4-Steps for Safer Senior Travel

Bus travel lets seniors enjoy their golden years to the fullest. However, even short senior travel trips can present challenges that threaten fragile health, open the door to potentially dangerous situations, and compromise the fun for everyone in the group.

These 4 steps will help you keep every member of your senior travel group safe and accounted for, no matter where your travel takes you.

Prep for Health Issues

Health problems are a reality for many older people. The first step towards a successful senior travel trip is to make sure everyone is healthy enough to travel.

• If members have chronic health problems, have them speak with their doctors before confirming travel plans.
• Remind everyone to pack necessary medications and health supplies before they leave home.
• Have each member list their conditions, medications, and other health information on an info card. Organizers should keep these cards easily accessible to the group in case of an emergency.

With a little preparation, health problems won’t stop your party plans.

Get Help

Even active seniors sometimes suffer mobility issues. Put these safeguards in place before embarking on your trip to ensure everyone enjoys the event.

• Airports offer cart or wheelchair assistance to help seniors move through the terminal. Request a cart for the less mobile members of your crew.
• Hire a college student for the weekend. In exchange for free travel and a few dollars, they can help you carry luggage, retrieve items, and run errands.
• Call ahead to large venues and let them know a senior group is on the way. Many halls, museums, and centers offer special accommodations for senior patrons.

Outsource simple tasks during travel and save energy for more enjoyment.

Upgrade Your Accommodations

Upgrade your event seating, hotel accommodations, and travel methods to make senior travel more convenient.

• Charter a bus with a bathroom to reduce stops.
• Ensure hotels have elevators or escalators before booking rooms. Book handicap rooms for those who may need them.
• Ask for aisle seats at events to make bathroom trips easier.

These simple additions don’t add much to your expenses. However, they greatly increase your travel pleasure.

Organize

This step helps you keep everyone accounted for while exploring.

• Assign each traveler a group or partner. Ensure everyone has a functioning phone with the organizer’s number programmed into it.
• Provide a safe to store passports, house keys, valuables, medications, and other important belongings. Designate a group member as the guardian.
• Provide written itineraries for each member that includes bus numbers, locations, addresses, and time frames.

Incorporate these steps into your senior travel planning process to keep your group happy, healthy, and safe on the road.

Learn 4 essential steps to keeping senior travel groups safe during vacations and getaways.