Those who have planned trips for the elderly would understand the versatility of individuals aged 50 and above; there will be some who are still fit enough to play sports and take on challenges as if they were 20, while others have mobility issues and require plenty of rest after walking for a period of time. Regardless, you should always be aware of your body’s limitations and energy level. This will help you choose a location to travel to comfortably! We share six factors you need to consider if you’re looking for the best travel destinations for active retirement.
Safety
When traveling in a group, safety should be your top priority. Ensure there are alternative non-strenuous options if there are travelers in your group who cannot manage certain activities. Do not push your travelers to the point of pain! Here is another tip: while it is smart to shop around for a hotel, avoid choosing the ones with the lowest hotel rates; you might have to spend your nights in an undesirable neighborhood.
Make A Wanderlist
While you do need money to pay for accommodations and flights, it’s the passion for adventure that enrichens any travel experience. Ticking off every single country on Earth would be any man’s dream, but once you’re past the age of 65, you might lack the mobility to hop onto a bus even. Hence, it is important to limit your travel wishes to what Virtuoso travel advisor Sandy Pappas calls a ‘wanderlist’.
Altitude
Destinations with high altitudes can be dangerous for people with a history of cardiac problems, including asthma, high blood pressure, and other respiratory problems. If you are keen to visit places such as Lake Tahoe, Denver, and the Rockies, ensure there are enough medical supplies on hand and limit the high-altitude activities.
Pacing
The last thing you’d want to do is overtire yourself or your tour members; they can become unwell, ruining their trip. Curate activities that allow you and your tour members to travel at your own pace. And make sure you don’t overload when walking!
Medical Attention
Research plays a huge role in the medical needs of travelers. When traveling in a heavily crowded area, medical attention is likely to be close at hand. Many tour operators allow easy access to house doctors at major hotels. But planning trips to far-flung places can leave you very far from medical treatment. Some tours even require a doctor’s letter of permission before you can participate in a trip.
Food
Food allergies such as milk and nuts may cause dietary problems if you didn’t know. If you are a fussy eater, make sure you consume meals that are easy on the stomach, especially if you are diabetic or low in cholesterol.
Of course, different cultures have varied meal times. If you’re planning dinner at 9 pm, for instance, you may have a late snack in the evening on the same day. Also, ensure there’s always plenty of drinking water to go around!
