One of the important checklists for seniors is travel. When people retire, they are looking forward to packing their suitcases and heading out to see the world, or at least spending a couple of weeks on a quiet beach. Seniors no longer need to focus on getting up and going to work. Instead, they need to take their time and decide where they want to travel, and what they are going to do when they get there.
Most seniors will opt for a cruise, or they will fly to their destinations. However, others might like the idea of an RV, train, or even hopping on a Greyhound that offers senior discounts.
Travel checklists for seniors help to reduce the hassles associated with planning a trip. Below is a checklist that can help seniors save time and money.
Travel Checklists for Seniors - What You Need
* Passport or Official ID Card - If you are traveling in the United States, you will at least need your drivers license or State ID. If you go to another country, you will need to be issued a passport. In addition to filling out a form, you need to have other supporting documents that prove you are a U.S. citizen, such as a birth certificate, Social Security Card and a driverís license.
After you submit your application, it can take four to six weeks before you receive your passport. It's possible to get it in two to three weeks if you pay to have it expedited. If you need it within 14 days, you will need to apply directly at a U.S. Passport office in the U.S.
Some seniors don't realize the time that it takes to receive a passport, and mistakenly book their tickets at the last minute to some foreign destination, but realize they don't have a passport.
* Vaccinations - Vaccinations are a must on all travel checklists for seniors. Talk to your doctor if you are visiting any country outside the United States, and ask if you are required to get any vaccinations, or if any vaccinations are recommended.
* Medical Records - If you have any disease, such as with your heart, lungs, etc., make sure you take copies of your medical records with you to help assist doctors in case of an emergency. This could save doctors precious time in helping you in case of an emergency.
* Handicap Access - More and more countries are becoming handicap friendly, but there are still some that don't have proper ramps or elevators to assist people, who are handicapped. Just because you might be physically handicapped doesn't mean that you cannot thoroughly enjoy yourself in most countries. However, you should do some research before you go.
* Travel Insurance - Any senior, who is planning an extended holiday anywhere in the world, should purchase travel insurance. It's all about peace of mind, because if a medical emergency does happen while you are on foreign soil, you will have insurance that will help you get the best medical care that the country will provide.
* Medical Checkup - Travel checklists for seniors could not be complete without suggesting that you have a medical checkup. It is a good way to help you feel assured and relaxed on your holiday. The last thing you want to worry about is some pre-existing medical condition hampering your spirits.
* Prescription Medicine - Take all of your prescription medicine with you. If you are flying, carry it on the plane with you, and don't put your medication in your checked luggage. Also, make sure that you have your doctor's prescription for each prescription drug that you have. This is because it might be illegal to bring some medicine into certain countries without a prescription, and it might be considered contraband.
* Copies of Important Documents - You should keep copies of your important documents separate from the originals. They will come in handy in case you lose your passport, credit card, or other valuables. In addition, you should store copies of your documents online. You can use a secure place, such as dropbox.com to save scans of your important documents. You could also give scanned copies to your family in case you cannot access your other copies, and they can send them to you quickly via e-mail if you need them.
When preparing travel checklists for seniors, you are going to need other things added to your own personal list. However, the checklist listed above gives you an idea of important documents that you need, and procedures you should follow.
Seniors should be allowed to travel wherever they want as long as they do it safely and prepare in advance.