Safety Tips for Travelling Seniors

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Safety Tips for Travelling Seniors
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• Travelling is a popular pastime for many
  seniors. Depending where you go and when, there
  are precautions that people of all ages need to
  take when travelling, but for seniors, there are
  some additional things to keep in mind. Take a
  look below for some ways to make travelling safer
  as a senior, helping promote independence and
  variety when making travel arrangements.

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Explore the Options

• Travelling seniors should research their
  destination and travel options whether theyre
  travelling alone or with others. Keep in mind
  that some places and arrangements are more
  senior-friendly than others, for example,
  cruises are very accommodating and offer
  activities, facilities, boarding options and more
  that are suitable for all ages and abilities.

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• Some destinations, vacation packages and
  resorts are also designed with seniors in mind.
  Air travel is often the safest (and fastest) way
  for seniors to travel to these places. Plus,
  airlines and travel websites offer senior
  discounts on plane tickets.

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Consider Safety

• Unfortunately, no matter where you go,
  seniors can be targeted by criminals, and
  possible health issues and/or physical
  disabilities can also put them at risk. So, its
  important to take precautions during your trip.
  Precautions that can help to keep you safe during
  travel include
• Programming emergency numbers into a cell phone

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• Ensuring the phones battery is always charged or
  keeping an extra battery
• Keeping a hidden/emergency stash of money
• Avoiding crowded, high traffic and/or high crime
  areas
• Frequently contacting friends or family when
  travelling alone

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• Always travelling with assistive devices (e.g.
  walkers, canes, medical bracelets, etc.), as well
  as items for comfort (e.g. a travel pillow,
  comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, etc.).
• Leaving traditional purses and/or wallets at home
• Putting all prescription bottles in one clear
  zip-lock bag
• Packing light

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Plan Early and Accordingly

• Because travelling can sometimes be
  unpredictable, its highly important for seniors
  to plan ahead.  Plan, reserve and confirm
  everything at least six weeks before the travel
  date, including any special services.

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• For example, reserving free wheelchair
  service at the airports, seat assignments for
  disabled persons, assistance through the airport,
  car service, medication management and much more.
  Additionally, make sure all travel documentation
  is in order, especially if travelling abroad. 

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• Bring copies of statements about existing
  medical conditions, drug prescriptions, insurance
  cards, telephone numbers and personal
  identification. Of course, youll also need hard
  copies of your insurance cards, boarding passes,
  prescriptions and ID cards. These cards should be
  valid and up-to-date, especially the passport.

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• Up-to-date passports include valid
  expiration dates and photos. In fact, it's
  advised that your passport remain valid for at
  least 6 months before your trip. If it's time to
  renew your passport, visit Photo Stop to receive
  the best passport photos Edmonton has to offer.