11 Travel Hacks Older Travelers Shared for Travelers Who Are 50+

While scrolling through a popular internet travel forum, I encountered a helpful question aimed at older generations (50+ years), “What travel tips and hacks do you have for older people traveling?” These are the top-voted responses. It’s worth noting the poster used the word “elderly” and was promptly told.

Retired couple walking around the town with a map. Smiling mature man and woman roaming around the city.
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Lund

1. Go Slow

Don’t try to see everything all at once. Sometimes it is good to slow down and thoroughly enjoy a few attractions instead of racing and stressing yourself physically and mentally. For example, going coast-to-coast in two weeks isn’t ideal for older travelers traveling in America.

2. Build In Buffer Days

One user confessed, “We build in buffer days. For example, when we traveled to the U.K., we had nothing planned for the first day. It helps with jet lag. When we return, we always leave at least a day at home before returning to work or school.

It makes canceled and delayed flights home less stressful. If everything goes well, we have a day to sleep in, unpack and do laundry.”

3. Don’t Over-Schedule

In addition to traveling slowly, one person added, “We don’t over-schedule our itinerary. We may book one excursion or plan to visit one thing a day. That opens our schedule to other attractions we were unaware of, crash at the hotel, or walk around and enjoy the sights.”

4. Pack Comfortable Shoes

Forget looking cute and pack for comfort. Many places have bad roads, cobblestone, and other less easy-to-navigate conditions than a flat surfaced sidewalk. Even so, being on your feet all day is exhausting, and wearing good, comfortable shoes is essential for travelers of all ages, especially older ones.

Related: 50+ Travel Gifts Every Jetsetter Actually Wants

5. Use Available Technology

One traveler advised, “Embrace helpful technology. I carry an iPad with a bigger screen to view apps for the train, metro, and tube schedules and download maps to view them offline.

I use Google Earth extensively for street-level previews of where I’m going, look at recent TripAdvisor reviews of what I’m considering doing, and check if Lyft and Uber work where I’m traveling.”

6. Stay Within a Couple of Hours of Medical Care

“We don’t venture quite as far off the beaten path anymore, as there are no medical facilities nearby if something goes wrong,” one confessed. “Instead, we now stay within an hour or two of places with reasonable medical care (i.e., a good clinic).”

7. Medical Insurance and Prescriptions

Take the time to purchase good medical insurance and ensure that your medical condition meets the stability requirements before you go. One added, “Plan ahead for medication needs. Have prescription info on hand from your doctor.

Take additional medication with you in case you get held up somewhere. A summary of your health conditions will go a long way in a foreign country if you need help.”

8. Stretch and Exercise Before Venturing Out

One user admitted to exercising and stretching every day without fail. “It makes travel exertion easier and sitting in a plane, train, or bus seat for hours and hours much easier.”

9. No More Cheap Travel

“I travel better,” shared one. No more cheap hotels and creaky beds. Three stars minimum, four is preferable, and five if I can, I can swing it. I also avoid flying in coach whenever possible.

Economy Plus is as good as Business class, and it’s not break-the-bank expensive. I know I sound snobbish, but I dread flying coach at this point. It sucks, and my body reminds me of it when I spare expense.”

10. Get a Foam Sit-Pad

“A simple foam sit-pad means no back pain from sitting on hard seats,” another explained. “I have a black one that folds up small enough to fit in a coat pocket. It’s discreet, making sitting on airport/train station/bus station seats for long periods easier.”

Popular Reading: US Airlines That Get The Most And Least Consumer Complaints

11. Choose Hotels

Finally, one explained, “I tend to stick to hotels over Airbnb right now because it’s much easier to have accessibility accommodations at a hotel than someone’s private residence.

Don’t get me wrong- specific Airbnb hosts are lovely and more willing to help. However, I find it easier to make requests at a hotel. Immediately upon booking online, I always call the hotel and request a room on the ground floor or as close to an elevator as possible.” Another noted that travel credit card points make hotels the better option.

We hope you enjoyed this Reddit suggestions list of travel tips for people 50+ years of age. This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Savoteur.

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