When it comes to exploring new places and meeting new people, most of us feel some degree of apprehension. After all, the older we get, the more intimidating getting out into the world can seem.
However, rather than closing yourself off from new experiences as your age, it’s important to channel your inner child. Instead of seeing your age as something restrictive and limiting, think of it as a chance to explore uncharted territory and make connections with new people that you may not have had the opportunity to otherwise meet.
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Travel Tips for Older Adults
If you’re ready for some tips on how you can travel more confidently as an older adult, read on…
Establish your goals before you travel
Before you travel, you should have a clear idea of what you hope to accomplish while you’re abroad. Is it to learn a new skill? Or perhaps to make some new friends?
Whatever your ultimate goal is, it’s essential that you think it through before you leave home. This will make the trip very fulfilling and it’ll also help you avoid wasting time on impulsive or frivolous endeavors. Furthermore, if you know what you’re hoping to achieve during your travels, it’ll be much easier to decide what to take with you.
But be flexible about your plans
One of the best ways to ensure that you’re able to explore new places and make new connections is to be open to the possibility of things taking place a bit differently from how you’d planned. Life just gets in the way. For instance, if you’d hoped to go to Paris this Christmas for a couples’ trip or perhaps go to Japan solo, but find that your passport has expired, don’t get discouraged!
Instead, take this opportunity to travel to places closer to home. Likewise, if you’re planning on visiting an old friend in the US, but their plans change at the last minute and they can’t host you as they’d hoped. If you’ve already bought the ticket, be flexible and make other travel plans and arrangements. You might actually enjoy your trip and make new friends along the way.
Go to doctors for a pre-travel checkup
It’s a good idea to get a thorough pre-travel checkup before you leave home. In this way, you will ensure that any existing health issues are addressed before you depart. Additionally, a pre-travel checkup will give you the opportunity to address any medical issues you are unaware of. For example, you may discover that you need new prescription glasses, and that’s something that you could have easily missed.
Although it may seem like a small inconvenience, the ability to correct a minor issue like this can help you travel with confidence. It is also a good idea to get travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions to protect yourself from unexpected and unforeseen emergencies that may happen during your travel.
Pack plenty of protective clothing
During your travels, you’re likely to experience changes in weather conditions. As a result, you should ensure that you’re prepared for all of them with a range of protective clothing. If you’re heading to a hot climate, you don’t want to pack too many heavy-weight items. Instead, keep it light.
On the other hand, if you’re heading to notoriously cold conditions, pack many inner layers and warm clothes. If you’re traveling to multiple destinations, keep things simple and opt for a mix of light and warm clothing. Also, pack a few pieces of protective clothing in your carry-on bag in case you need them.
Related: See what you’ll need for a road trip + Get our Weekend Packing List
Take a train trip instead of a flight
If you’re traveling to Europe, It is often better to take a train trip instead of flying because it has a lower carbon footprint and journey time is often on par with flights for some European destinations. A train trip can also be cheaper than a flight, depending on where you’re going. Plus there is no added stress of having to arrive at the airport way early to undergo any rigorous security screenings when boarding a flight. This way, you can travel to a new place with comfort and confidence.
Always be aware of your surroundings abroad
It may seem like a minor detail, but ensuring that you stay aware of your surroundings is essential. Even though you’re unlikely to get accosted in a public location, there’s always the potential for something to happen in an isolated area or unfamiliar place.
For example, while it’s unlikely that you’ll be robbed while out walking in a major city, you could get into an unfortunate accident while cycling or hiking in a forest. It is especially important to be aware of your surroundings when you’re traveling alone because you are responsible for your own safety and security.
If you’re feeling unsafe, leave immediately
Finally, it’s worth remembering that you don’t have to put up with unsafe situations. For example, if you are drinking at a bar abroad, you should consider leaving if a situation starts to feel tense or if people start acting in a way that makes you feel unsafe. Similarly, if you’re uncomfortable staying somewhere, it is better to leave or change your accommodation, especially if you are traveling alone.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice
When you’re traveling abroad, it’s worth remembering that there’s a whole community of people that may be able to help you. Hence, don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from locals or from your fellow passengers if you’re lost or need help. You could also check online for guides or resources that might help you navigate a new city. Furthermore, you could also approach a tourist information desk at a major tourist attraction and ask for help navigating the place.
Travel Longer & Work Remotely
Working remotely gives you the freedom to live wherever you want and travel for as long as you want. It’s a great way to experience different cultures, explore unique places, and meet people from all over the world.
You can also take advantage of the digital nomad lifestyle and stay connected with family, friends, and colleagues while working anywhere with an internet connection. A popular option is teaching english online without a degree. You can earn enough to support your nomadic lifestyle while being able to travel around the world and explore new places. This could be the perfect way to combine traveling with an extra income!
Traveling can be a life-changing experience, but only if you approach it with the right mindset. So, don’t wait until you’re older to start exploring new places and meeting new people.
Ready to Start Planning Your Trip? Use These Helpful Links to Book Your Trip!
- AIRFARE
- Find low fares with airfarewatchdog, Skyscanner, and WayAway.com.
- Get airfare deal alerts up to 90% off from Dollar Flight Club (free & paid membership options)
- Book your plane ticket with Expedia or Kayak
- Book your Airport Parking Reservations and save money.
- ROAD TRIP/CAR RENTAL
- Take the scenic route and rent an RV from RVShare
- Get packed for an epic road trip and don’t forget the Road Trip Games to Play in the Car Need more space? Get a rental car thru Discovercars.com.
- LODGING
- From hotels to private homes, find the perfect accommodation with Hotels.com or booking.com.
- For camping and RV campgrounds, find the ideal location with Campspot.
- PACKING
- Travel in style with a suitcase, carry-on, backpack, or handbag from Away and Eagle Creek.
- For packing cubes, we love these from Eagle Creek and these reusable silicon bags for a 3-1-1 bag from Stasher.
- TRAVEL PLANNING
- Looking to start travel hacking and want a place to keep track of it all? There’s the free TravelFreely site.
- For budgeting help, get our road trip budgeting tips here.
- ATTRACTIONS/ACTIVITIES
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
- Tiqets for cultural events, museums, Broadway shows, etc.
- CityPASS for multi-day attraction passes at up to 55% off in select cities
- Get Your Guide and Viator for guided tours/excursions, day trips, and activitties
- Groupon for discounted local attractions and event tickets
- Undercover Tourister for discounted theme park tickets
- Find guided outdoor activities led by local guides at 57Hours.
- Find information on local trails with the AllTrails App.
- Save on tickets to attractions, sightseeing tours, and more with
- LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
- We use and recommend Rosetta Stone to learn a new language. We bought the $179 lifetime option with unlimited access to ALL 25 of their languages.
- Need something else to plan your perfect trip? Visit my travel resources page for more trusted partners.
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Hey Nicky, it’s great to read your blog post on travel tips for older travelers. I understand how important it is to stay safe and comfortable while traveling, regardless of age.
Your tips are spot on! I especially appreciate your emphasis on being prepared for any emergency situations. It’s crucial to have all the necessary documents and medications on hand, and I appreciate your reminder to inform loved ones of your itinerary. I also love your suggestion to travel during the off-season. Not only does it save money, but it also helps avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed trip.
Another thing I’d add is the importance of being open-minded and flexible while traveling. As we age, our bodies and minds may not be as adaptable to change as they once were, but being open to new experiences can make for a more enriching trip. Whether it’s trying new foods, learning about different cultures, or participating in new activities, stepping out of our comfort zone can lead to incredible memories.
Overall, great job on your blog post, Nicky! Your tips are practical, useful, and can be applied to any traveler, regardless of age. Keep up the good work!