As you approach retirement age, your career winds down, and you get more free time. Most retirees use this opportunity to travel and see the world. Traveling is a great way to pass the time and enjoy your golden years, but it can come with some risks, depending on where you go and your overall health. You don’t have to avoid traveling altogether, but you can mitigate some risks with some careful planning and preparation.
Consult With Your Doctor
Traveling is a lot of fun and it’s a great way to spend your retirement years, but it can also make you vulnerable to stress, foreign illnesses, or medication restrictions. As you age, these issues can become a major concern, especially if you have a health condition that affects your immune system, heart, or other vital systems. As a precaution, schedule an appointment with your medical care team and ask their opinion on your ability to travel. Let them know where you’re going, as the risk of contracting certain diseases is higher in some areas. Texas is experiencing a measles outbreak, while Nigeria can expose you to malaria. Obtaining a clean bill of health and gathering medical information about your travel destination can help you get started on the right foot.
Obtain International Phone Plans
You never know who you’ll need to contact when you’re traveling. Whether you want to stay in communication with your family back home or you need to call your doctor for a medical question, you don’t want to be left without service when you’re somewhere new, especially in a foreign country. Your current phone plan may not support service outside of your home country, so be sure to check what your plan covers and where it is available. You may need to purchase a travel phone or electronic SIM card for your trip or upgrade your current phone plan. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies. Keeping in contact with loved ones is also nice!
Look Into Travel Health Insurance
You may have good health coverage in the United States, but it typically won’t cover you when you travel outside the country. If there’s a chance you’ll need some medical care abroad, look into your travel health insurance options. These plans typically reimburse you for qualifying medical expenses incurred during your vacation. It’s a type of supplementary insurance, normally costing less than $100 as a premium. Be sure to know what it covers before choosing a plan. Injuries can occur easily on vacation, especially in extreme weather conditions or during rigorous hikes. As you age, being prepared is a wise choice
Consider a Guided Tour
With so many different cultures, public transit systems, cuisines, and laws, it can be stressful to travel somewhere on your own. You may not know the best routes to take or sights to see first, either. A guided tour will help you become familiar with the local language, customs, sights, and activities, making your itinerary more efficient and effective. When you have a local guide, they’ll also know what to do in the event of an emergency or a medical concern you may have.
You’ll especially want to consider hiring a local guide in areas where language barriers exist. If you have health issues, dietary concerns, or simply want to have the best possible trip experience, having someone who can communicate effectively with local populations is essential. Major metropolitan areas, such as Chongqing or Istanbul, can be stressful to navigate as a retiree. Look for reputable and private tours, such as those with Fernwayer’s tour guides in Istanbul. Some other cities where a guide can be particularly helpful include Dubai, Wuhan, Moscow, Berlin, and many others.
Learn Local Emergency Numbers
Emergencies can happen anywhere, and when you’re unprepared, they can have devastating consequences. Regardless of where you travel, it’s essential to know how to contact the country’s emergency services, authorities, and medical resources. Research the numbers you need and put them in your phone’s contact list so you don’t forget. You may want to write them down if you need to use a different phone to contact them.
Don’t Crowd Your Itinerary
Even the youngest and most agile travelers can experience vacation fatigue when they pack their itinerary with too many activities. It’s challenging to decide where to go and what to see when you have limited time, but be sure to plan for rest breaks and factor in travel time. When you’re at retirement age, you’ll want to be able to pace yourself instead of rushing through everything, especially in a new location where you need to catch your bearings. You may want to account for additional rest time if you’ll be experiencing significant time zone changes as well.
Know Where Local Doctors Are
If you have frequent healthcare needs or simply want peace of mind, consider choosing lodging near a local urgent care or doctor’s office. Many countries offer minimal wait times and reasonable prices for medical care to travelers. Some hotels may even have a doctor on call or in the lobby in case of emergencies. Look for resorts or hotels that offer medical care on-site. Simply knowing where available doctors are and booking accommodations nearby can help keep you covered on your journey.
Read Restaurant Reviews
As we age, our diets tend to become more restrictive. You may need to limit your sodium intake or avoid certain ingredients that interact with your medications. Before choosing a place to eat when traveling, read online reviews to ensure the food is relatively safe to eat. Ask ahead if they can substitute or change ingredients if necessary. You may need a translation app or a guide to help interpret your request, but your health will thank you.
Conclusion
Retirement is the perfect time to travel, as you’ll be winding your career down and focusing on your free time. When you’re older, however, you’ll need to manage your health more carefully, which can make traveling tricky. Make sure you’re prepared for travel by consulting with your doctor, obtaining international medical insurance and phone plans, and staying in touch with your loved ones. Be mindful about your local food and lodging choices to maximize comfort and wellness. Consider a guided tour or hire a local interpreter to ensure your needs are met and you enjoy a rich and fulfilling travel experience.