9 Travel Tips for People Over 50!

October 17, 2018 - 3 minutes read

These simple travel tips can make all the difference in the world when traveling after you turn 50.

Most people don’t start off as savvy travelers. It’s something that that takes time and experience. It comes with on-the-road experience, paying attention to details and being observant.  In the beginning, you make a lot of mistakes and some of those mistakes can cost you in time and money. Becoming travel savvy is a process that comes from missed buses, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors that you encounter because you just don’t know better. Then, one day, you begin to understand the nuances of travel and it becomes easier.

But after you turn 50 there are a new set of items that you should take into consideration to make sure your travel is safe and enjoyable.

Here are 9 Travel Tips that can make all the difference:

  1. Don’t trust OTC drugs overseas…they’re like a box of chocolates…you never know what you’ll get!  Depending on your destination, you should consider carrying these from home:
  • Antacids
  • Cough / cold meds
  • Anti-diarrheal
  • Motion sickness meds
  • Antihistamines
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen

2. If you’re visiting a tropical destination check with your primary care physician to determine any potential increased sensitivity to the sun.

3. Make a simple Medical Info Form to carry with you.  Include the following info:

  • Name, address and phone number
  • People to contact in case of an emergency
  • Primary Care physician and contact information
  • Current meds (prescription and OTC)
  • Allergies (food and drug)
  • Insurance

4. Take more prescriptions meds than you think you’ll need…a good rule of thumb is one (1) extra weeks’ worth.  This ensures that if there are travel delays or misplaced meds you have enough to not disrupt your health.

5. Take your meds in your carry on… you’re mush less likely to have them delayed and in case you have luggage issues you have them with you.

6. Ask your doctor for duplicate prescriptions for your meds in case they are lost or stolen.

7. Adjust your schedule to account for different time zones so you can keep a schedule, especially with your medications.

8. Ask friends who have recently visited your destination what they wished they had taken with them or what they did not need.

9. If you are receiving Medicare, remember they will not pay for medical services outside of the USA, Canada or Mexico.  Plan accordingly.

Bonus Tip:

As you develop your travel plans it is also to consider the security of your home while your away.  Be sure to have the right home security system in place to give you that extra peace of mind.

Travelling is one of the great adventures in this life.  Following a few safety travel tips can be the difference between a trip your will always remember to one you wish you could forget.

Travel Safely!

Tags: , , ,