Who says old people can’t have fun? Once you have retired, it is the ideal time for you to travel. Hopefully, you have accumulated enough money in your bank savings to be financially sound now that you’re free of any heavy burdens regarding money. If you’ve always had a country or city which you’ve always wanted to explore, now is the perfect time to start planning and fulfill that dream. However, it is best to follow some good practices when traveling to a new destination. Here are some tips for you:
If You Have Special Needs, Inform Your Travel Provider
It is best to call up the hotel, cruise line, tour operator, or travel provider at least a day before your travel, and ask them if they have oxygen supplies, wheelchairs, and any other requirements that you may need while traveling with them. Most hotels have a special room for people with restricted mobility. These rooms are made especially to cater to the needs of seniors. Ask the hotel manager to give you that room in particular. Even if you do not have wheelchair requirements, these rooms are more spacious and have places to hold on to in the bathroom.
Get A Good Insurance
A good insurance will help you survive a crisis. In case of flight delays, missing luggages, or even an unexpected hotel cancellation, insurance can help. But, most importantly, having a good health insurance that covers you even during your overseas trips is extremely crucial. It doesn’t take much to get anxious during old age. It is best to avoid all kinds of situations that spell worry.
Watch Your Diet
Going to a foreign destination definitely means you can taste new cuisine. But it is important to watch what you order and eat, especially if you are above 50. Remember, your stomach has aged as well, and it might not be able to sustain big portions, lots of spices, or too much cheese. Better stay away from that spicy Indian vindaloo if you do not want to stay in your hotel room while in Goa!
Carry Your Meds
After 50, even if you are active and healthy, you might have to take certain medicines every single day. It could be as harmless as some vitamins and food supplements. Whatever it is, don’t forget to carry it with you when you are traveling. If you are going to a foreign land, check online if their customs allow all your medicines. If not, ask your doctor to give you something else as an alternative.
Don’t Show Off Your Expensive Items
When you have crossed the threshold of retirement age, it is natural to have accumulated some nice and expensive stuff over the years — a good camera, maybe, or expensive jewelry. But remember, a foreign land is not the best place to show them off. When you are visiting a new country, it is imperative to be safe. And to keep safe, do not travel with pricey objects which can attract the wrong kind of attention.
Leave Your Itinerary With Someone At Home
Take a printout of your day-to-day itinerary including arrival and departure times, and leave it with someone at home so that they will know where and how to get in touch in case you do not call home for a few days. It is also a good practice to call your children or any other loved one at home every day at least once. Keep your cell phone handy, and also save local emergency and embassy numbers.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
This is one advice that can be given to people of all ages. When you are traveling, your main purpose is to learn about a new country, their culture, history, and geography. Walking in the city is the best way to immerse yourself. Hence, don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes. Carry two pairs in case one gets damaged.
When you are approaching old age, it is natural for your children or your family to get worried about your health. But, if you lead a healthy lifestyle, chances are you will be fine by yourself for a very very long time. Hence, instead of being cooped up at home, put on those walking shoes and travel the world. If this is something you had always wanted, now is the time.