Kupuna Travel Tips: How to Have Great Adventures as an Older Adult

When visiting a place for the first time, you might feel completely rejuvenated. After all, you're seeing a corner of the world with fresh eyes, and you can instantly immerse yourself in new cultures, customs, and cuisines.

Here are some ideas for making the most of your next trip whether a foreign destination or
in-state domestic travel.

Choosing Your Location Wisely

The first thing for a kupuna to do when planning a trip is to select an enticing destination. This process of choosing can be really fun as it lets you daydream. That is, you could imagine yourself soaking in all kinds of beautiful ports of call.

Travel budget is always a primary consideration and fortunately, online booking websites make it easy to compare prices. Also, what time of year will you be traveling? A tropical locale might be irresistible in the winter, while temperate climes can be especially inviting in the spring and fall.

Finally, examine your own feelings. Maybe you're in the mood for mountains or remote islands. Or perhaps there's a city you've always wanted to see but, for whatever reason, never got around to visiting.

Locating the Best Vacation Spots for an Older Adult

The world is brimming with excellent spots for travel. Here are just a few ideas.
Southern Florida, Key West and Miami both offer a world-class array of beaches, museums, and gardens.

Indonesia and Thailand, you’ll discover breathtaking temples, beaches, and marketplaces. Plus, in Indonesian and Thai cultures, older adults are accorded with a great deal of respect. Thus, encountering people as you travel should be particularly enjoyable.

Do you crave something more exotic like a safari in Australia or South Africa? An exciting adventure bursting with unforgettable animals, flora and fauna awaits.

Throughout the U.S., national parks provide stunning scenery and fantastic lodges. The relatively affordable admission prices are attractive, too.

Some modes of travel let you see multiple destinations in one trip. For example, on a Caribbean cruise, you'd take in a number of gorgeous islands. A Canadian or European river cruise would stop at one captivating city after another. Especially alluring, cruises offer onboard meals, recreational activities, and companionship from fellow voyagers.

Planning Ahead

Like so many other things in life, thorough preparation is key to rewarding and safe travel for older adults. With that in mind, here are some ways to get ready for an upcoming trip.

1. Buy Travel Insurance

As a kupuna, you will want to consider purchasing travel insurance. It's definitely worth it given the financial help and peace of mind that insurance can supply. Travel insurance policies vary, so it's wise to compare several of them before purchasing one. Generally speaking, though, they cover expenses associated with the following:

• Trip cancellations
• Flight delays
• Lost luggage
• Stolen items
• Certain medical emergencies

Also, your Medicare policy is unlikely to cover you when you're abroad. For that reason, it makes sense to have evacuation insurance. In a worst-case health scenario, your evacuation insurance would pay for your transportation to and from a medical facility along with your stay there.

2. See Your Doctor in Advance

Get in touch with your primary care physician well before your departure. Let your medical office know where you'll be going, the dates you'll be away, and the kinds of things you'll do during your vacation. That way, your doctor can help you prepare for the trip and/or assist with medical advice if you fall ill or become injured on your trip.

You'll need to consider getting vaccinated if traveling to certain parts of the world. You will also need to pack enough medication for the duration of your vacation and extra just in case your travels are delayed.

3. Find a Travel Partner, Partners, or Tour Group

Maybe you'd like to go somewhere with someone else, but you don't have a travel companion. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to connect with people who might want to vacation with you. For instance, you could:

• Book a trip with a company that offers group travel for older adults
• Sign up with an affordable local travel club that's geared toward kupuna
• Ask a local travel agent to connect you with older adults who want to travel together
• Join any social club — like the Elks Club or AARP — and make friends who love traveling

4. Review Safe Travel Practices

While traveling, don't fear for your safety, but do be mindful of it. Here are some sound strategies to consider:

• If you're at your hotel or another establishment and you need Wi-Fi, ask an employee to help you obtain a secure connection.
• Stick to activities you have experience with. Your trip abroad is not the time to try a risky activity like water skiing for the first time. And whatever you're doing, go at a pace that's comfortable for you.
• Avoid heavy lifting. If you need it, ask for assistance with your bags at the airport and at your hotel.
• Get your phone ready before you leave. Be familiar with its GPS program. And have your emergency phone numbers, itinerary, flight times, flight numbers, and other pertinent data ready at your fingertips.
• Bring a healthy snack and a water bottle to stay nourished and hydrated. You might want to carry a fresh supply of masks to stay safe.
• Wherever you are — hotel, cafe, boat, plane, train, or elsewhere — try to get up and walk around for a few minutes at least once per hour.
• When you're out walking, stick to streets that are well-lighted and full of pedestrians.

Travel can be thrilling for people of all ages especially for savvy kupuna who know how plan ahead and travel safely.