Traveling is an excellent hobby that many people find comfort and delight in—it keeps people healthy, open-minded, and happy. Travel also promotes exercise, one of many leisure activities for seniors who finally have enough time and money on their hands to explore the wonders of the world. 

Nevertheless, traveling should be carefully planned, especially when people of the golden age are involved. Thorough preparation of the trip is needed to make sure that they are comfortable and safe throughout. This article will give you the necessary details to keep in mind for seniors who want to travel—may it be with someone else or by themselves.

Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

What’s the Importance of Traveling for Seniors?

There are many things to gain from this activity, and the following are a few reasons why seniors should engage in traveling:

It works as a Mood Booster.

People who have upcoming trips tend to feel excited about the future. There are positive feelings associated with the thought of experiencing something new and visiting places or countries they have always wanted to visit. Just thinking about traveling and planned activities help boost the overall mood, filling travelers with enthusiasm and happiness. 

It Spices Up Their Life.

For years, people might have worked the same job, lived in the same city, and done the same things every day. Most seniors want a change from their routines, which will bring more excitement to their life. Travel provides exposure to new places, food, and cultures, helping them escape dull 9-5 routines.

It Enhances Both The Body And Mind.

Part of the secret of looking younger includes happiness and being active—both of which travel will give to anyone. Seniors can remain active without undergoing extreme exercise programs. Walking while exploring places is already a form of activity, and they will not even think of it as exercise.

Senior adults will enrich their minds through stories and facts they will discover from different places. Through traveling, seniors can engage in physical and mental activities that will surely make them happy and healthy in their mind, body, and soul.

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Tips When Traveling With Seniors

As mentioned earlier, traveling with seniors comes with a few challenges, but nothing that can’t be worked with. There might be a couple of adjustments needed to ensure that everything they need is available and they’ll remain comfortable throughout the journey.

Here are several tips that’ll help improve the experience of traveling with seniors:

Go over their Bucket List.

When traveling with seniors, you have to consider what they want instead of enforcing what you wish for them to do or visit. Have a friendly talk about traveling and the places they want to go to make sure they are interested in the itinerary.

Ask them if they’re going to travel alone or if they would prefer company. Make their needs and wants a priority—this time, you will be the one to fulfill their dreams.

Find Appropriate Travel Services.

Maybe the destination is incredible, but the journey matters a whole lot as well. You need to consider the means of transport, be it air or land transportation, to get the most direct and shortest travel time.

Make Sure Elderly Accommodation Is Available.

It is no secret that plane seats can be uncomfortable. For seniors who might need help, you need to request airline assistance in advance. 

If the senior needs a wheelchair, make sure to ask for it. For meal services onboard, don’t forget to inform the airline of any dietary needs. If the senior is traveling alone, ensure that they will have assistance from the check-in counter, through security, gate, embarking, and disembarking.

Secure Important Documents.

Aside from passports and plane tickets, confirm that you have enough copies of prescriptions and statements of medical conditions from physicians or medical centers.

Medicare and other insurance cards, itineraries, boarding passes, and medication names should be part of the document package. If you can, allow the companion (if there’s one) and someone at home to keep copies of the essential documents.

Ensure Efficient Packing.

Avoid packing too much that it ends up being a struggle to carry or transport luggage, especially if the person is traveling alone. Prioritize ergonomic backpacks and luggage that are lightweight and easy to travel with.

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Safety Precautions When Traveling with Seniors

Safety should always be at the top of the list when talking about senior travel. Seniors can be more prone to accidents and hospital stays. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when traveling:

Utilize Medical Alert Systems

Personal emergency response systems or medical alert systems are a quick and easy way for people to ask for help during an emergency. 

Medical alert systems are designed to signal an emergency to call urgent attention for medical personnel. This tool is very beneficial and almost imperative when the senior is traveling independently. The device will help the wearer call for help or assistance quickly without having to remember a phone number or have a phone nearby.

Medical alert systems providers offer a wide range of devices, features, options, and service plans to guarantee ease of use for seniors. All your senior family member or friend needs to do is press a button to contact the medical alert provider’s call center, and trained operators will respond 24/7, ready to send assistance as soon as possible.

Some medical alert systems have additional features, including fall detection sensors, GPS, caregiver tools, and environmental monitoring to ensure that the seniors are safe and sound wherever they are.

Get Travel Insurance.

Insurance is something everyone, regardless of age, should consider investing in. To read more about Travel Insurance for Seniors, click here. 

Track Eating Habits and Medication.

With traveling comes new experiences, and that includes food. With the variety of dishes and specialties available worldwide, it will not be surprising when travelers wish to taste every food on sight.

However, the older we get, the slower the digestion and the more sensitive a stomach can get. Seniors and companions must not forget about the diet restrictions they need to follow when traveling to ensure that they will not obtain undesirable events. 

Beware of heavy, spicy, or fatty dishes and food that could interact with medications. Consult with a doctor before going on a trip to be more informed about what food is and isn’t recommended. 

Final Thoughts

Remember the important things and stay safe throughout the whole trip, but do not forget to enjoy it to the fullest. Seniors should have the time of their lives going out of their comfort zones and relishing in the numerous beautiful offers of the world.

This article was written by a guest contributor.

The post The Why’s and How’s of Traveling with Seniors appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

The good news is, as a Medicare beneficiary you will be entitled to some foreign benefits in the case of an emergency. But as expected, the foreign coverage is not as comprehensive as you would expect here in the states. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about traveling outside the USA with Medicare.

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Original Medicare Foreign Coverage

With Original Medicare coverage alone, the situations in which you will be covered abroad are quite situational.

For a nationalized system like Medicare, the tight foreign regulations are understandable as it could become quite a headache to create a synchronized health coverage system that worked no matter where beneficiaries were in the world.

Here are the situations in which you can count on Medicare to cover you outside of the United States:

• If you have a medical emergency requiring medical attention, on your way to or from Alaska by way of Canada – Medicare will cover your treatment in a Canadian facility.  
• In the case you have a medical emergency or non-emergency situation while in the U.S. or its’ territories, and the nearest hospital is in another country. It typically applies to Canada or Mexico, and you would be covered by Medicare at the nearest hospital.
• If you are on a cruise ship and 6 hours away from a U.S. port, Medicare will cover your medical services at the nearest facility.

To summarize, if you are near the United States or in a border area, Medicare may cover in an emergency at the closest hospital in proximity to you.

How Medicare Works Outside of the USA?

Since you will be in a foreign facility, Medicare may not cover services in the same way as they do in the United States. Additionally, foreign facilities may not accept Medicare or be willing to bill Medicare for your treatment.

Foreign providers and hospitals are not required to submit your claim to Medicare, though some will have a process in place to do so. If you find yourself in a situation where a foreign hospital or provider will not coordinate with Medicare, you will need to pay out-of-pocket.

If you end up covering your medical bills on your own, be sure to save every bill and receipt to submit for Medicare reimbursement when you return to the U.S.

In the same way, billing may be different abroad. Also, the way Medicare will cover services is different. For example, Medicare Part B will only cover non-emergency services if your inpatient hospital stay is covered.

Additional Medicare Coverage Options Abroad

We’ve looked at how Original Medicare will cover you abroad. Now let’s look at how Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans will work while you’re out of the country.

Medicare Advantage outside the USA

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are federally regulated private plans. Since these plans are offered through private insurance companies, there are thousands of options available with varying coverage.

With so many available options, your out-of-network benefits can vary. However, you can count on every Medicare Advantage plan having foreign emergency travel coverage. Review your Summary of Benefits to know exactly what kind of coverage your Medicare Advantage plan has and what your share of any emergency costs may be.

Medicare Supplement outside the USA

Medicare supplement plans are an add-on option to Original Medicare plans that fill in the out-of-pocket gaps. These plans are popular among many beneficiaries for their comprehensive coverage.

The great thing is, there are six Medicare supplement plans available that cover up to 80 percent of expenses in the case of a foreign emergency, with a lifetime limit of $50,000. The emergency must occur within 60 days of you leaving the United States, so it’s not a benefit that was intended for long-term travel.

Just like in the states, a Medicare supplement plan will only cover services that Medicare also approves and will pay after Medicare covers their portion.

In Conclusion

Medicare will travel with you as you travel abroad, but not as comprehensively as you would count on it to do at home. It is best to have a supplemental option in addition to Medicare as well as a short-term travel policy.

You can never be overprepared when it comes to your health coverage while traveling outside of the country.

Guest contributor Danielle Kunkle has written the previous article. Danielle specializes in writing content that helps people understand Medicare – what it is, which part covers what, etc. She’s also on the Forbes finance council as their Medicare expert. 

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Cape Town & Kruger National Park Safari – Pamela Chieffallo from Travel like a Chieff 

Pamela’s family on Safari

My husband and I surprised our parents with a trip to South Africa last year, and they are still raving about it! We chose the destination based on activities that would suit my 70-year-old father in law, the most senior of the group, without sacrificing fun and adventure.

Our first stop was Cape Town, where we rented a luxury villa in Camps Bay; the perfect option for a family wishing to spend time together. We visited Boulders Beach, dined at a World’s Top 50 Restaurant, spent the day wine tasting in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, saw one of the “new” seven wonders of the world – Table Mountain, toured Robben Island, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, and Chapman’s Peak.

Vineyard in Cape Town

All in the comfort of a private luxury vehicle, courtesy of Rhino Africa to ensure no one got too fatigued. Our final stop was Londolozi in Kruger National Park for a three-day Safari. This is where we witnessed our parents turn into awe-struck children and where the vacation became a trip of a lifetime.

A Safari is truly an authentic experience and the memories last a lifetime. Our parents can vouch for that! It is suitable for most physical levels, and everything is pre-planned. You just need to show up and have a wonderful time!

Pamela and Her Family During Their Lovely Safari

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Cuba – Jennifer Riley from The Rainbow Route

Jennifer & Her Mother in Cuba 

When my 65-year-old mom decided she wanted to do a mother-daughter trip, it didn’t take me long to decide on Cuba as our destination. My mom had never been overseas before, so I wanted to give her a trip that would broaden her horizons, but not be too far out of her comfort zone.

Cuba, Havana in particular, is an affordable destination with a unique culture, as well as lots of interesting things to take photos of on slow walks. Taxis were readily available for when our feet got sore, and there were plenty of mojitos to keep us both in good spirits.

It helped considerably that I speak Spanish so that my mom was able to take part in conversations without having to stress about the language barrier. Cuba is a destination better suited to a person who can go without certain conveniences and has an adventurous attitude.

It is also a very safe country, so I never had to worry about her personal safety while I took care of the other details – like finding a room for the night and navigating winding streets.

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Tenerife, Canary Islands – Maria from Tigrest

Tenerife – Canary Islands

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands (Spain). Thanks to its location, the temperatures rarely drop below +20C (even in winter months) making it an ideal winter destination for most Europeans.

However, this is really not a party island – most visitors are actually middle-aged and seniors. Beach resort properties in the southern part of the island are a great investment for retirement, and a lot of senior Europeans already take advantage of that.

The promenade is easy to walk and stretches for many kilometers. Numerous pubs and outdoor cafes offer live music (classic, 90’s) throughout the night. Every now and then you see happy couples finishing their evening walk before heading home for the night.

Even the biggest resort – Playa de Las Americas – is a very peaceful place, perfect for seniors to relax and enjoy the ocean, sun, and sangria.

The food is delicious – traditional Spanish flavors along with Canary specialties. You simply can’t miss tasty seafood, cute salty mini-potatoes (papas arrugadas), sauces made from herbs (mojos), paellas, and tapas. Everything is fresh and really delicious.

Although there are many other, much more peaceful resorts, Playa de Las Americas is my favorite. Here you can read about what makes Playa de Las Americas the best resort to stay in the area.

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Final Thoughts

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this post, including their lovely pictures. I am now more convinced of planning a trip with my mother outside of the United States. I also hope this post had inspired some of you to do the same.

Also, these three experiences happened during the warmer months, but if planning a winter holiday with your parents don’t forget to check out ‘The ultimate winter toolkit for older people’ where you can find a number of tips, including tips for a winter holiday with senior parents.

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