Seniors and baby boomers (like you!) are traveling now more than ever. Trust me, I work for a popular senior travel company, so I’m rather an expert on offering the senior traveler advice on what to pack and what not to pack for river cruises, safaris, stays in London or Amazon adventures! Also, my own senior mother is taking more trips abroad, mostly with me, and we have curated a list of her favorite travel products that she’s purchased and taken with her over the years.
Here are my 10 great suggestions to make travel easier for seniors on the go.
Travel can be fun and relatively stress-free. The key to safe, convenient and fun travel is to reduce the amount of stress and frustration, right? My list of must-have travel accessories for seniors includes everything from suitcases to packing cubes and travel canes (yes, travel canes are a thing!). Trust me, these travel items make a world of difference. Bon voyage!
1. Lightweight, Rolling Luggage
The dilemma…suitcase or backpack? Let’s go over both! For starters, there’s no need to lug heavy pieces of luggage on your international trip. Go easy on your back and invest in a convenient, affordable piece of lightweight luggage on rollers for easier transport. If you learn how to pack lightly, you might also avoid the hassle of checked luggage (and the fees that come with that!)
Or, if you prefer traveling with a backpack, (some seniors do prefer backpacks) you’ll want one that is lightweight and ergonomically designed, such as padded backs, wide shoulder straps and a comfortable waist strap. The Osprey Farpoint 40 (sold in both women and men’s versions) is a large backpack that will easily hold all of your clothes and essentials. It’s a great pack with a hip belt and thick, cushioned straps. Traveling with a backpack takes away the hassle of actually rolling your luggage over cobblestones or carrying it via hand.
2. Small Travel Case for Medications
Since you probably have a few medications to carry with you, this handy little travel case is perfect for packing all of your necessary meds in one small travel kit. You can keep one-week’s worth of medication in your carry-on luggage to ensure it arrives at your vacation spot with you. I also recommend taking a little extra in case your trip is delayed by a day or two AND bringing copies of your prescriptions.
3. Small Travel-Friendly Knapsack
This small, lightweight knapsack is perfect for a day of sightseeing or other activities. It’s chic, comfy and fits all of the items you’ll use throughout the day – water, camera, rain jacket/sweater, chocolate bar, etc (As well as souvenirs you’re sure to find!)
4. Anti-Theft Cross Body Bag
This is the cross-body bag that I travel with. It’s handy if you don’t want to use a larger knapsack. My mom also opts for this stylish cross body travel bag because it can hold a day’s needs (small camera, wallet, small water bottle) without weighing a lot. A cross body bag also allows for easier access to your items than a knapsack and is always within eyesight.
5. Mom-Approved RFID Money Belt or Neck Stash
Even though you’re on vacation, you should still always be aware of potential muggers and pickpockets. Be smart! Carry important documents such as IDs, passport, credit cards and extra cash in one of these belts/neck stashes which can be carried discreetly under a jacket or shirt. This is especially important while transiting or traveling on public transportation. I advise keeping your daily money handy in your pocket/handbag and store the rest of it in this durable, hidden money belt or neck stash. (This is the one my mom uses!) When you’re just heading out for a day of sightseeing, it’s best to eave your passport and extra money at the hotel or ship.
6. TSA Approved Luggage Locks
Of course, you need to secure your luggage with some TSA Approved locks. These locks have big dials for fingers that aren’t so nimble and the numbers are easy to read. They also let you know when the TSA have searched your bag. (The indicator turns red when the lock has been unlocked using the TSA master key.) Always, always lock your bags when traveling on public transport, especially when your luggage may be stored out of sight (like on a bus/train)
This handy magnifying glass has many benefits! Restaurants can be dimly lit, making it difficult to read the menu, you may need to read the fine print of tickets, or you may just need it for everyday use!
8. Compression Socks
Proper fitting compression socks are a must! My mom wears them on all of her travels. They help to keep the circulation going in your legs and feet (thrombosis can be very serious) as well as to reduce varicose veins, pain, fatigue, stave off blood clots and improve circulation. Truly, they’re a must-have travel accessory for seniors. As always, when you’re on the plane, get up and move around or do some exercises in your seat.
9. Folding Cane
Sometimes you need a little extra support – no problem! These folding travel canes are very compact in size and are lightweight, adjustable and comfortable (so I’m told). If you use a can occasionally at home and don’t want to pack your regular cane, consider this folding cane.
10. Packing Pouches and Cubes
This set of packing cubes and pouches helps keep things organized inside your luggage, backpack, or purse. I usually use one for t-shirts, one for under-“things” and socks, and a larger one for jackets, long pants and other items. The mesh vents allow you to see what’s inside, or you can use the labeling system pre-printed on the pouches.
Need more advice? Sure you do! Try these travel items.
- Travel Adapter – This power adapter is life-changing for travelers. It works in over 150 countries, and has the capacity to charge up to five devices simultaneously. Not to mention, this Universal Travel Adapter has Smart High Speed 2.4A, along with four USB ports.
- Silicone Bottles – I bring so many creams, lotions, hair products (shampoo/conditioner) on my travels. So does my mom. We love these TSA -compliant travel bottles. Each of these Silicone Travel Size Containers holds three ounces of your cosmetic needs. They are also BPA-free (very important) and are perfect to go in carry-on luggage or checked luggage because they’re leakproof.
- Seriously Comfy Neck Pillow – Nobody likes a mushy, no support pillow when trying to sleep on a plane. My mom and I carry this travel neck pillow because it wraps around to double up under your chin, giving great support for a comfy sleep. This trtl pillow is amazing!
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – A pair of comfy shoes really is one of THE most important items you need for ANY vacation. Who wants sore feet or a sore back? Or worse, blisters? My mom loves her Tiosebon athletic walking shoes. She said they saved her feet while exploring the cobblestones of Italy.
- Refillable Water Bottle – Of courses, don’t leave home without a personal water bottle. You can fill it up once you have cleared security at the airport to keep yourself hydrated on the plane and use your refillable bottle throughout your vacation as you sightsee, hike, and take part in other activities. Plus, some countries (like Italy) have adorable water fountains all over so you can fill up and drink healthy water without buying single-use plastic bottles.
- Prescription for Eyeglasses – If you break or lose your glasses, you’ll want to have your prescription with you to expedite a replacement.
- Inclusive Travel Insurance– Do your homework when it comes to choosing your travel insurance. You may need to shop for coverage that includes pre-existing medical conditions and/or trip interruption in the event you need to cut your trip short for any reason. Ask questions and read the fine print carefully to ensure you are getting the coverage you want.
- Reserve a Wheelchair – If using a wheelchair at the airport will make it easier for you to get where you need to go, be certain that you book one in advance with the airline so that one will be available when you get there. Some cruise ships have wheelchairs available only for embarking and debarking and are on a first-come-first-served basis. If you require a wheelchair throughout the cruise, however, you will need to bring your own with you. Let the cruise line know at the time of booking that you will be using a wheelchair as most cruise ships have cabins which are designed to accommodate guests with limited mobility.
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You’re only as old as you feel! Don’t allow an arbitrary number to keep you from exploring our beautiful planet!
