Tips for Travelling Seniors

Young folks have the audacity and capacity to bounce back quickly from minor adversities such as late-night dates, all-nighters cramming for exams, and red-eye flights. They can adjust to time changes without too much difficulty, jumping into a new environment and moving full speed ahead. 

Alas, I am no longer young enough to travel carefree, with no qualms when faced with an environment different from my old, familiar, faithful one. When anticipating travel, my body warns my brain…uh oh, danger ahead.

So I have some advice, gathered from personal experience, for folks young at heart but trapped in older bodies that refuse to adjust smoothly and timely to change. 

Perhaps the most important piece of advice I can give: don’t overeat or overindulge in drinks, especially alcoholic beverages. Too much nourishment does not go down well when on the move. Resist gorging, even if the food is free (probably pre-paid in a tour package), buffets boundless, and – or – the cuisine superb. A sated stomach can result in exhaustion, bloating, queasiness, and guilt. Don’t shock your system with new fare. Introduce new-to-you dishes in small portions. Otherwise, your body will rebel and you will become overly familiar with unfamiliar restrooms.

When lugging bags through airports and city streets, leave one hand free (for a cup of coffee, for instance, a travel essential). Bring no more than two pieces: an over-the-shoulder bag or backpack not so heavy you end up in traction, and a wheeled suitcase, also not too large, heavy, or overstuffed. 

Pack layers that peel off or are easily added as the weather changes –short-sleeved Ts, a long-sleeved shirt, a sweater, a scarf, a disposable poncho should inclement weather catch you outdoors, and the thinnest jacket you can find. Leave bulky garments, unfoldable hats, wide-legged pants, and any other item that takes up too much space at home. And forget about fashion. The operative word: COMFORT. 

I bring along items of clothing destined for the trash that I wear once, then toss. Think underwear, lightweight T-shirts, and bras. The extras minimize time spent rinsing clothes, and the extra space can be used for souvenirs.

Bring extra cash to buy a garment needed/wanted during the trip but not packed. Every occasion, weather anomaly, and delay cannot be anticipated. I have pictures of a two-week trip to England. I am wearing the same outfit – a sweatshirt (newly purchased) and jeans – in every photo. I didn’t realize June could be such a cold and sunless month in the country. 

Wear comfortable shoes. If you insist on purchasing a new pair, break them in before leaving home. Pack a first aid kit. Your feet may mutiny even in old, comfy shoes. And be prepared with your favorite headache and allergy pills. 

Bring along an extra pair of glasses (a castoff pair with an old prescription works in a pinch), meds, extra meds, an extra copy of travel documents, and credit cards. Inform your bank where and when you will be traveling. I learned this the hard way. Embarrassing…you are enjoying a pricey meal in an upscale French restaurant in an outdoor garden atop a museum when politely informed your card was denied. But I digress…

Don’t forget your sense of humor, important when faced with travel issues (such as credit card snafus).

Plan a limited number of evening activities. Zero nights out is a number you can live with. If you don’t get this, you’re not yet old. Or a rare breed.

Browse and shop, a fun part of travel, but carefully consider, then reconsider, before buying items difficult to haul home, like breakable stuff and items like coffee table books, beautiful but heavy. The books may push your luggage into the overweight category, which means leaving something behind or paying a hefty fee. If you can’t resist a fragile knick-knack, buy small and wrap in layers (dirty clothes serve a purpose). 

If you will go into withdrawal without a phone, buy a prepaid cell. If your phone is bolted to your body, take a phone charger, and chargers for additional devices you cannot do without. Check if adapters are needed in countries visited, and buy before your trip begins. If unpersuaded to ditch your phone, investigate charges and options for overseas calls. You don’t want to come home to – surprise! – a sky-high phone bill. 

Make sure documents – ID/passport/credit cards/plane tickets – are accessible. Don’t be the individual who parks in front of the service desk and then hunts through bags for credentials. Every person standing in line behind you will silently thank you for your speediness, or verbally curse you for your unpreparedness. Excited, eager travelers morph into short-tempered, hard-hearted, weary wanderers when confronted with travel delays and glitches.

And most important: Be flexible and open-minded, leave plenty of time to reach your destination, remain calm when problems arise, and STAY HEALTHY. 

I have more travel tips learned from years experience. I will post my next travel tip article some unspecified time in the future. Meanwhile, happy travels!