As winter approaches, seniors who love to travel may find themselves facing unique challenges due to the colder weather and potential health concerns. However, with a bit of planning and preparation, they can still enjoy a safe and enjoyable winter ‘staycation’, travelling around Australia to either escape to warmer, sunnier climes or head to the snow.
At Home Care Assistance, we not only care about your health, but about your wellbeing too, and understand the importance of getting away – having something to look forward to albeit it solo on a seniors tour to sunny Queensland, or a trip with the family to the Snowy Mountains. We can help plan your trip, put together a checklist of things to pack and assist with your itinerary – even arrange to have you picked up and dropped off at your place of departure. That said, it is important to be prepared, so here are 5 travel tips we feel seniors would find useful to ensure they get the most out of their winter travels.
- Plan Ahead
Seniors should plan ahead to ensure that their winter vacation is both safe and enjoyable. This means researching their destination, its climate, as well as deciding how far they would like to travel while looking for all-inclusive deals, checking the weather forecast, where the nearest hospital is and considering any health concerns or mobility issues that they may have. They should also consider booking accommodations that offers amenities such as grab bars, handrails, and non-slip flooring to ensure their safety. - Pack Smart
Seniors should pack smart for their winter vacation by bringing clothing and footwear that is appropriate for the climate they are going to. This means packing warm layers, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots for a snowy, winter vacation; and lighter clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, swimwear, hats and sunscreen for a tropical getaway. With colds, flu and even Covid still impacting our travel, seniors should also ensure that they pack sufficient face masks and hand sanitiser for the duration of their trip to keep germs at bay and avoid getting sick while on holiday! It is also vitally important to pack all necessary medications, including prescriptions (do not forget), as well as a travel first-aid kit and any mobility aids they may need, such as a cane, wheelchair or walker. - Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must for anyone who travels these days and something seniors should also consider purchasing to protect themselves in case of unexpected events, such as flight cancellations or medical emergencies. Travel insurance can also provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage and any other unforeseen expenses. - Take it Slow
Seniors should take it slow and pace themselves during their winter vacation. If opting for a cold weather vacation, it is important to know that this can be physically challenging, and seniors should not push themselves beyond their limits. The same applies in warmer climates, with the addition of taking breaks when necessary, staying hydrated, and avoiding overexertion. It’s also important to allow plenty of time to get to and from destinations, especially if there are adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow. - Stay Connected
Being away from home can at times have loved ones worried, which is why it’s important for seniors to stay connected during their vacation, both this those back home, as well as any travel companions. This means bringing a mobile phone, an iPad or laptop, the necessary chargers, and any other accessories, as well as providing emergency contact information to family members or friends along with their travel itinerary. Staying connected can provide peace of mind and ensure that seniors can quickly and easily get reach our or get help if needed.
That said, the best part about travelling during the winter months, is that many travel companies, resorts, hotels and even airlines, offer off-peak rate, which means more spending money in the pocket while away. So, if you’re planning on enjoying a ‘staycation’ around Australia, travelling with like-minded seniors on a coach tour or sailing around the Australian coastline on an all-inclusive cruise, be sure to take the necessary precautions and plan ahead! By following these simple tips, seniors can be guaranteed of a safe, enjoyable and stress-free vacation, while either enjoying the cold, or escaping it!
Support of an in-home care agency like Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefit and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.
