Tips for travelling with old folks


As exciting as vacationing is, travelling with older folks brings its own set of challenges. You’d have to consider safety and possibly cut out extreme activities from your itinerary. We know your elderly loved ones want to enjoy themselves just as much as you, so here are some tips to help them get the most out of their holiday.
Plan according to their needs
Keep physical activity to a minimum
When travelling with old folks, always be mindful of their energy levels and physical limitations. Hire a driver or get a rental car when exploring areas that involve a lot of walking. This could mean swopping out a mountainous hike for a cable car ride instead. Ensure that the old folks wear comfortable, flat shoes to minimise the risk of falls and sprains. When out and about, it also doesn’t hurt to get someone to accompany them at all times.
Opt for a cruise
On a cruise, you can be assured that the old folks will enjoy utmost comfort and luxury with limited physical activity and chance of falling. Just by doing a quick search online, you can find cruises that cater to the needs of disabled elderly. Some of these even provide special bathroom facilities, wheelchair seating and fun elderly programmes. Going on a cruise could also be a great chance for the seniors to bond with other elderly people through meaningful activities on board.
Be mindful of meals
Desperately want to try the spicy vindaloo in India? Ensure that you make separate meal arrangements for the elderly you’re travelling with. While your taste buds can still take the heat, extremely spicy foods may not sit well with old folks. Keep heavy, spicy or cheesy items to a minimum and check if their medications clash with certain foods. Your getaway will be much more fun when your elderly family members are happy and healthy during your trip.
Get them the protection they need
While getting travel insurance is important for all ages, it’s especially important for elderly travellers as they are more susceptible to falls and getting sick. Travel insurance protection gives you extra assurance as it helps cover treatment costs if something happens to your elderly loved ones overseas.
Travel insurance covers accidents and illnesses
Getting injured while on holiday is a huge bummer. For the elderly, it could have much more dire consequences. With travel insurance in place, at least you wouldn’t have to worry about covering the cost of a hospital visit. If your flight is delayed and your elderly family members need more medication, travel insurance will cover these too. Also, don’t forget to bring along the necessary medication when you travel.
Travel insurance covers the loss of baggage or passports
When visiting crowded cities such as Tokyo or Taiwan, it’s almost inevitable that one gets lost in the crowd. It’s also incredibly easy for wallets, passports and bags to be whisked away. While theft can happen to anyone, thieves may look out for the elderly as easy targets. Getting travel insurance helps provide your elderly family members with coverage in the event that they lose their passport, baggage or personal belongings overseas.
While travelling with family, it’s vital to consider everyone’s unique needs. When getting insurance, make sure the country you’re visiting is covered by your plan.
Find the best travel insurance plan for your family, please feel free to contact us or find out more about our insurance plans:
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