Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Tips For The Senior Traveler

Traveling can be a great joy and give you a sense of adventure, yet traveling can be stressful for just about anyone.  For the senior traveler, following these common sense travel tips can help make your next trip more pleasurable and stress free. 

Pre-Trip Planning

  • Consult with a good travel agent to see if he or she has any suggestions for trips targeting seniors.  Let your agent know of any special travel needs you may have.
  • When you’ve chosen a travel destination, research the medical facilities and ensure they are adequate in case you have any health related concerns when you are away.
  • If you have special needs like a wheelchair or guide dog, you will have to make air travel and hotel arrangements in advance.
  • Arrange for your travel health insurance.

Before Leaving The House

Many people fail to think about how they need to secure their home before they set out on their travels.  Don’t forget these important points:

  • Remove all your exterior hidden keys. 
  • Double check all your locks and windows.  Make sure everything is secure; replace any locks that don’t appear tight.
  • Make a record of all your important documents like your passport, birth certificate, credit cards etc.
  • Stop your mail, newspaper and other deliveries.
  • Program your interior timers for lights and radios to make it appear that you are home.
  • Give your complete itinerary to a trusted family member or friend.

Air Travel Tips

  • When making your air travel arrangements, make sure you know about cancellation and change policies.  Likely, you will have a choice of ticket prices and the penalties and conditions will change accordingly.
  • Read the fine print on your e-ticket.  It outlines your rights and responsibilities as well as the airline’s liability if you are bumped, overbooked, the flight is cancelled or if they lose or damage your luggage.
  • If you have flexibility in your travel, aim to get off-peak flight discount fares, off-season airfares, early bird discounts or fly on charter airlines.  All of these options could save you money.
  • If you have special needs (dietary, mobility etc.) be sure to advise the airline at the time of booking.  They can often make special arrangements as long as they have advance warning.
  • Take advantage of pre-boarding if you require more time boarding the aircraft.  Stay seated after the plane has landed and the flight crew will be able to assist you with deplaning.
  • Read the safety briefing card located in the front seat pocket.  Make sure you know where the emergency exits are located and how to use the oxygen mask.
  • Drink plenty of water and try to avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugar before and during the flight.
  • Before you leave for the airport from home or the city you are visiting, call the airline or go online to see if the flight is on time.
  • Give yourself plenty of time for connections and for getting through the check-in counter and security checkpoints.  Remember to allow even more time if you are in a city with a congested airport.

Check back in a couple of days when we give you more travel tips to help you when you reach your travel destination!  In the meantime, happy travels!
Posted by VV Blogger on 08/07 at 01:28 PM
Travel Tips • Permalink
Page 1 of 1 pages