No matter how old you are, and if you are lucky, you will keep getting older and always looking to find different ways to travel healthily and more comfortably. Some health and travel “hacks” to make your travel life comfier!
1- Book tickets before your actual travel
Discover the convenience of purchasing your ticket online and bypassing the hassle of waiting in line at the attraction of your choice. Waiting in line queues exhaust your legs, and acquiring an unwanted tan! By booking in advance, you’ll not only save time but also keep your energy levels high. It’s important to note that booking ahead doesn’t necessarily require you to make the reservation before your actual travel date to the country you visit. You can simply land at your destination and then explore the attractions you wish to visit and when you pin it, secure your tickets before heading to your desired destination.
2- Take the unnecessary weight off your backpack
Traveling with excessive weight can often lead to unnecessary strain on our bodies. Whether it’s due to personal preference, because you take donations (my lifestyle), you need to take extra walking aids, shoes, or the need to bring essential items, we often find ourselves burdened with heavy luggage. However, it’s important to be mindful of the impact this can have on our backs, vertebrae, disks, ligaments, and muscles. In such situations, it’s crucial to make wise choices, such as opting for luggage with wheels to alleviate the pressure. Leave behind non-essential items, particularly when you have already landed at your destination and are taking a day trip or so. Leave that makeup, extra camera lenses, dress shoes, and heavy water bottles. Instead, opt for a simple plastic water bottle and a lightweight, foldable tote bag. By making these small adjustments, we can ensure a more comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.
3- Make sure there is a lift/elevator and or ramps available
When embarking on your travels, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the terrain you’ll be exploring. This way, you can determine whether you’ll require assistance or not. Keep in mind that in many countries around the world, lifts may not be readily available everywhere (yes, you heard it right). In the absence of a lift, check if there’s a ramp you can utilize. And if neither a lift nor a ramp is present, consider if you will be comfortable taking breaks at different intervals to tackle the stairs or inclines. Traveling in sections, as I like to call it, isn’t just beneficial for older individuals; it’s suitable for anyone. Even if you’re traveling with a group, nobody minds if you need to pause and rest, as long as you’re comfortable. Remember, having a fantastic time means being flexible, even when you’re journeying alone! 😉
4- Wear comfy shoes and…
This is a big one for me…and I’m certain it is for you as well! We’re all constantly on the move when we travel no question about it. It’s crucial to always wear a pair of shoes that you’ve worn before and know for certain are comfortable and provide good traction. Never break in a new pair of shoes while on a trip…so if you must wear new shoes for your journey, make sure to break them in at the comfort of your own home. I always bring along my favorite flip-flops either with me or in my bag. I have a pair of sandals, Chacos, that I’ve been wearing since they were first released.
I hope that one day I’ll receive a free pair since I always donate the ones I wear during my trips to my final destination. Do I even need to mention that I’m leaving footprints…?
5- Identify Toilettes
Discover the locations and operating hours of toilets, bathrooms, loos, lavatories, restrooms, washrooms, and what other ways they call them, during your journey or outing. Whether you have a hyperactive bladder or not, are carrying excess H2O, are feeling anxious, or find yourself stuck in traffic, a restroom will come in handy. Remember to pack some extra toilet paper as you may not always have access to that plush, white essential in most places. Regardless of how pristine your surroundings or bathroom may appear, there’s always a chance that someone before you has used up all the supplies – you never know!
6- Take Bottled Water/good water
Make sure to have a small water bottle with you whenever you’re on the go, and don’t forget to pack an extra empty one in case you need to refill it during your journey. It’s crucial to stay hydrated while traveling, especially when flying, to prevent dehydration and headaches. Additionally, water plays a vital role in your hotel room, where the humidity tends to be lower than usual. By keeping yourself hydrated, you’ll enhance your metabolism and infuse a burst of energy into your bustling travel schedule. Remember, it’s important to have access to water at all times, so make sure to purchase it in a sealed container!
7- Don’t get tempted by great food
Unless you know that a certain kind of meal is not going to cause trouble, do not get tempted by eating rich foods, especially when you know you will be moving around. Avoid consuming a super spicy meal when you are close to your room or when you know you don’t have to run around. That delicious meal could cause stomach issues that might force you to cancel some daily plans. It might also make you stay on the toilet for longer than planned. 🙂
8- Use SPF 30 and up and UV protective clothing
It’s crucial to protect ourselves from excessive sun exposure. Don’t forget your SPF! Sunscreen is essential in preventing sunburn and skin cancer. As we age, our skin tends to become drier, but using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily can help minimize damage. Consider using a sun umbrella with UPF 50, which shields you from harmful UV rays. There are even compact umbrellas and travel-friendly options available. Moreover, there is now a wide range of sun-protective clothing with UPF 40–50+, which effectively absorbs UV light. With such a diverse selection of protective products and stylish clothing, it’s no wonder these items are all the rage!
9- Wear a Hat and Sunglasses
Wearing a hat and sunglasses helps to protect your head, eyes, and skin from the sun’s UV rays that cause damage. The head and eyes are sensitive areas and covering them will make you feel comfortable and avoid sunburn. Remember that the neck and face are very sensitive areas and have a higher risk for skin cancer. So, go ahead and find one of those trendy hats and glasses for the hype. Ageless trends are beautiful!
10- Dress in Layers
Dressing in layers helps you travel light and maximize your packing space, particularly when you are touring a place. Also, layers help you with temperature control while touring and visiting places that have multiple climates. Take a light bag, like a string bag, to place that heavy item off when the weather gets too warm.
11- Avoid major changes in temperature
Challenge that air con to the best of your ability. Most transportation will have air conditioning, so make sure you have those light, puffy, foldable jackets, a blanket, or something to keep warm so that you don’t freeze. Even some museums or places can have below zero temperatures when outside might be scorching hot. The same goes for heated places, make sure you travel in clothing layers just like an onion!
12- Take breaks
Traveling to 10 countries in two weeks? Well, that is not always necessary. Cut the trip into sections and take breaks. It will help you feel more energized and enjoy your experience. As a researcher learning about cultures myself, I can attest to the fact that the longer you stay in a place, the more you learn about the host country (yes, variables do matter). So take your time and think about socializing during those breaks! What a cultural learning experience that might bring!
13- Use Walking Aids
The number one travel and walking aid, besides your feet, is… your shoes. Traveling with comfortable shoes that you have tried before your trip (and knowing firsthand that they are comfy) is a must. Just in case, I would add to the list those always useful blister pads. My feet keep changing with age, and yours might too! If you already know that your knee or other body parts might start bothering you and using a cane or any walking aid might help, take one! A foldable cane, hiking pole, etc., might be a good idea, but make sure you try any of these before you travel. A walking aid is a great sign that you are still active and doing it!! 🙂
14- Don’t stay still for too long
When we travel for a long period, we still need to keep that blood pumping to avoid clots and muscle cramps. I generally do foot exercises “, foot rolls,” when I am in a place (roll and lift one leg at a time…anywhere!). Lift foot exercises while sitting help me ease that muscle uncomfortable feeling I might get. I also walk towards the bathroom on a plane to move my legs even if I don’t need to use it, it prevents some airline attendants from sending me back to my seat!
15- Bring stomach meds/motion-sickness and any other meds you take
I do know very well, unfortunately, what it is like to get sick when traveling, and it can happen to anyone. Taking medicine is just a precautionary measure only when consulting with your MD prior to your traveling. Having medicines you are familiar with back home will not only make you feel better but also make you feel at ease, knowing well the product you take. Remember that getting sick when you travel does not mean it is the end of the world! Do not forget any of the meds you usually take on your trip.
16- Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential item when you travel, it is truly a device for safety since you never want to navigate dark places…ever! Also, a flashlight helps you during power outages that are quite common in some countries in the world. There is a large availability of flashlights; some small flashlights, compact ones, powerful LED ones that last longer, some light ones, and some don’t even need a battery! You can also use your cell phone’s flashlight just make sure you are not depleting its battery so having one is always a good idea.
17- Check for Travel Assisted Availability
Make travel plans taking any health considerations into account. We need to be honest with ourselves and be mindful of when we might have to rely on travel-assisted services. There is no shame in needing assistance while traveling. There is a reason why these services are offered, and they can be a great addition to any travel experience. Take a look at the types of travel assistance available, be completely honest with yourself, and determine if it would meet your travel needs. On a side note, my parents used a similar service on the left in Italy, and I am truly grateful to all the people there who always treated them exceptionally well… grazie mille!!!
18- Consult with your doctor and people who care about your travel plans
Consult with your doctor about your travel plans and take a brief medical history with you. It is important to share travel concerns with the people who know us most: our family, health care providers, the people who assist us in our daily living, and our friends. The people we know, such as friends and family, will definitely let us know bluntly what we will be needing, and we might as well consider that information and use it wisely. After all, there is a reason why we have those folks around us!
We all have travel concerns, and we overcome them. Don’t let these things ruin the fact that you are blessed just by being able to plan your travel. BE GRATEFUL!!
For more on this favorite part of the society of mine, Seniors !!
see the Labeling Seniors here
