10 - Senior trips / travels

Senior trips: How to prepare


One of the things many persons plan upon retiring is to explore their world, whether international or at home. Senior trips or travels are ways for older persons to get away for fun and relaxation. There are many options available for senior trips or travels. Some options for senior travels include:

* Day trips to parks, museums and attractions in your area
* Short trips in areas close by
* Longer trips to other areas within your home country
* Travels to distant lands
* Going on a cruise

Seniors trips and travels do not have to be expensive, even when traveling away from home. Research online can help seniors find bargain prices for hotels and transportation (car rental, airplane tickets, cruises). 

For those persons living on their own they can easily plan their journey by themselves or with the assistance of a travel agent. Persons living in retirement communities can take part in planned trips and senior travels.

To get the best out of senior trips, regardless of which option is used, there are a number of things to do to ensure that your travels are both safe and enjoyable. Some of these include:

* Prepare for your senior travels trip by ensuring what facilities are available.
If your travels involve flying and you use a wheelchair, you will need to ensure that the necessary facilities are available. Make a checklist of things to take and what you plan to do. Your list can include things such as taking comfortable shoes for walking, batteries for your camera etc.
* Find out about available medical care and ease of access
* Get a medical check up from your doctor if your senior travels involve going away to another country. It is a good idea to find out if you will need to be immunized before traveling so as to protect yourself. 
* Take a good supply of your medications on your travels. You may need to get a letter from your doctor explaining that you have to travel with your medication
* Buy travel insurance 
* If your senior trips take you outside of your own country, do exercise caution with drinking water and food. It is advisable that you avoid drinking piped/tap water while in another country. You wouldn’t want to miss out on any of the fun by getting sick. 


Senior trips are great opportunities for couples to get closer. If a spouse has died or a long-term relationship has ended, senior trips are great for building new relationships, especially if you indulge in senior travels with a group. Even if there is no romance involved, these senior travels can be good for getting to know fellow seniors and develop new friendships. 

Now that you know what to do, go ahead and plan for your seniors’ trips and have fun. 






