When traveling with a senior, speed is your enemy. Slow down and follow these tips:
- Don’t stress them out by giving too much information. Less is more if you want to prevent confusion.
- Create a written itinerary. Be sure to include contact information for each travel venue. Create this using a pen and paper, not a digital device.
- Make sure your senior informs all emergency contacts. This may include a housekeeper, dog walker, close friends, credit card companies if traveling internationally, and mail stoppage.
- Don’t plan too many walking activities. Older people tire easily. Don’t be alarmed if midway through the trip there’s a schedule change.
- Plan lots of rest periods and take along snacks. Protein bars and nuts pack easily along with water for hydration.
- Ensure the senior has all of his or her medication close by at all times. Not only in carry-on luggage but when touring.
- Don’t assume that your senior will want to do everything you want to do. Give him or her a suggested itinerary to choose an activity from.
- Help your elderly travel companion prepare any documents he or she will need. This may include visas or passports, etc.
- Check-in with the airline if a wheelchair will be needed to and from the plane. Or possibly an airport cart at the gate.
- Don’t forget to have your senior buy trip insurance. It’s better to be safe than sorry and plan for a disaster.
- Make sure your senior understands what to do at TSA checkpoints. He or she may need extra time and assistance.
Getting my dad and uncle ready for summer travel.