Travel Planning Tips to Give You Peace of Mind
Are you excited to expand the pages in your passport and visit new locations this year? Maybe your excitement is tinged with a hint of trepidation. You aren’t as young as you once were and you know how important detailed travel planning is for seniors. The following five travel planning tips can help reduce your anxiety and restore your enthusiasm for exploring new places and learning about new cultures. When you pay attention to the details, it is less likely that the larger problems that could occur won’t.
1. Visit Your Doctor Before You Depart
When was the last time you visited your doctor for a routine check-up? Schedule an appointment before you embark on your journey. Tell your physician about your plans and ask for a verification letter if you take regular medications that may be restricted in other countries. Also ask your doctor if there are any specific foods you should avoid or any activities you should limit to maintain your current good health.
If you suffer from a chronic medical condition, it’s extremely important to invest in travel insurance that includes medical coverage. If you fall ill or are involved in an accident, you won’t have to worry about the thousands of dollars accrued in your name – your international travel insurance plan will take care of the bill.
2. Research Medical Care Facilities at Your Destination
Purchasing travel insurance with medical coverage is the first step to ensuring good health throughout your trip, but you should also investigate where you will go if you do experience a medical emergency at your destination.
Look up local hospitals and save the phone numbers for easy access. Also, keep the contact information for your doctor on hand as well as your travel insurance plan agent. It may also be a smart plan to bring along a copy of your medical records just in case.
3. Arrange Transportation and Assistance Ahead of Time
Will you need help loading your carry-on to the overhead bin? Will it be difficult for you to walk through a large airport while lugging your suitcase? Call your airline and explain your needs. They will arrange for a motorized wheelchair to escort you from gate to gate, as well as allow you to board the airplane before the crowd and receive personalized luggage loading assistance.
4. Leave Your Itinerary with a Loved One
No matter whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, leave a detailed itinerary of your plans with a trusted friend or family member. Let them know how to contact you in the event of an emergency back home, and make sure they are listed as your emergency contact on all traveling documents.
5. Keep Your Valuables at Home
Don’t portray yourself as a target for theft. If you typically wear expensive jewelry, watches or clothing, travel modestly and store your valuables at home in a safe. Keep your wallet hidden underneath your clothes on a money belt and ask your hotel to store your passport in a safe while you are sightseeing for the day.
Would you like to speak with an industry expert regarding your travel insurance needs? Don’t wait – contact a team member at My Senior Health Plan and learn about affordable options that will cover you at home and abroad, no matter what difficulties may come your way.
