The holiday season is fast approaching, and for many people, that means travel. Whether you’re packing a bag to visit family and friends or hopping a plane to a warmer destination, we’ve compiled a list of holiday travel tips for seniors. These holiday tips are designed to keep you safe and sound and to keep your trip from breaking the bank.
1. Research holiday travel costs
No matter how you’re planning to get to your destination, creating a holiday travel budget and looking for deals can save you money.
If you need a hotel, check out a few hotel booking sites to find a hotel bsed on your criteria. The same goes for airline and car rentals. You don’t want to be stuck paying extra for a less-than-great travel experience, especially when that extra money could be going toward gifts for your loved ones!
2. Ship gifts early
Shipping gifts to your destination ahead of time can save you headaches while you travel, especially if you’re not driving. You won’t have to worry about taking up valuable suitcase space with all the bulky boxes and bags. It also can save you money if you fly on an airline that charges for extra bags. If you are driving, shipping your gifts before you leave can lessen the amount you need to carry, and can free up space in your car.
3. Pack appropriately
Knowing what to pack, and how to pack it, can make things much easier when you travel. The best thing to do is to create – or ask for – an itinerary. Even if you’re just going to visit family for Thanksgiving dinner, knowing what else might be planned can be useful. For example, if your family plans on seeing a football game, you may want to pack a heavy jacket.
If you’re flying, check TSA regulations to make sure all your essentials are in your carry-on bag. Include at least one set of clothes in your carry-on just in case your luggage gets lost. Of course, your medication should always be with you. If you don’t have some already, luggage with wheels may be a good investment. They make it easier to get around.
4. Check the weather
Knowing what the weather will be like when you arrive will also help you pack appropriately. If it’s going to be nice and sunny, you can put away the heavy winter coat and gloves! But if it’s going to be windy or raining, packing a windbreaker would be a good idea.
Bad weather can also cause all kinds of difficulties while traveling, from missed flights to traffic jams. Check early and plan ahead. You’ll also want to check what the weather is going to be like at home after you leave. Which brings us to the next holiday travel tip:
5. Prepare your home for your absence
When you leave for an extended period of time during the winter, there’s always the risk of weather-related damage. A pipe could freeze or burst, your plugged-in appliances might start a fire, your sidewalk can freeze over, etc.
The good news is you don’t have to do much to prevent winter damage to your home. On top of that checklist, easy steps for a short holiday travels include turning your thermostat to around 50 degrees. That is low enough to save on your heating bill, but warm enough to ensure your pipes don’t freeze. If you’re leaving plants that. Need a bit more heat, adjust the temperature accordingly.
Next, unplug all your appliances. It might seem like overkill, but it’s the easiest way to be sure they won’t accidentally spark and start a fire. Finally, put salt or another de-icer on your driveway or walkway so it won’t ice over, possibly cause you to slip and fall when you return.
One thing many residents enjoy about a Life Plan community is having all that winter maintenance and care taken care of for them. With 11 communities in three states, we have a community for you!
6. Plan for driver breaks before you leave
If you have a long drive ahead of you, it’s best to plan breaks and driver changes into your drive. Sitting behind the wheel for too long can be bad for your eyes, back and circulation. At most you’ll want to drive for no more than two hours at a time. If you can, make sure you have more than one driver in the car. You can rotate turns and you’ll be able to chat with the passenger or take a nap if needed.
Wondering about other Winter Preparedness Tips?
Check out our Winter Survival Guide for Seniors
7. Beware of Night Driving
Driving at night is hard enough, even before you add in the hazards of winter. Snow and rain will make already bad visibility even worse. If you have poor eyesight, it can be almost blinding.
At night, icy spots can be harder to see and avoid. If you get into an accident at night, the freezing temperatures can pose a danger. In the event your trip does last into the night, consider finding a hotel along your route.
8. Plan for crowds during holiday travel seasons
The holidays are a busy time for traveling, no matter how you plan on getting around. AAA’s travel forecast for the holidays provides predictions and updates each season. Over 50 million Americans traveled more than 50 miles last Thanksgiving weekend. Plan for long traffic jams. If you’re flying, get to the airport extra early so you don’t miss your flight. There is some good news for senior flyers though; you can ask for assistance at the security checkpoint to make things go a little faster.
9. Visit your doctor
It may be the last, but this could be the most important holiday travel tip for seniors! Your doctor will be able to clear you for travel and give the recommended vaccines and medications to make sure you stay healthy. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice, especially those with a health condition.
If your doctor prescribes medication specifically for travel, check to make sure there won’t be any unintended side effects with other medications you’re currently taking. And, of course, don’t forget to take your medication while you’re traveling. The change in routine can cause some people to lose track of time. Set reminders for yourself or tell your family in advance when you should be taking your medication. Pack enough medication for the duration of the trip, plus a few days extra in case of travel delays.
The upcoming season can be hectic but with these holiday travel tips, you’ll be ready for anything the end of the year can throw at you. Being prepared means you can have the peace of mind to really enjoy the time you spend with your loved ones.
