For many people, arriving at a destination is very exciting. Packing for your trip and navigating crowds during the holidays? Those things are not nearly as fun. Continue reading to brush up on—and possibly learn some new—holiday travel tips geared toward older adults.
Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Trip
The more planning you do in advance, the easier it is to fully immerse yourself in and enjoy your holiday trip. You’ll likely spend more time preparing if you’re traveling someplace new. But there are certain things you should consider ahead of time, regardless of where you are going.
Research Your Destination
This first tip is more relevant when you’re traveling to a destination you haven’t visited before. Do some research upfront and reach out to others for recommendations, if possible. This will help you determine what neighborhoods you might want to visit or book accommodations in. That said, even if you’re visiting family or friends, it never hurts to do a little homework upfront.
Book Flights & Lodging Early
The holiday season, especially the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the days following Christmas, tend to be some of the busiest times for travel. Ideally you should book flights and lodging as far in advance as possible to avoid inflated pricing and peak travel days. If you are driving instead of flying over the holidays, then you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Planning a trip in September — or in January or February after New Year’s — can make life easier, if you don’t need to be somewhere on an actual holiday.
Pack With Purpose
While you don’t have to pack up all your clothes weeks ahead of time, you will want to review any prescription medications you are taking and order any refills, as needed, in advance. A travel pill organizer box is one of the better ways to sort medication and stay on schedule. Also set aside a toiletry bag that you can have packed ahead of your trip with travel-size items. You should also identify the luggage you want to bring and create a packing checklist based on what will fit in it. Aim to have your luggage fully packed and ready to go at least a day or two ahead of your trip.
Tips for When You’re Traveling
Here are some tips to make life easier while traveling to or exploring a new destination.
Embrace Technology
Smartphones have made travel easier than ever before. There are a variety of applications you can download on a smartphone or tablet designed exclusively for travel. Many of these apps are intuitive and easy to use with a little bit of practice. Note that certain phone providers offer more reliable service in the U.S. and internationally, so it’s worth comparing phone plan options. Helpful travel apps include: navigation apps, language translation apps, rideshare apps, and more.
Set aside time to install updates for and practice using any apps you are unfamiliar with. You may also consider asking a tech-savvy friend or family member for help getting started. A reliable travel charger is another important piece of equipment you should bring along with you.
Manage Your Health
Having time to travel more often is one of the many perks of getting older. But there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind when traveling as an older adult. If you have a new or recurring health condition, then you may want to schedule a doctor visit a month or two ahead of your trip. Your doctor can provide tips on traveling healthier and also order prescription refills, as needed.
Older adults also have a higher-than-average risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) when sitting still on an airplane or train. Consider wearing compression socks and take frequent walking breaks. Reach out to your doctor if you have any questions about DVT or how to prevent it.
In addition, the holidays also tend to line up with cold and flu season. There are some proven steps you can take to help avoid illness while traveling and stay healthy during your trip.
Stay Flexible & Positive
Keep in mind that the holidays may not be the best time of year for everyone and it’s certainly a crowded time to be traveling. It’s easy to become frustrated, but the best thing you can do is keep a calm mind and stay positive in your interactions with others. When you treat people with kindness you’re more likely to get better treatment and assistance, especially while traveling.
Book a Trip to Harbour’s Edge
Harbour’s Edge, a senior living community in beautiful Delray Beach, Florida, is the perfect place to kickstart your next adventure. Our community is a short drive away from Palm Beach International Airport and also within driving distance of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. There’s also no need to have someone check on your home while you’re gone when you live in a community. Just let the front desk know your plans and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having a worry-free vacation. Community living even makes it easier to make new friends and find potential travel partners!
Contact us or complete the form below to learn more about life at Harbour’s Edge.
