Top Travel Safety Tips for Seniors

Many people look forward to their senior years as a time when they will have more time to travel. Whether you are traveling for pleasure or to attend a family function, there are a few tips you can follow that will make your travel safer and more pleasant.

When traveling by air, it is important to take certain safety precautions. Be sure to confirm all your flights and flight times before you leave on your trip. Make copies of your itinerary and phone numbers where you can be reached, and leave them with family or friends at home. If you have adult children, let them know exactly how long you’ll be gone and where you’ll be. If you don’t have adult children, leave your information with a trusted relative, friend or neighbor.

The airport is a different place now than it once was. It’s all about security, but that’s a good thing now. Give yourself lots of time before your flight to check in. Check your baggage and whatever you do, do not agree to hold or carry a bag for anyone else. If you see a bag unattended, report it immediately to airport personnel.

If you’re planning a road trip, the first thing you should do is to check the weather. Check what it will be at your destination and en route as well. Take your car in for a checkup and maintenance. Make sure your driver’s license and car insurance are up to date as well. Even with all the capabilities of modern GPS technology, it’s still good to have a map or written directions. Electronic navigators have been known to fail, so it’s always good to have a back up.

People have a tendency to exercise fewer safety precautions when leaving their valuables in their car than they do when leaving them in a hotel room. Many people who have things stolen from their cars don’t follow ordinary precautions. Make sure that valuables are not left in sight in your car. Lock your car. Don’t leave the windows open or the keys in the ignition. Always park as close to your destination as you can.

Try to park in a crowded area under a street light. Pay attention to where you leave your vehicle and before you leave the place you are visiting, get out your keys and be ready to make a quick entrance into your car. If you are staying in a hotel, choose one that is safe and reputable in a safe neighborhood. Make use of the hotel safe or the safe in your room if you are not taking your valuables with you.

If you are traveling in another country, keep your cash, traveler’s checks and credit cards in separate places. Make copies of your passport, credit cards and other important papers and keep them separate from the originals. Don’t walk around with an open or dangling purse. A money belt secured under your clothing is a good option.

Be sure to take extra medical precautions by having enough of your prescription drugs and any other needed medical supplies to take on your trip. You should have the contact information for your doctors with you at all times.

If you are traveling to a foreign country, then you may also want to include information about any conditions you have and medicines you are taking in the languages of the places you’ll be visiting. Carry this information on your body, in a purse, wallet or pocket. Check ahead of time to determine what kind of medical coverage you can expect to have wherever you are going. You can find most of this kind of information online.

Traveling as a senior can be rewarding and relaxing. Following these simple tips can help you stay safer wherever your journeys may take you.