How to Travel as an Older Adult

1. Always ask about senior discounts.

It never hurts to ask, and it could score you some good deals that aren’t even advertised.

2. Go in off-peak seasons.

You probably have the flexibility to travel when it suits you. Avoiding the prime tourist season can help you save money and avoid crowds. But make sure you pack for unpredictable weather and research some indoor activities so that you can stay out of the cold or rain. Also, be aware that some museums and other tourist sites have limited hours or are completely closed off-season.

3. Get insurance.

Travel insurance can save you money if anything happens that affects prepaid, non-refundable reservations before or during your holiday.

Travel medical insurance is crucial if you plan on leaving the U.S., since Medicare and most other health insurance plans do not apply outside the country. You might also need medical coverage if you will be traveling domestically but outside your approved network of healthcare providers. But make sure to carefully study each insurance policy; most do not provide coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.

4. Pack light but bring the essentials.

Limit the amount of clothes you bring and plan to do laundry frequently. You can always wash items in a hotel room sink and hang them to dry. The less you have to lug around, the more mobile you will be.

That said, you should throw in a few items to make your trip easier.

If your eyesight isn’t what it used to be, bring a magnifying glass to help you read small print.

If you use a hearing aid, bring an extra set of batteries.

And if you’re going abroad, bring a list of your medications’ generic names in case you need a refill. Some pharmacists in foreign countries may not recognize American brand names.

5. Think about security.

If possible, arrange to have someone check on your home periodically while you’re out of town. And don’t tempt burglars by announcing your travel plans on social media. To avoid becoming a target for thieves during your trip, leave the gold watch and fancy jewelry at home, and don’t flash too much cash around. You might want to wear a money belt under your clothes to help keep your valuables secure.

Here’s another tip: Don’t hang the “please make up my room” sign on the door of your hotel room since that signals to potential thieves that you’re not there. Instead, inform the front desk that you’re going out, and that housekeeping is welcome to clean the room.

6. Minimize the moving and unpacking.

The best senior vacations are often those that don’t try to cover too many sites in too little time. Think about basing yourself in a central hub and taking short day trips to surrounding areas. Or take a cruise that lets you explore a variety of destinations without having to change accommodations.

7. Choose centrally located hotels.

Staying near the major attractions (or at least close to public transit options) makes it easier to get back to your room to relax at the end of a long day.

If you have mobility issues, ask for a ground-floor room and find out if the hallways or doorways can fit a walker or wheelchair.

Also, check whether the hotel is on a steep hill or in an unsafe area.

8. Go sightseeing early or late in the day.

Getting to an attraction right at opening or just before closing helps you avoid extreme temperatures and large crowds. If you’re in an unfamiliar city, starting with a one- or two-hour bus or boat tour can orient you to the area’s attractions and help you determine what you’d like to explore in more depth.

9. Consider a guided tour.

Bus tours and cruises can be excellent ways to travel for seniors. Everything is planned, organized, and coordinated by someone else, so you don’t need to worry about logistics. But it’s still important to find the tour or cruise that suits you best. If you are considering senior travel groups, here are a few questions you should get answers to:

• For a bus tour, how much time will you spend on the bus each day? For a cruise, how many days will the ship be at sea as opposed to in port?

• Will headsets be used to make it easier for passengers to hear the guides when touring museums and other sites?

• Can the bus or ship accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters?

• Will there be enough time at each stop to use the restroom and still explore the sites on a bus tour?

• What is the activity level of the tour?

• How much free time will you have?

• How early must you get going in the morning?

• How centrally located are the hotels or cruise ports?