This website aims to promote independent travel for Seniors. However, travelling independently can sometimes be less safe than when in an organised group. But taking a few simple safeguards can help to overcome any hazards.
Mind your Meds
A recent article on the IndependentTraveler.com website provides Seven Safety Tips for Senior Travellers.
Dori Saltzman, the author of this well-researched article (with input from Senior Travel Expert), points out that for Senior Travellers there are:
‘Physical limitations you might need to work around, as well as the fact that as an older individual you’ve suddenly become numero uno on a thief’s hit list.’
Hence the safety tips relate mainly to health issues and looking after your property.
•Get Insurance – But make certain you don’t get ripped off by checking my Travel Insurance tips.
•Don’t Advertise Your Absence – For example by putting up “Clean my Room” signs in hotels.
•Watch What You Eat – Seniors often have more sensitive stomachs.
Watch What You Eat – Hong Kong Fish Restaurant
•Mind Your Meds – Take care of your medicines and note down their names in case they are lost.
•Keep the Bling to a Minimum – Don’t display expensive jewelry, watches and cameras or cash.
•Keep Others in the Loop – Let others know your travel plans and carry a mobile phone.
•Stay Safe on Your Feet – Wear sensible shoes, particularly when visiting sites with uneven ground.
I’ll add to that – don’t walk with your hands in your jacket pockets – as I did in Catania in Sicily; I tripped and fell flat on a pavement made of hard Etna rock!
An Extra Couple of Safety Tips Based on My Own Experiences
•Carry a European Health Insurance Card – If you are an EU citizen travelling in Europe, then take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This can be very helpful if you require medical care. They are free of charge and can be applied for online.
Alpine Way – Snowy Mountains, Australia
•Make certain you have Enough Fuel when on a Driving Holiday – Distances between fuelling stations can be massive in sparsely populated countries like Australia and New Zealand; overnighting in the bush is not a good idea for Senior Travellers.
I very nearly ran out of fuel when driving around the Alpine Way in Australia’s Snowy Mountains; no filling stations, no other cars, only kangaroos leaping out from the side of the road! I was advised in New Zealand that once a car fuel tank drops to halfway, then fill it up.
Follow these few tips and then relax and enjoy your independent travel.
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Safety Tips for Senior Travellers
This website aims to promote independent travel for Seniors. However, travelling independently can sometimes be less safe than when in an organised group. But taking a few simple safeguards can help to overcome any hazards.
A recent article on the IndependentTraveler.com website provides Seven Safety Tips for Senior Travellers.
Dori Saltzman, the author of this well-researched article (with input from Senior Travel Expert), points out that for Senior Travellers there are:
‘Physical limitations you might need to work around, as well as the fact that as an older individual you’ve suddenly become numero uno on a thief’s hit list.’
Hence the safety tips relate mainly to health issues and looking after your property.
Seven Safety Tips for Senior Travellers
The tips are given here in brief – see the IndependentTraveler.com article for full details.
•Get Insurance – But make certain you don’t get ripped off by checking my Travel Insurance tips.
•Don’t Advertise Your Absence – For example by putting up “Clean my Room” signs in hotels.
•Watch What You Eat – Seniors often have more sensitive stomachs.
•Mind Your Meds – Take care of your medicines and note down their names in case they are lost.
•Keep the Bling to a Minimum – Don’t display expensive jewelry, watches and cameras or cash.
•Keep Others in the Loop – Let others know your travel plans and carry a mobile phone.
•Stay Safe on Your Feet – Wear sensible shoes, particularly when visiting sites with uneven ground.
I’ll add to that – don’t walk with your hands in your jacket pockets – as I did in Catania in Sicily; I tripped and fell flat on a pavement made of hard Etna rock!
An Extra Couple of Safety Tips Based on My Own Experiences
•Carry a European Health Insurance Card – If you are an EU citizen travelling in Europe, then take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. This can be very helpful if you require medical care. They are free of charge and can be applied for online.
•Make certain you have Enough Fuel when on a Driving Holiday – Distances between fuelling stations can be massive in sparsely populated countries like Australia and New Zealand; overnighting in the bush is not a good idea for Senior Travellers.
I very nearly ran out of fuel when driving around the Alpine Way in Australia’s Snowy Mountains; no filling stations, no other cars, only kangaroos leaping out from the side of the road! I was advised in New Zealand that once a car fuel tank drops to halfway, then fill it up.
Follow these few tips and then relax and enjoy your independent travel.