Now is as good a time as any to travel. If you are a senior traveller, there are a lot of places and things to explore, both domestically and internationally. Travel can help you stimulate your mind and unwind and relax post your retirement or if you are taking a break from work as well. Depending on the type of traveller that you are, you can find plenty of things to do. Right from cultural trips to food trips to architectural trips, there are immense options. What can make your travel a bit easier is the presence of travel insurance cover. Here is how you can plan your next trip.
Flying is one of the most convenient ways of travelling. Whether you are a senior traveller or planning for your parents, here are some travel tips and tricks.
A few airlines have started offering discounts for senior citizens. While some airlines offer discounts on their websites, others offer discounts on specific routes. Thus, it might be worth calling an airline and asking about discounts for senior citizens.
It is always a good idea to reach the airport well in advance. If it is a domestic flight, make sure you reach at least two hours before the flight departure and three hours if it is an international flight. Reaching early is helpful if you have some luggage that you want to check in or if there are any last-minute changes or if the airport is crowded.
Most airlines allow you to check in your tickets at least two days before your flight takes off. Exercising this option can save you from some hassles at the airport and make the process a tad easier. Some airlines might charge you money for checking in at the airport. Having travel insurance cover can be helpful in such times if there is a delay or your flight gets cancelled.
As soon as you complete the check-in process, you will receive your boarding passes. Though it is not mandatory to print them out, since you can always show them from your smartphone, it might be helpful at times. If there is any network issue or your phone runs out of battery, having a printout can save the day.
Most airlines allow senior travellers to carry mobility devices. Thus, do not be afraid to carry your cane, wheelchair, walker, or even electric scooter. You can carry these without having to pay any additional costs. If it is small enough, you can carry it in the cabin. However, if it cannot fit in the cabin, the airline will let you check in the device without any additional costs.
It can be a bit challenging to plan a trip for an elderly parent. Here are some simple steps to help you out.
Do not shy away from calling either the hotel or the airlines for a special request for your parents. It can be either for additional legroom, wheelchair assistance or a room that does not need stairs, etc. Most hotels and airlines will help accommodate such requests.
Before you book the tickets, it might be a good idea to look at different route options. Opting for the shortest or direct route is preferable, even though that might cost you a bit more. If it is unavoidable, fewer connecting flights would be better, since they do not have to get through the hassle of boarding and de-boarding.
You can aid your parents in packing for their trip. Help them by packing as light as possible, so that it is easier for them to move around. If it is a really short trip and they can manage without checking in any luggage, it will save them a lot of time and energy. While packing their luggage ensure that you follow standard protocols. For checked-in luggage, make sure to put a copy of their travel insurance cover and ID proof so that they have enough copies.
There might be circumstances where you are required to travel with an ageing relative. Here are a few simple tips to help you in such times.
It is always a good idea to speak with a doctor before travelling or flying. You can ask some of the following:
• If they are fine to travel
• If they need any vaccinations
• Get a written prescription for any medicines that they regularly use
• Get advice on how to manage medical conditions during travel
Opting for tours for senior travellers can be an excellent option. Since the tour operators will take care of all the travel and cover all the necessary tourist spots, they can relax and enjoy the tour. Rather than worrying about logistics and other things.
Getting international travel insurance is a must for senior travellers. In the event of any delays or cancellation of travels, the travel insurance cover will take care of the compensation and additional arrangements if needed.
Here are some useful tips for seniors who are planning their trips.
Do not shy away from asking for discounts for seniors, as most of the places might willingly offer you the same.
You might want to go through your packing list a couple of times to ensure that you are carrying the bare essentials, without packing too much. Keeping your luggage light will help you during your entire trip.
It is highly recommended that you purchase international travel insurance while planning for the trip. In the event of any medical emergencies or logistical issues such as cancellation of flights or delays in flights, the cover will come in handy.
There are a lot of tour companies out there that offer special packages or additional care for senior travellers. One of the easiest ways is to interact with them to find out how they take care of seniors during their tours. Check if they can accommodate your special requests or not. If they can, taking the services of tour companies can make your trip much easier.
The following is a list of places, where you can plan to visit, without burning a deep hole in your finances.
a. Thailand
b. Malaysia
c. Cambodia
d. Qatar
e. UAE
f. Turkey
g. Egypt
h. Vietnam
i. South Korea
j. Laos
After you have hung your boots and want to relax, travelling can be immensely satisfying. Now that you do not have any time boundaries, you can plan for longer trips and have as much fun as you can. The above should help you plan a better trip either internationally or domestically. Irrespective of domestic or international, getting travel insurance cover is a must.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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