Travel Tips

Some tips to help make your trip more enjoyable. Select a category from the list below.

Tips for Travelling Seniors

You're young at heart, body and soul - and not to mention - you love to see the world! However, older generations should always take extra precautions prior to heading off on a travel adventure.

These tips will help ensure you have covered all the bases' in preparation for your travels!

 

Pre-planning for the vacation. >

  • Research your destination to your hearts content. Getting familiar with what to expect in terms of climate, culture and language will better prepare you and make the world of a difference in your travel experience! It's always a good idea to purchase a travel guide book for all your destinations; having it handy while you're travelling is a must!
  • Find out about medical facilities and ease-of-access to these most important 'landmarks' in all areas you'll be travelling in!
  • If you have special needs, such as a wheelchair or seeing-eye-dog, try to make prior arrangements well in advance to ensure you travel in safety and utmost comfort.
  • Last, but not least - purchase travel insurance with comprehensive coverage. If you have pre-existing illnesses, make sure your insurance covers those as well.
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    Pre-trip medical check-ups. >

  • Consult with your doctor for a complete medical check-up. This is especially important if you have a history of heart problems, have recently undergone surgery, or if you have any chronic health conditions.
  • Discuss with your doctor any health concerns you may have and inform him / her of where your travels area taking you. Your doctor may provide helpful 'food avoidance' advice if you are travelling to an area of the world that has a common type of food that does not sit well with one's health problems! Your destination will also dictate what vaccinations you should be given.
  • If you or your travel companion(s) has diabetes, and different time-zones will be playing a role in your trip, proper medical advice on how to safely stagger medications will be extremely important.
  • It's always a good idea to visit your dentist prior to travelling; you never want to be the one who can't have deserts because of a sensitive tooth!
  • Visit any other health care providers you consult with on a regular basis, such as an optometrist or massage therapist.
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    Regular medications. >

  • Some medications that are legal in Canada may be prohibited in other areas of the world. You can contact the Canadian embassies in the countries you intend on visiting to check. Click here for Canadian embassies
  • Take enough regular medication with you to last the entire trip. Some drugs may not be available in other parts of the world.
  • If you purchase medications during your trip, remember that the dosages may be different from the brands you are familiar with at home.
  • If the medication you regularly take requires syringes (most commonly with insulin-dependent diabetes) you should take enough syringes to last the trip.
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    Your luggage. >

  • Make sure your carry-on bag contains everything you will need for the duration of the flight.
  • Include a medical kit in your carry-on bag. Items to consider include regular medications, painkillers, antacids, and band-aids.
  • It might be a good idea to bring along a pillbox with compartments for different days of the week. Being away from home (and your usual routine) could make you more likely to forget to take your medication.
  • Pack an extra pair of reading glasses.
  • Last, but not least, it may be easier on your back if you use a suitcase with wheels
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    Deep vein thrombosis and 'economy class syndrome'. Background Information - Coronary heart disease, obesity and sitting still for extended periods of time are known risk factors for the development of blood clots in the veins and legs - also known as 'deep vein thrombosis (DVT)'. Some experts' believe that long haul flights can be a risk factor to certain individuals. Here are some suggestions on how to reduce the small risk of DVT while flying:

    • Consult with your doctor before flying as they may recommend that you take aspirin on the day of the flight, and you may be advised to use stretchy stockings for the flight.
    • Wear loose clothing.
    • Try avoiding alcoholic drinks during the flight.
    • Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
    • Take strolls up and down the aisles when possible - keeping the blood flowing is very important - especially on long flights
    • Try to avoid sitting with your legs crossed
    • Perform leg and foot stretches and exercises while seated. 
     

    Safety suggestions for avoiding pickpockets. >

  • Don't wear expensive jewellery, especially if it's easily seen.
  • Keep your valuables close to you - wear a belt underneath your clothes containing items such as traveller's cheques, cash, and/or credit cards.
  • Consider wearing a 'dummy' wallet holding a small amount of money, just-in-case you get mugged and decide handing over your wallet is the right choice
  • Try to avoid travelling around at night
  • Always try to travel in pairs or groups of people - even if your just going to the local store to pick something up.