Get the Most Out of Traveling as a Senior Citizen

by Jennifer Logue, Owner of First Light

An estimated 34 million Americans were expected to travel over the Labor Day weekend. Many of them will soon be among the 46 million people who travel more than 50 miles from home for Thanksgiving. For seniors, however, traveling can present some additional challenges.  Here are a few suggestions for arranging stress-free senior travel:

Plan ahead: 
Seniors who have trouble walking or use a wheelchair may wish to contact the airline, train station, cruise line or other mode of transportation to find out what type of assistance is available on their end. Many forms of transportation also have different rules about transporting oxygen. A few calls in advance can ensure that senior travelers receive the help they need to make their journey safely and comfortably.

Take a companion: 
Many home care companies provide companions who can assist or even accompany seniors on their vacations or other journeys. From driving seniors to the airport and assisting them to their gate to accompanying them on a weeklong cruise, companion caregivers can make senior travel that much safer and more enjoyable.

Be a savvy scheduler: 
 When possible, book a non-stop flight to avoid lengthy layovers and the need to walk long distances between gates at multiple airports. In addition, try to avoid making your journey during peak travel times. Travel mid-day and you’ll avoid rush-hour traffic, long lines at check-in counters – and a lot of stress!

Pack wisely:  Store prescription medications in their labeled bottles in a carry-on bag along with travel documents and needed cash, ID and credit cards. Check the remainder of your luggage and you’ll save yourself the chore of hoisting bags into and out of overhead bins and dragging them through airports.

Check out 
senior perks:  Many travel agencies and membership groups such as AARP offer discounts to seniors on hotels, transportation and more. Another bonus: Seniors age 75 and over no longer have to remove their shoes or light jackets at TSA checkpoints!

Jennifer Logue is the owner of FirstLight Home Care, a non-medical home care company serving residents of St. Johns and Duval counties. For more information, call (904) 770-3220 or visit http://www.firstlighthomecare.com