Travel Tips and Customs to be Aware Of
If you are a United States citizen and are older here are a few written travel tips plus video travel tips and considerations that you should know about.
Some Older Travelers Considerations
Travel Documents
Apply for a passport at least three months before you travel. If you have one, be sure to check the passport’s expiration date as well as the entry requirements for the countries you will be visiting. Some countries require that passports be valid for six months after your trip ends and some foreign countries require that U.S. travelers obtain a visa. Entry information for foreign countries is available in the Country Specific Information pages.
Stay Connected
A secure way to maintain your emergency contact information is to enroll with the US Government’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Your information is stored securely and enables the Department of State, U.S. embassy, or U.S. consulate to contact you, your family, or your friends in an emergency according to your wishes.
Medical Insurance Beyond Medicare
Medicare, the U.S. government health plan for people aged 65 years and older, does NOT cover health care overseas. We highly recommend that you obtain health insurance to cover emergency medical and dental treatment and for medical evacuation to the United States. Many companies offer short-term health and emergency assistance policies to cover healthcare expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Travel Smart
Pack lightly and learn what clothing would be appropriate for your destination. Be aware that physical activity undertaken during travel can be strenuous, and sudden changes in diet and climate can have serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler, no matter your age. Build ample personal time into your itinerary—whether to catch up to a current time zone or to enjoy an extra travel site.
Accessibility and Accommodations
If you have mobility difficulties or use a wheelchair, determine what the access is to areas such as swimming pools, public facilities, hotels, restaurants, bars, restrooms, etc. Determine if shopping and entertainment are accessible. For more information, check here on Traveling with Disabilities.
Prepare for Emergencies
Leave emergency contact information and a copy of your passport biographic data page with family and trusted friends. Carry emergency contact information for your family in the United States with you when you travel (be sure to also pencil it in the emergency contact information section of your passport). Know the contact information for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, available on the Country Specific Information page for each country and on each embassy or consulate’s website, and provide that information to your family and friends.
Travel Tips: How to Survive Long Flights
Uploaded to YouTube on Aug 22, 2013
Sonia Gil shares her travel tips on how to survive long flights.
Senior Travel Tips by Phoenix Travel Companion
Uploaded to YouTube on Feb 13, 2010
Travel Tips for Seniors #1 by Care-To-Go Travel Companion, Assistance for seniors travel, Travel Companions can make your flights and cruises enjoyable and fun. CareToGoTravel.com
Traveling With Medication
Uploaded to YouTube on Feb 18, 2013
Planning on a big trip somewhere far from home? Well be sure to pack smartly for your adventure. Check out these tips to follow about traveling with your medication and how to properly handle it.
