The holiday season is a magical time of year, full of joyful gatherings, meaningful traditions, and quality time with loved ones. However, for many seniors, the idea of holiday travel can seem daunting.
Whether you're planning a long road trip to visit family or a quick flight to a vacation destination, traveling during the busy holiday season presents unique challenges for older adults.
The good news is that with some thoughtful preparation and planning, you can make your holiday travels safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
At Home Instead, we want to help seniors have the best holiday travel experience possible.
That's why we've put together this list of tips to help you navigate holiday travel with ease, confidence, and peace of mind.
Book Early and Plan Ahead
Making your travel plans well in advance is one of the best things you can do to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday trip. For seniors, early booking and planning is especially important.
Start researching and booking your flights, hotel, cruises, or tours, as soon as you have an idea of when and where you want to travel. Flights around the holidays fill up fast, and prices steadily increase the longer you wait. The same goes for popular hotels and cruises.
You'll also want to account for extra travel time and delays. Allow plenty of time to get to and from airports. Flights and roads tend to be more crowded during the holidays. Building in some buffer room in your itinerary can prevent you from feeling rushed.
You can research destinations in advance to identify any accessibility challenges and find senior-friendly attractions and activities.
Prepare Your Luggage and Documents
Carefully packing your luggage and organizing your documents is an essential part of preparing for travel as a senior.
Start by making a checklist of everything you will need on your trip, including all medications, medical supplies, and medical information that you may need in case of an emergency.
Ask your physician for a copy of the prescriptions for any medications you need to take with you. This will make getting through airport security much smoother if you’re flying, as they may request proof that you take the medication.
Consider packing some over-the-counter medications for mild pain or nausea in case of unexpected illness.
Photocopy important documents like your IDs and insurance cards and keep copies separate from the originals. Make digital copies and save them on your phone as a backup.
It's important to pack as lightly as possible to avoid strain while lifting heavy bags. Try to bring only the essentials you know you'll need. The lighter your load, the easier your travels will be.
Give yourself plenty of time to pack. Pack your essentials and clothing a week before you leave for your holiday. This can help you stay organized and ensure that you remember all the items you may need while you are traveling.
Ask For Assistance While You Travel
Don't be afraid to ask for help while traveling during the busy holiday season. Seeking assistance can help you have a stress-free trip and enjoy your holiday without any hassles.
When booking airline tickets or hotel rooms, be sure to indicate if you need any accommodations like a wheelchair or grab bars. This allows staff to arrange assistance in advance.
If you didn't request it beforehand, ask airline staff at the gate or hotel staff at check-in for a wheelchair or escort to your room.
Don't struggle to haul luggage or find your way alone. Politely ask airport staff, hotel bellhops, or your travel companion for help lifting bags or guiding you to the right terminal, platform or hotel room.
If taking a road trip with family, make sure to tell them if you will need to make frequent stops for food, medication, or to stretch your legs.
This allows them to plan appropriate rest stops along the drive. Don't hesitate to speak up if you need to take a break.
Traveling takes more energy as we age, so take advantage of help along the way. Asking for assistance makes your trip safer and more enjoyable. Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, car, or bus, asking for help is always a good idea.
Avoid Night Travel When Possible
When planning your holiday travels, aim to book flights, trains, buses, and other transport during daylight hours if possible. Nighttime travel can be more challenging and tiring for older adults. Dim lighting, crowded vehicles, and disrupted sleep schedules can increase fatigue and stress.
Try to schedule flights and long drives so you arrive at your destination before it gets dark. If an overnight train or bus trip fits your itinerary better, opt for a daytime departure so the majority of the travel occurs during waking hours.
Driving at night can be particularly difficult due to reduced visibility and more drivers under the influence. If you are going out at night, make sure you have someone with you. Do not take any unnecessary risks while you are on your holiday or trip.
Travel With a Companion When Possible
While exciting, holiday travel can also be tiring and stressful. Having a trusted companion along on your trip provides both help and reassurance. If possible, plan your holiday travels with a friend, family member, or be part of a group tour.
Traveling solo as a senior can make you more vulnerable, especially in large, crowded transportation hubs. A companion can assist with luggage, navigation, and getting help if needed.
If you do not have a travel partner, consider hiring a professional caregiver or helper as a companion for your trip. This can help you on your vacation or journey as the helper can assist you with planning, packing, and any travel aspect during the journey.
Your Health Must Come First
While traveling during the holidays can be exciting, your health and well-being should always be the top priority. If you start to feel ill or unwell before or during your holiday trip, it is best to seek medical help or alter your plan.
It's wise to book trips only when you are up for the exertion and activity involved. Be realistic about your energy levels and physical limitations so you don't overextend yourself.
A good tip is to book your holiday somewhere with good access to medical care should you need it.
If you develop symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, a severe cough, or a high fever, call your doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency room. It's better to get prompt treatment than try to push through an illness far from home.
Listen to your body, and don't feel pressured to stick to an itinerary that has become too ambitious or stressful. As a senior, being flexible and putting your health first allows you to enjoy safe, healthy holidays.
Let Home Instead Take Care of You
At Home Instead, it is our joy to help and support the elderly with their needs so that they can live their life to their fullest.
Our senior helpers in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, St. Martin Parish, and the surrounding areas can assist seniors with day-to-day personal care, companionship, hospice support, and more. For dependable home care assistance, fill out the form below!
