Holidays for Older Travellers: Your Rights

Age is no barrier to travel, and in fact more senior citizens are travelling abroad these days simply because they have more time and money to do so than their younger counterparts!

There are considerable benefits for older travellers, who may be able to get good deals on holidays simply because they have the freedom to travel off peak. Travelling out of the crowded summer season also means that the climate is cooler and the attractions less busy.

The Importance of Being Well Insured

One of the things that can cause seniors to stay at home is the prohibitive cost and difficulty in getting travel insurance. Some travel insurance providers seem to throw higher premiums at absolutely anyone over a certain age, despite their health or any other considerations, which is unfair.

Shop around and you can often find insurers who take a more tailored approach to insuring you for your tip – don’t be persuaded to take out extra (and often more expensive) cover for things that you don’t strictly need. Although you shouldn’t skimp on the essentials - you should make sure that you’ve opted for adequate medical and liability coverage – you might not want or need cover for sporting activities, for example.

It’s also worth checking whether you can get a better deal if you opt for multi-trip insurance over a single trip policy. If you go abroad more than once a year, it could work out much cheaper to cover yourself for a whole year.

Health for Older Travellers

People who travel overseas have a 50% chance of suffering a travel-related illness. While most of the things you pick up on holiday are relatively minor, you should be aware of the health issues that might affect you, and make sure that you take all possible precautions. Even minor illnesses can affect older people more seriously so it’s best to be prepared.

It’s a good idea for everyone, but especially senior travellers, to see a GP before you travel. Not only will they be able to check you over, but they can advise you on the medicines you need to take and any vaccinations that you should have before you go.

Top Tips For Holiday Health

• Pack your spare pair of glasses, all necessary prescription medicines and a first aid kit. Keep them in your hand luggage when you fly.
• Use luggage with built in wheels to avoid back pain.
• Spread your belongings over several smaller bags and don’t put everything into one (heavy) case.
• If you have any worries about your fitness or health, take supervised, organised tours such as a coach holiday, rather than going it alone.
• On long flights wear compression socks and get up to walk around every hour or so.

Tips for Travellers With Disabilities

Travellers with a disability will need to make sure in advance that their needs can be accommodated while travelling and should consider the following:

• Make arrangements for any wheelchairs, guide dogs, or special requirements before you go.
• Do your research before you leave – find out what medical facilities are close by.
• Ask your doctor for a letter giving details of your medications and conditions.
• Carry a Medic-alert tag if you have one.

There’s no reason why older travellers can’t carry on globe-trotting for as long as their wander lust lasts. In fact, with the myriad of travel companies who now provide tailor-made holidays to suit more mature tastes, the seniors holiday market looks set to book for years to come.

Related Articles in the 'Package Holidays' Category...

• Club 18-30 Holidays
• Creating a Holiday Checklist
• Package Holiday Conditions to Be Wary Of
• Taking the Children on Holiday: What are Your Rights?
• The Important Dos & Don'ts When Backpacking
• The Package Travel Regulations 1992
• What to Pack to Stay Health and Safe
• What You Should Know About Cruises & Coach Tours
• Your Rights on Sporting & Active Holidays
• Your Rights When Booking a Wedding Abroad

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