Travel was once a key component of the image working professionals created of their ideal retirements. While the COVID-19 pandemic has put many retirement travel plans on hold in recent years, flying to faraway places is back on retirees’ radar.
A 2022 AARP survey found that people 50 and older were prepared to not only get back on the road, but also to spend a lot more money on travel. Before the pandemic, Americans age 50 and older spent $7,314 a year on travel, according to AARP data. By spring 2022, people in that same age group indicated they were willing to spend $8,369 on travel.
The rush to get back on the road, in the air or at sea can make it easy to overlook some principles of safe travel. However, such carelessness could lead to complications that could make it difficult to enjoy time away from home. The following tips can reduce the likelihood of seniors having problems while traveling.
• Determine if any health problems are affecting your desired destinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a website dedicated to travel vaccines (cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines), and that page can be an invaluable resource for people planning vacations. Plus, the CDC even provides a specific list of destinations and the latest travel health advisories for each of those nations. That list, accessible at cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list it can help older people determine if there are health-related safety concerns in the countries they hope to visit.
• Talk to your doctor. A pre-trip consultation with a doctor can uncover any issues that may arise while you’re away. Such issues can be easily handled for domestic travelers who don’t plan on visiting any particularly remote locations, but they won’t necessarily be as easy to navigate when traveling abroad. Doctors may recommend certain vaccinations or measures to ensure your health while you are away. Also, a pre-trip doctor visit is a good time to refill any prescription medications you’ll need during your trip.
• Take financial precautions too. Of course, not all travel-related concerns are medical. Finances also require pre-trip attention. Inflation has caused the price of various staples to rise sharply since early 2022, so travelers should study the cost of food and attractions at their destination to ensure they have enough money for fun. Baggage costs have risen significantly in recent years, so seniors traveling on a budget may want to pack less and do laundry on the go in an effort to save money. Additionally, the unpredictable nature of travel since the start of the pandemic has underscored the usefulness of travel insurance. Seniors can look for travel insurance that will reimburse them in case of delays or cancellations.
• Share your itinerary privately. Before you leave, share your itinerary with friends and family. Avoid sharing the itinerary on social media platforms, which can make you a target for criminals at home and at your destination. The itinerary should include where you will be staying, the dates you will visit certain places, and the dates of the activities you will participate in on your trip.
Seniors rediscovering the joy of travel can take several steps to make their trips safer.
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