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One of my top travel tips, besides being genuinely nice to everyone, is to spend your miles and points on your loved ones. Especially your parents. My first award redemption was flying me and my mom first class to Europe so she could see all the places she gave up visiting when she passed on a Parson’s School of Design college scholarship to study in Europe so she could raise a family. She used to joke, “instead of designing dresses, I designed a family.”
The same goes for my late father, who passed away two years ago. I must have spent close to a million miles to have him travel the world with me and most of the time, in style. It was a real challenge because he was in his eighties and nineties, stubborn as heck, chronically late and forgetful.
Together, my dad and I traveled to over 20 countries and over the course of those years, I learned how to make our trips smoother and less stressful for both of us. It was not an easy task traveling with my dad (my mom was the opposite) but traveling together with my parents are some of my most cherished memories.
If you’re a senior or are traveling with a senior, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind, many of which I learned through personal experience traveling with my dad:
PACKING TIPS
Make a Packing List
A packing list is crucial for seniors who may have specific needs or routines. It’s easy for older people to forget essential items like medications or mobility aids. A checklist allows you to prepare systematically so you don’t leave behind vital items. It also helps reduce anxiety.
Pack Medications
Carrying an adequate supply of your medications is critical for seniors. Health can be unpredictable, and having your medications in their original containers ensures you take the right dosage, they will be not mistaken for drugs and if you run out, you can show a pharmacist exactly what you need. Pro Tip: Take photos of all your prescription bottles for easy reference if you need it. Be sure to pack them in your carry-on rather than checked luggage so you can access them when you need them, especially during travel delays or layovers. The last thing you want is to lose your medication if your bag gets lost or delayed in transit. Also be sure to pack an extra couple of weeks’ supply, just in case there’s a world event like 9/11 or an Icelandic volcano closes airspace for a week. Here’s the story of when my dad forgot his pills on our Mediterranean cruise.
Not only should you pack enough medicine but bring a spare pair or two of prescription glasses just in case your primary pair gets broken or misplaced. Ditto for hearing aid chargers and batteries.
Use Compression Packing Cubes
Seniors often face mobility challenges and organizing your suitcase can make it easier to manage your belongings. Compression packing cubes save space and keep your items neatly categorized, allowing you to quickly find what you need without unnecessary bending or lifting. This can significantly reduce the strain on your body during travel.
AIRPORT TIPS
Arrive Early
One nice thing about traveling with seniors is that you can get them a wheelchair, which allows them (and you) to go to the front of the security and immigration line and board the airplane first. The downside is that it can take a while to actually get the wheelchair so you give yourself extra time at the airport.
Even without a wheelchair, arriving at the airport early is particularly important for seniors, who may require extra time to navigate security and boarding processes. Allowing for this extra time reduces stress and allows for unforeseen delays, such as needing assistance or navigating a crowded terminal. This way, you’ll be more relaxed and able to enjoy your flight.
Request Assistance
When booking your plane tickets, always check the box (or call) to get a wheelchair. Be sure to double check when you check-in for your flight. Most of the time, my dad didn’t want to get assistance but he was always grateful once he saw how long some airport walks were (close to a half-mile at some airports like LGA, YYZ, LAX and MIA). He also appreciated not having to stand in a long security or immigration line.
If you’re a senior traveling alone, this is key to making sure you make your flight and don’t get lost. And be sure to alert the airline if you’re hard of hearing. My dad was legally deaf without his cochlear implant.
ON THE PLANE
Stay Hydrated and Move Around
Dehydration due to dry cabin air can be a concern for everyone but especially seniors. Staying hydrated is essential for your overall health, especially if you have existing medical conditions. Additionally, moving around during the flight helps improve circulation, reducing the risk of blood clots, which seniors are more susceptible to. Try to stand up and stretch every hour or do simple exercises in your seat.
Bring Comfort Items
Long flights can be uncomfortable for everyone so having comfort items like a travel pillow, lightweight blanket and noise-canceling headphones can make a world of difference. Seniors may have different comfort needs but these items help create a more enjoyable flying experience, allowing for better rest and relaxation during the flight.
Wear Compression Socks
My dad wore compression socks because his doctor recommended them. Ask your doctor if you should wear them and how often you should get up during the flight to walk around. If you’re traveling with a senior, ask their doctor whether you need to wake them up to walk around on a long-haul to walk or let them sleep?
Dress in Layers
Airplanes are notoriously cold and since seniors can be particularly sensitive to the cold, it’s important to dress in layers. You might also want to bring a winter hat. I do!
HOTEL TIPS
Choose Accessible Accommodations
When booking your accommodations, make sure there’s an elevator (some places, especially in Europe, don’t have elevators at all). Depending on your needs, you might want to book properties that cater to seniors by offering features like walk-in showers and grab bars, and that are wheelchair accessible. When I travel, I prefer a room far from the elevators because of the noise but my dad liked to be right next to them so he didn’t have to walk too far. Plus, he could take his hearing aid out and not hear a thing. Bring ear plugs if your hearing is good.
Secure Your Valuables
Keeping your valuables safe is paramount for seniors, who may be more vulnerable to theft. Always use the hotel safe for important items like passports and extra cash. Wear a money belt under your clothing to conceal your valuables while you explore. My dad and I would each wear a Scottevest, a jacket with 20+ hidden pockets.
EXPLORING YOUR DESTINATION
Pay in Local Currency
It’s hard not to get suckered by currency conversions. Many seniors are used to traveling with travelers checks but they’re a thing of the past. They also tend to want to use currency exchange booths at the airport but they’re usually a rip-off. Another rip-off is when you pay with a credit card (which you always should and be sure to use one that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees) you may be asked if you prefer to pay in US dollars or the local currency. Always choose the local currency to get the best exchange rate. Otherwise, these companies charge you a different rate and you will spend more money than you needed to. It’s also a good idea to keep small amounts of cash on hand for tips and local purchases.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Awareness is key to staying safe while exploring. Seniors are often targeted by scammers and pickpockets, so be vigilant. Avoid displaying valuables and keep your phone and wallet secure. A good practice is to carry only what you need for the day, minimizing risk and potential loss.
SAFETY TIPS
Limit Your Cash
Carrying only the cash you need each day is a smart strategy for seniors. This minimizes the risk of theft. Use credit cards for larger purchases.
Research Local Scams
Before traveling, familiarize yourself with common scams in your destination. Knowledge is your best defense, especially for seniors who may be more vulnerable. Awareness of tactics used by scammers can help you avoid situations that could lead to loss or frustration.
Travel in Groups When Possible
Whenever feasible, travel with companions. Having friends or family members along will enhance the enjoyment of your trip and provide safety in numbers. Groups can deter potential scams and offer support in case of emergencies.
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is particularly important for seniors, as it provides a safety net in case of unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies or lost luggage. Policies can cover a range of issues (always read the fine print so you know exactly what your policy does and doesn’t cover), giving you peace of mind while you travel.
KEEP READING:
–Is your hotel scamming you?
–Don’t fall for it: Scammers are pretending to be customs and border protection agents
–Cybersecurity and fraud expert shares tips on how not to get scammed when traveling
–How to avoid vacation rental scams
–Don’t fall for these QR code scams
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Johnny as a senior approaching 80 I have solo traveled 6 continents and use all your hints.
However, one important one is: If you are using a low cost airlines in Europe (which I do often) and have trouble with climbing stairs when booking your ticket ask for assistance.
With many of these airlines you climb stairs to get on the plane like in the old day in the U.S.A. This last year was the only time I have used assistance walking is no problem no matter the distance climbing stairs is. With all the airlines I used everyone was kind and thoughtful while assisting me. The only problem is you do have to wait for assistance but that is still better than trying to climb stairs with a carry on and backpack.
Thanks for sharing!
Wow, this really touched me. What a beautiful way to honour your mom’s sacrifices — giving her that dream trip in first class must have meant the world to her. It’s stories like these that remind us why we collect miles and points in the first place — not just for ourselves, but to create unforgettable memories with the people who mean the most. That last line she used to say? Heart-melting. She truly sounds like someone incredibly special.