6 Safety Tips For Senior Holiday Travel
The holiday season has arrived, and for most people, it means a lot of traveling. Even though it would be lovely if everyone in your family could just visit you every year, that isn’t always feasible. Because you’ll most likely be planning a trip in the near future, we’ve created a list of holiday travel tips for seniors to ensure you arrive safely.
Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment
This is the most important tip to follow! Your doctor will be able to clear you for travel and will be able to provide you with the necessary vaccines and medication to keep you healthy. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations, especially if you have a health condition like Alzheimer’s. If your doctor recommends medication specifically for travel, make sure it won’t interfere with any other prescriptions you’re already taking. And, of course, remember to bring your medication when traveling. Some people may lose track of time due to the change in routine, so set reminders for yourself or notify your family ahead of time when you should be taking your medication. We suggest you pack enough medicine for the trip, plus a few days extra in case of travel delays.
Pack in Advance
Packing can be a headache for some people; however, it is important that you have all of the clothing, medication, and self-care products you need to be comfortable on your vacation. Make a packing list a few days before your trip to give yourself enough time to go shopping and buy whatever you might need. Then, when you begin packing, cross off each item as it is placed in your suitcase to ensure that you have everything.
If you’re flying, keep important items like medication, passports, and ID cards in your carry-on or personal luggage. You should also pack an outfit or two in your carry-on in case your checked bags are lost or get delayed.
Check the Weather
Knowing what the weather will be like when you arrive will also help with packing. You can put away your bulky winter coat and gloves if the weather is going to be beautiful and sunny! If it’s going to be windy or rainy, bringing a windbreaker is a good idea. Bad weather can also cause travel problems ranging from missed flights to traffic bottlenecks, so check early and plan carefully. You should also check the weather forecast for your hometown after you leave.
Take Breaks and Move Around
If you’re driving a long distance, make frequent stops or breaks to stretch your legs and move around. This will keep you from being stiff and sore when you get to your destination. Moving around on a train or plane may be more challenging, but if you can, try to stretch and move around at least a bit. If you are flying, leg pumping is often recommended to avoid blood clots.
Wearing an on-the-go medical alert watch is an excellent option if you are seated for long periods of time. If your legs cramp from sitting for too long, you are more likely to fall when you get up. You can receive help for emergencies even if you are away from home by wearing your watch with an SOS button. The watch can also track your steps to ensure you’re getting enough exercise, as well as tell you the time and weather.
Shop and Ship Gifts Early
Shipping your gifts to your destination ahead of time might save you time and money while traveling, especially if you aren’t driving. You won’t have to worry about taking up valuable suitcase room with big boxes and bags, and it may save you money if you fly with an airline that charges for extra bags. Shipping your gifts prior to your trip can reduce the amount you need to carry and free up space in your car if you are driving.
Don’t drive at Night
Even without the difficulties of winter weather conditions, driving at night is hard. Snow and rain will make already poor vision considerably worse, and if you have poor eyesight, it can be nearly blinding. Icy patches can be more difficult to spot and avoid at night. If you have an accident at night, freezing temperatures can be dangerous. If your travel does extend into the night, consider staying at a hotel along your route.
Benefits of a Travel Companion
Having a travel buddy can be beneficial during the winter months. They not only keep your loved ones alert and informed, but they can also assist them in navigating dangerous roads and heavy traffic. If your loved ones are traveling alone in bad weather, make sure you or someone else knows where they’re going and that they have a cell phone in case of an emergency.
Thrive USA Home Care – Senior Travel Companion Services
Senior travel can be merry with the help of traveling caregivers. ‘Tis the holiday season! It’s not just about “surviving” this time of the year – it’s also about thriving. Thrive USA offers a variety of services such as travel companionship to make visiting family and friends a breeze.