There are very few people in the world who do not like going on vacation. Almost everyone likes to relax, visit new places and see new things. Holidays are obviously great ways to do this but, before booking a trip. Family holidays can be hard work and there can be many arguments.
Traveling is a rewarding experience at any age. Taking his elderly parents on a trip is a wonderful opportunity for all of you to have an enriching experience. However, traveling with elderly loved ones comes with a unique set of challenges. There are thousands of factors that must be considered to ensure that the trip enjoyable for everyone involved. Older adults often have problems with mobility as the need for a wheelchair or health conditions that lead to specific limitations. This makes planning a vacation much more complex.
Proper preparation is key to planning your holidays; and this is especially true when traveling with older peers. The 10 tips below represent some of the most common special needs of the elderly travel. Keep in mind when planning the trip so that everyone can focus on enjoying themselves during the holidays. There are some important things you need to follow before going on a trip with his parents.
Give yourself extra time
On the day you start your trip, plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours earlier. This will allow sufficient time to register, have a snack before your flight and use of accessible bathrooms wheelchair before boarding. The latter decrease the likelihood that your father will have to use less hospitable bathroom on the plane.
Find out where medical facilities are at your destination
If you are traveling to a place that is not familiar with, do some research to find out where health centers are in case of an emergency. Also, it brings insurance information and contact details for your loved ones doctor. Thus, if a medical emergency occurs, no time will be wasted in getting your father the attention it requires.
Gather all necessary identification and documentation
First, gather all necessary travel identification such as passports and driving licenses. Put them together with their tickets and itineraries and all documentation is in one place. Also, gather all the insurance papers, prescriptions and other medical information that your loved one may require. Special identification bracelets with GPS chips are available for older adults with dementia or other forms of cognitive impairment, and are highly recommended for these people when traveling.
Consider Tours & Cruises
Tours and cruises are great options provided for older adults, as the route is established early and most of the planning is done for you. Cruises are especially susceptible, such as holidays basically comes to you once you are on board, and meals are available at specific times, allowing you to maintain a predictable schedule. There are also companies that travel tours designed specifically for elderly clients with special needs, which are worth looking into if you’re planning a trip with an adult who has significant limitations.
