Travelling is a rewarding life experience that helps us to slow down and appreciate every moment. Embarking on a new journey also comes with navigating unfamiliar places and situations. With careful planning and consideration, you can create a stress-free holiday and make memories to cherish for many years to come.
Things to consider when planning your journey
Share your ideas with friends and family
Talking to friends and family when you’re at the planning stage of a holiday can be a fun way to connect and may inspire you to broaden your horizons. As long as you keep in mind that any advice is just that. Talking about a holiday can sometimes tell us just as much about what we don’t want to do as it does about the things we do want to experience.
Consult with your doctor
If you have any health concerns prior to booking a flight, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor, especially if your journey involves long flights or strenuous activities. Your doctor can provide personalised advice, recommend vaccines if needed and make sure your prescriptions have been filled to cover the duration of your holiday.
Flying with reduced mobility
When travelling domestically both Air New Zealand and Jetstar offer wheelchairs and mobility aids for people who require assistance. This assistance is offered as an option when booking flights online and you can also ask for assistance if you prefer to make bookings over the phone. If booking through a travel agent let them know if you require any assistance and they will make sure this is provided for you.
Take advantage of senior discounts
Start by researching airlines, hotels, and car rental companies that offer special rates for seniors. Many museums, attractions and restaurants also provide senior discounts, so it’s beneficial to ask at each venue or check online in advance.
Select a hotel that meets your needs
If mobility is a concern, it’s important to choose a hotel with amenities like elevators, ground-floor rooms and other accessible facilities. Look for properties that offer complimentary services such as airport shuttles, breakfast, and Wi-Fi. Consider hotels that are close to major attractions, medical facilities, or public transportation. Be sure to book your accommodation as soon as you’ve booked your flights to ensure you get the best possible range of options and prices on offer.
Purchase travel insurance
As we age, the likelihood of encountering health issues or needing medical attention while on a trip increases. Travel insurance can cover a range of scenarios, including emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage and more. It provides financial protection and access to emergency services, which can be helpful, particularly if you’re in unfamiliar environments. Additionally, many insurance plans offer assistance services that can help with locating nearby medical facilities or arranging medical evacuations if necessary.
Why book your holiday with a travel agent?
While some people enjoy the process of planning a holiday, others are daunted by the range of options and things to consider. When you plan your trip with a travel agent, you’re putting your travel plans in the hands of an expert with a broad range of experience and knowledge about how to get the best out of your destination. Not only can they find the best deals on flights and accommodation, they also know which destinations are best suited to your needs and where you might require a travel Visa or vaccination. A travel agent can save you time and money, while offering you peace of mind that everything you need has been arranged. They can even book your travel insurance for you.
Things to consider when embarking on your holiday
Keep your medications easily accessible
It’s important to pack all necessary prescriptions, including extra doses, in carry-on luggage to avoid any disruption if checked baggage is lost or delayed. Medications should also be kept in their original containers with clear labels to prevent confusion and ensure compliance with airline security regulations. Additionally, carry a list of your medications, their dosages and a copy of your prescriptions, which can be used in case of an emergency or if refills are needed.
Get to the airport early
When travelling, try to get to the airport early to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. With domestic flights, arriving one and a half hours before your departure time ensures a smooth check-in process and you might even have time for your favourite hot beverage at the airport before you go.
For international flights arriving three hours before your departure time allows for a more relaxed check-in process, as lines can be long and navigating through security can take longer than expected. Getting to the airport early provides additional time to address any unforeseen issues, such as locating misplaced documents or asking for assistance, especially if you have mobility challenges.
How prevent swelling legs during long flights
Long periods of sitting on a plane can lead to stiffness, muscle cramps and an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the veins, typically in the legs. To prevent these issues, you should aim to stand up and stretch every hour. Regular movement also helps keep joints flexible and muscles relaxed, which contributes to a more enjoyable and healthy travel experience. You can also buy compression socks to wear on the flight to prevent swelling in the legs. It’s important to stay hydrated with plenty of water on long-haul flights especially if you’re enjoying an inflight glass of wine or two as dehydration can cause your legs and ankles to swell.
Beware of free Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept personal information such as passwords, banking details, and other sensitive data. To protect yourself, avoid accessing sensitive accounts or entering personal information while connected to public networks. It’s safer to use a personal hotspot or a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt data and ensure privacy. Additionally, keeping devices updated with the latest security patches and disabling automatic connections to Wi-Fi networks can further safeguard against potential threats (if you’re not that tech-savvy, you can ask your friends and loved ones to do it for you).
Final Thoughts
As you plan your adventure, remember to prioritise your health and comfort, choose destinations that suit your interests and take advantage of resources designed specifically for senior travellers. With the right planning, preparation and mindset, you can explore new destinations, connect with different cultures and create new memories that last.
