Posted on Tuesday, 1 March 2016

More over-60s than ever are taking advantage of their freedom and spare time by travelling. The pleasure of spending one's later years exploring the world is undeniable, but seniors are likely to have a better experience if they take a few precautions. Here are some helpful tips for travellers aged over 60.

Choose When to Go Carefully

While low season may be cheaper, it usually comes with bad weather (too hot, too cold or too wet). Equally, high season means higher prices and bigger crowds at tourist hot spots. It may be better to travel as the season changes from high to low, or from low to high. Agreeable prices, decent weather and fewer tourists make for a more pleasant experience. And as an over-60, chances are you're not constrained to travel at any particular time.

Pack Light

It's tempting to take everything with you but the kitchen sink – especially on longer trips. But carrying heavy luggage is exhausting, will slow you down and may cost you more in tips and fees to porters. Consider travelling with a single, wheeled bag.

Glasses

If you wear glasses don't forget to take a spare pair. If you don't have one, consider getting one – since organising a second pair while overseas may be extremely challenging with impaired vision.

Medications

Take a full supply of medications with you – prescription or otherwise. Keep them in their original packaging and take along prescriptions. For non-prescription drugs, be aware of any alternative generic names so you can get what you need if the brand you normally use is unavailable.

Flying

If you're transferring through another airport, check in your carry-on luggage; lugging a bag around a large, busy airport is no fun. If you're a slow walker, consider requesting a wheel chair or electric cart when booking your flight. Book early in order to grab aisle seats for more leg room, or consider paying extra for more legroom (first class etc.) – if it's within your budget. Be sure to stay hydrated and take regular walks up the aisle to reduce the chances of deep-vein thrombosis.

Where to stay

If you have trouble with stairs, book a ground-floor room in your guest house or hotel. Be sure to check exactly where your accommodation is in relation to key attractions or amenities. Is it conveniently located? Is it situated on a hill? Does it have lift access to all floors?

Travelling once you've arrived

If you can, choose cities with a good bus network. Subways involve a lot of stars and escalators which can be a pain.

If you're moving around with luggage, take a taxi.

Booking a hire car? Be aware that some rental firms have an upper age limit, so ask before you book.

Travel insurance

It's a fact of life that older travellers are more likely to need to make a claim on their travel insurance. Taking out adequate travel cover is therefore very important. And while over-60s cover is more costly than for younger travellers, it offers genuine peace of mind.

If something bad happens, you'll get the support you need.

As the Foreign and Commonwealth Office states, it is especially important that your insurance provides cover for medical and repatriation expenses. If you are too ill to fly home commercially and you're uninsured, you could face bills of tens of thousands of pounds.Over 60s travel cover from starttravel.co.uk

Here at starttravel.co.uk we offer comprehensive travel cover to those aged between 60 and 70.

Here are some of the key benefits to our 5-Star policy:

• Up to 185 days covered on single trips
• No excess to pay
• Emergency medical expenses up to £10,000,000
• Cancellation up to £4,000
• Personal effects and possessions up to £2,000
• Legal expenses up to £25,000
• Over 60s' travel insurance available from only £9.48 for a week in Europe!

Get Real Peace of Mind – Book Your Over-60s Travel Cover Now!

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