5 Easy Ways in Which the Elderly Could Find Comfort While Travelling

Going on a road trip across the country or even from city to city can be challenging, especially if you’ ‘re older and your mobility is limited. While older people shouldn’t travel alone, there are specific steps you can take to make the trip as comfortable as possible. Traveling doesn’t have to be scary for older people – especially if you know how to take a relaxed approach to your next trip.  

Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, there are many ways to make your trip as stress-free as possible. With this knowledge, you can save yourself from stress and worry and ensure your safety and comfort. 

If you’re caring for an older person and helping them plan their trip, here are tips for making traveling easier. 

1. Research Your Traveling Destination 

This may seem obvious, but it’s one of the essential tips on this list. Before booking your trip, learn as much as possible about your destination and how to prepare. This will make the journey much less stressful and make you feel more comfortable and confident. 

If you’re traveling by car, you should look for wheelchair-accessible transportation as it can make a big difference in your trip. Say you’re going to Brooklyn, check out the Brooklyn taxi service to find out if you can easily find a wheelchair-accessible cab.  

If you’re flying, find out if the airport offers an accessible shuttle service at your destination. Where there’s no such service, you may need to rent a wheelchair-accessible car to reach your destination. If you’re flying, ensure your luggage isn’t too heavy, as excess baggage can lengthen your trip. 

2. Take Mobility Aids with You 

For a successful trip with a senior, whether a city break or a month-long cruise, they need to bring their daily living aids. There are mobility aids that are portable and make traveling easier for seniors.  

If you’re traveling by air, you’ll be happy to know that most airlines allow wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes, or electric scooters at no extra charge. Depending on their size, you can usually store them in the cabin or the cargo hold. The airline staff will bring it to you when you arrive at your destination.  

3. Get Essential Travel Accessories  

Acquiring useful travel accessories can make your travel much more effortless. It should consist of essential gadgets that will make your life easier. Also, ensure they’re durable enough to serve you throughout your trip. 

• Secure traveling documents holder; losing your passport, ID, or credit card can ruin your trip. Older people should get a travel bag or document holder to wear around their neck for extra security.  
• Luggage tags: tags make it easy to identify your luggage in case of a mix-up. 
• A marking pen: use a marking pen to mark your luggage or suitcase so you can quickly identify it when you pick it up from the baggage carousel.  
• Personal care products: If you need products that aren’t readily available during transit or at your destination, be sure to take them with you. 

• Comfort items: A travel blanket or pillow will make your trip very comfortable. It can be cold in the car or plane, making even a nap difficult. You need comfort items to make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable.  

4. Find A Travel Companion To Help You Out 

Seniors traveling need travel companions to help them. This can be a relative or a trusted person who can help you with various tasks you need help with. For example, a companion can help you navigate or drive if you cannot.  

If you don’t have a travel companion, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask them for help if you need it. You can tell people at the airport that you need help with security, people at the car rental agency that you need help getting to your car, and room service that you need help getting your food.  

While entering a hotel, you can ask the front desk person to help carry your luggage and guide you to your room. 

5. Book an Accessible Hotel Room 

If you’re staying in hotels on your trip, it’s a good idea to book accessible rooms. Many hotels have such rooms, which are especially suitable for people with disabilities and the elderly.  

Senior-friendly rooms have different amenities depending on the hotel. Most common in almost every hotel are grab bars in the bathroom, a raised toilet seat, a shower chair, and a walk-in shower. When you book an accessible room, you should let the hotel know ahead of time that you need these amenities. That way, they can prepare them for you when you check-in.  

In general, make sure you book a hotel that’s an accessible room and is in an area that’s easy to get to. When researching, ask the hotels if they have an accessible room or if they can help you find one near your destination. 

Conclusion 

As you age, taking proper precautions when traveling is essential. Certain activities and situations put you at a higher risk for injury. Hence, ask for help when you need it, drink enough and make sure you get enough sleep. Following the tips mentioned above, you can ensure your next trip is safe and enjoyable.