Retirement can be a perfect time to travel. It’s probably been on your mind for years about all the exciting places you’ll visit when you retire. It could be a close location, or maybe to the beach, the mountains, or even overseas. There is always some place that you want to visit. But since you are retired and much older, there are things you must consider, mostly about your health. I have Parkinson’s, and that has been challenging at times, but I have been able to enjoy myself despite that.
In this post, I will share some tips for traveling with health conditions and information from my travel experiences that will hopefully be helpful. Traveling can still be enjoyable even with health issues.
Have a chat with your doctor
Talking to your doctor before making travel plans is always a good idea.
- Ask them a few questions to ensure you can take the vacation.
- Can I take a trip with my health conditions?
- What about restrictions on my trip? Maybe a long flight isn’t right for you.
- Any vaccinations for the area I’m traveling to?
- Can the doctor write out what limitations you may have on the trip?
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Plan Around Your Needs
You probably already know what you can and can’t do. There are things that limit my activities. Because of my Meniere’s disease and Parkinson’s, I can’t walk that far, so hiking is not for me. While I have taken cruises, they didn’t work out that well. There was way too much motion in the boat.
When I fly, I do my best in the early morning or overnight, hoping the turbulence isn’t too bad. I also ask for assistance at the airport, which is a big help.
 Packing
Packing is one chore that I don’t like. I always forget something, and that’s probably true of many folks. Here is a list for seniors with health conditions.
Medications are at the top of my list. That’s one thing that I can’t do without. I’ll make a list and check it twice before going on any trip.
Add batteries for medical supplies, mobility aids, or hearing aids to your list.
Carry your health insurance card in your wallet. Don’t forget that.
Make sure you have access to water wherever you go. Don’t become dehydrated.
Neck pillows and compression socks are a must, especially on a long flight.
Check with the airlines if you use a CPAP.
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 Choose the right hotel
Where you stay matters. Look for:
- Accessibility: Elevators, handrails, walk-in showers, step-free entries.
- Proximity to Services: How far is the nearest hospital, pharmacy, or grocery store?
- Quiet and Comfort: Sometimes, a simple, peaceful place is better than a luxury resort.
Don’t hesitate to call ahead and explain your needs. Most places are happy to accommodate you.
 Give Yourself Extra Time—Always
Even if you are healthier and younger, you should never rush through the airport.
They say to arrive two hours early for flights and three hours early for international flights. Do at least that amount of time. I get there even earlier than that. I know waiting at the airport is a drag, but it beats rushing through the airport to make a flight.
I always get wheelchair assistance. I can’t stand waiting in line that long.
If it is a long flight, give yourself some time on arrival day to rest after the flight.
Don’t rush anything if you can avoid it.
Stay calm, cool, and collected
Things don’t always go according to plan when you are on vacation. You probably know that. Bad weather can cause havoc at the airport, a lack of sleep, or even an episode of your health condition. It happens.
Go with the flow. Take it easy. It’s okay if you must rest during your trip. If you miss seeing something, it’s OK. You’ll still have a good time.
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 Let Others Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most folks will be willing to help. People at hotels, airports, and flight attendants will always give you a hand.
Since I have Parkinson’s, my wife and I find that traveling with a group of people on a tour is a great way to go. You’ll find folks friendly and very helpful.
 Celebrate Your Wins
Try to look back on trips with a smile, even if things aren’t perfect. Enjoy the experience, and don’t worry about things you can’t control.
Final Thoughts
Don’t think that just because you have a health condition, you can’t enjoy life through traveling. Some things might make your traveling different from the next person’s. But that’s okay. Enjoy the trip and relish the memories.
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