Planning ahead is important to ensure everyone in your family will enjoy their vacation. Here are six tips to make sure your senior loved one has a wonderful trip:
1. Try New Foods with Caution
It can be tempting to try new things while on vacation. However, seniors with dietary restrictions shouldn’t let their health suffer while they’re away from home. Encourage those who want to try a spicy dish to consider a smaller portion so they don’t have a bad trip. Certain foods may not mix well with current medications, so family members must also be on the lookout for adverse reactions.
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2. Book Travel Early
Whether it’s an extended car ride to see their granddaughter graduate from college or a flight to their son’s wedding, seniors want to make traveling as comfortable as possible. To limit the amount of stress, be sure to book their travel and all other accommodations as early as possible. According to Rick Steves, this action will enable seniors to take advantage of airline seats with additional legroom, request a wheelchair if necessary, and find a hotel that won’t require them to climb stairs.
“Seniors may be eligible for discounted airfare and accommodations.”
3. Look for Senior Discounts
It’s not uncommon for certain transportation companies, hotels, and tourist destinations to offer reduced fares or prices for people over a certain age. Seniors can access these discounts and use them during travel by displaying a valid form of identification. Once again, however, it’s best practice to look into these deals ahead of the actual journey.
4. Travel Safely
This may seem like a no-brainer, but even the smallest safety precautions can make a huge difference when traveling with seniors, according to A Place for Mom. That means wearing a seatbelt in the car, avoiding nighttime excursions in unfamiliar areas, and simply staying clear of any location that seems even the slightest bit dangerous. Keeping older loved ones out of harm’s way by any means possible will ensure all parties have a safe and enjoyable trip.
5. Keep Medications Nearby
Medications are still important, even when you’re traveling. To ensure these prescriptions are easily accessible at all times, travelers should keep them nearby. The Transportation Security Administration recommended packing medications in carry-on luggage when flying, although they can also be placed in checked bags if the meds are less important.
6. Be Patient
Vacations should be enjoyable experiences for everyone. However, some activities family members may want to do may not be as enjoyable or even safe for seniors. In these instances, people should try to find excursions that are friendly to everyone’s needs. Flexibility and inclusion should be top priorities on vacation. Family members must be adaptable and keep expectations amenable to seniors’ needs and wants. Asking what loved ones are looking forward to during a trip will help people plan a fun vacation for everyone while keeping seniors’ abilities in mind.
