Over 50s Travel Tips London
Older travellers and holiday makers are now becoming more adventurous with the over 50s being increasingly interested in adventure holidays, active sport, and exotic destinations. But with this comes an increased need for proper preparation to help avoid the risks of health problems and accidents as the following article explains.
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Over 50s Travel Tips
Over 50s now take over 35% of all trips abroad. But not only are they travelling more their idea of what represents a good holiday is changing too.
Today’s over 50s favour travel destinations as varied as Kilimanjaro, the Andes, and Antarctica, with activities like trekking, biking, sailing, and skiing, plus a good measure of bungee jumping, abseiling, hot air ballooning, and swimming with sharks thrown in for good measure.
However all this excitement does have a down side. According to the Foreign Office the number of over 50s approaching overseas consuls has also increased significantly in recent years. Problems range from lost documents and passports to those seeking help with hospital costs due to a lack of travel insurance.
Of course, these problems can occur to anyone at any age, but for the over 50s the risk of ill-health or injury increases significantly and may result from underlying health problems rather than being linked to holiday activities.
Whatever your holiday destination, a few sensible precautions before you leave will help ensure the holiday of your dreams does not end up a nightmare:
• Thoroughly research your destination and find out what you need in terms of vaccinations, and what precautionary medicines you may need to take with you. The Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk is good for up to date information, travel and health tips.
• Even for the shortest trips abroad make sure you have adequate travel and health insurance, including a high level of repatriation cover if you are seriously ill or injured (shop around on the internet to find the best deal).
• If you are undertaking any sort of physical activity on your holiday, seek expert advice at the outset and undertake plenty of advance training to ensure you have adequate fitness, flexibility and stamina.
• Consider investing in a thorough medical before you leave, particularly if you’re going abroad for a comparatively long period of time or travelling to a third world country. This will help identify any underlying health problems or weaknesses.
• Get a note from your doctor giving the name of any existing medication you take and what you need it for. This will be helpful both for any customs/security checks and also if you lose or run out of your supply.
• Keep your medication in your hand luggage along with any other valuables. Once at your destination, keep valuables in a hotel safe or carry them with you in a body belt. If possible split money and cards between you so you always have back up.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies before you go away and take their contact details with you in case you need to get in touch.
• Don’t push yourself beyond your limits and try and compete with younger people. Pacing yourself and knowing your limits will ensure you remain fit and healthy for the duration of your holiday.
• Finally, go easy on the alcohol and don’t even think about dabbling in drugs…
Click here for more, useful information for the over 50s from in my prime.
Today’s over 50s favour travel destinations as varied as Kilimanjaro, the Andes, and Antarctica, with activities like trekking, biking, sailing, and skiing, plus a good measure of bungee jumping, abseiling, hot air ballooning, and swimming with sharks thrown in for good measure.
However all this excitement does have a down side. According to the Foreign Office the number of over 50s approaching overseas consuls has also increased significantly in recent years. Problems range from lost documents and passports to those seeking help with hospital costs due to a lack of travel insurance.
Of course, these problems can occur to anyone at any age, but for the over 50s the risk of ill-health or injury increases significantly and may result from underlying health problems rather than being linked to holiday activities.
Whatever your holiday destination, a few sensible precautions before you leave will help ensure the holiday of your dreams does not end up a nightmare:
• Thoroughly research your destination and find out what you need in terms of vaccinations, and what precautionary medicines you may need to take with you. The Foreign Office website www.fco.gov.uk is good for up to date information, travel and health tips.
• Even for the shortest trips abroad make sure you have adequate travel and health insurance, including a high level of repatriation cover if you are seriously ill or injured (shop around on the internet to find the best deal).
• If you are undertaking any sort of physical activity on your holiday, seek expert advice at the outset and undertake plenty of advance training to ensure you have adequate fitness, flexibility and stamina.
• Consider investing in a thorough medical before you leave, particularly if you’re going abroad for a comparatively long period of time or travelling to a third world country. This will help identify any underlying health problems or weaknesses.
• Get a note from your doctor giving the name of any existing medication you take and what you need it for. This will be helpful both for any customs/security checks and also if you lose or run out of your supply.
• Keep your medication in your hand luggage along with any other valuables. Once at your destination, keep valuables in a hotel safe or carry them with you in a body belt. If possible split money and cards between you so you always have back up.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies before you go away and take their contact details with you in case you need to get in touch.
• Don’t push yourself beyond your limits and try and compete with younger people. Pacing yourself and knowing your limits will ensure you remain fit and healthy for the duration of your holiday.
• Finally, go easy on the alcohol and don’t even think about dabbling in drugs…
Click here for more, useful information for the over 50s from in my prime.