-size over-the-shoulder carry-on. Don’t check the roll-aboard suitcase in luggage, instead keep it in the overhead rack. This will save you enough time at the destination airport. Pack all prescription and OTC medications in a one-quart zip-lock freezer bag and copies of any prescriptions and/or physician statements in the hand-carry bag. 

5.Select a Senior-Friendly Tour 

A cruise or tour may be the best escape and an incredibly senior-friendly adventure. You can easily choose from several tours and cruises that offer a personalized service for older adults. These are meticulously planned, operated and staffed to provide the promised program and destination exploration. There are many tour operators that also cater to those with special needs & disabilities.