Having time to travel is one of the greatest benefits of retirement. You now have the freedom to explore new places, catch up with old friends and spend more time with family. But senior travel also comes with its challenges — and chief among them is determining what to pack.
To help you prepare for your next excursion, we’ve rounded up five things every older adult can’t forget to pack when traveling:
1. A List of Current Medications
Not only is it important to keep yourself on track and make sure you’re taking the proper dosages while you’re away from home, a list of your current medications is also critical in the event of a health emergency.
If you need medical attention on your trip, having a list of your medications handy can get an unfamiliar medical team up to speed on what you’re currently taking without you having to remember. Since some medications can react poorly when mixed with others, having documentation of your current medications can be life saving.
2. Your Medicare and Insurance Cards
Similarly, making sure you have your Medicare and insurance cards handy can help streamline the process of handling an unexpected medical event while traveling. Make sure your traveling partner knows where you store this valuable information and how to access it should the need arise.
3. Comfortable Walking Shoes
Traipsing through the airport or seeing a new city on foot isn’t the time to try out new, stylish footwear. Instead, make sure you pack walking shoes that are comfortable and supportive so you can reach your destination with minimal aches and pains. And even though it’s important to minimize your fall risk wherever you are, it’s especially important when you’re in unfamiliar territory and far away from home.
4. Spare Eyewear
Whether you wear contacts or glasses, make sure you have a spare set of eyewear in case you misplace or damage your primary set. Glasses can break and contacts can tear or slip down the sink, and you don’t want to miss ”seeing” the sights when you’re traveling.
It’s also a good idea to pack your spare eyewear in your carry-on suitcase, just in case something happens to your checked baggage.
5. A List of Emergency Contacts
Carry a list in your pocket or wallet of your emergency contacts, including their names and contact numbers. It’s a good idea to also list your primary care physician and any specialists you’re seeing. This list can be especially important if you’re traveling alone.
Remember: When you’re away from home, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Exercising a little extra caution can give you the peace of mind you need to enjoy your travels independent and worry-free.
Want to enjoy freedom and independence long into your retired years? Learn how in our free guide, Aging in Place: A Popular Trend for a New Generation of Seniors.
