For a lot of people, the best time to travel is after one’s retirement. We can’t blame them, it’s when you have all the time (and money) in the world to head on to your dream destinations, especially abroad.
Nothing wrong with that, there are travel benefits for everyone to enjoy—even to senior citizens.
Traveling greatly contributes to a longer life and a more satisfying retirement. A study by the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies said that 86 percent believe that traveling greatly improves their mood and outlook in general.
Traveling chooses no age, but it’s a little more different when you become senior citizens. There are many things to consider when planning as vacation seniors, moreover, if you’re a couple. If you’re looking for your next holiday, Valentine’s Day is near, and it’s the perfect time to go on a vacay with your long-time partner!
If you’re looking to travel abroad with your partner, here are some things to consider when traveling as a senior couple!
While we want you to believe that age is just a number, it will take a toll on your health. So, before booking your flights abroad, head to your doctor, and have yourself checked if you are fit to travel. Through this, you’ll be able to know what kind of activities you can enjoy during your vacation. Doctors can help you make the most out of your vacation by providing the proper medications.
Old or young, traveling brings out the excitement in you. But for senior couples, there will always be restrictions during your vacation. In picking a country or location, make sure that these places are filled with activities for you. Most senior couples go on a vacation to relax, or if they are still high on adrenaline, they go on extraordinary adventures like mountain climbing or trekking.
We suggested some of the best senior travel destinations perfect for you and your partner. For example, the island of Boracay in the Philippines can be a place for a nice and calming date with your partner, but they also offer fun adrenaline activities like helicopter rides and diving activities.
Going back to your health, when planning for activities for your trip, make sure that these are fit for your body and current state. While it is understandable that you want to make the most out of your trip and do everything while you’re in the area, it won’t be ideal if you’ll get yourselves hurt from doing activities you’re not allowed or capable of. So it’s important to pick activities fit for you to make the most out of your vacation.
One of the most important things to decide on during a vacation is accommodation. Above all things, comfort should be your top priority. You would want to sleep comfortably after a long day of activities and tours. Plus, you would want to stay in a hotel where everything is readily available—breakfast buffets, a spa, an entertainment room, maybe even a pool for the best experience.
For example, if you’re heading to Boracay for the Valentine’s Day holiday, Alta Vista de Boracay offers a wonderful all-around experience to its guests with its world-class accommodations and facilities fit for all ages, including senior citizens.
If you want, you can book a room at Alta Vista de Boracay directly at their website to get dibs on the best deals and prices for you and your partner’s vacation!
If a travel agency can help you throughout your trip, then that would be great. Some offer trips made especially for senior citizens that include less walk and more time to enjoy tourist destinations - something that elderly folks are looking for. Plus, traveling with fellow senior citizens adds up to the fun. You get to travel to your dream destinations and make new friends at the same time.
If you and your partner have existing health problems, consider bringing or investing in medical insurance, especially when traveling overseas. While most insurance is expensive, it will bring you peace of mind and security while on vacation. In the event an emergency occurs (hope not), someone would be able to answer.
Luggage is a common struggle during trips, all the more if you’re a senior citizen. Remember to pack right and practical. Here’s a guide on how to pack light for travel so you wouldn't need to carry it on your back all the time. While that’s being talked about, your suitcase should be lightweight, but big enough to carry your things.
For your hand-carry bag, be sure that your phone, identification cards, important documents, and medicine are in it. When the flight is long, you can bring a book to read on the plane.
When traveling far, whether local or overseas, always bring your medications with you. Bring medicines that will last the whole trip, plus a few extra days just in case. In bringing your meds while traveling, the New York Times advises making sure to bring them in their original bottles and place them neatly on a ziplock bag so you can easily find them whether on your luggage or carry-on bag.
Also, remember to bring your prescriptions with you in case you run out of medicines. This way, you can buy from the local pharmacy without question.
Apart from your medicine prescriptions, it is necessary to bring important documents with you during the trip. These documents include your passport, senior citizen ID, medical insurance, advance directives, allergy list, and the contact details of your children and partner.
Of course, the memories of your vacation this Valentine’s should last a lifetime! Make it happen by taking photos throughout your trip! If you’re traveling with your kids, you can ask them to take photos of you.
Traveling after your retirement may be just as exciting as your first overseas trip when you were still young, especially if you’ll be doing it with your long-time partner. Allow yourself to make the most out of your trip. But always remember to look after your health, because much like the memories you’ll make, your life is just as precious.