© Shutterstock

Doctor appointment - Before you go abroad, visit your doctor and get a general check-up to make sure you're fit to travel. 

© Shutterstock

Phone numbers - Make sure you write down important phone numbers, including your doctor's, in case you have an emergency or questions during your trip.

© Shutterstock

Medicines - Make a list of medicines you may need in all sorts of situations. 

© Shutterstock

Medicine -

In case you're taking any regular prescriptions, make a list of all the ones you'll need during your trip (and when you need to take them).

© Shutterstock

Vaccination - Make sure your vaccination card (yellow card) is up to date, or whether you need certain vaccines before you head to your destination. 

© Shutterstock

Health insurance - Your health insurance must be active. 

© Shutterstock

Travel insurance - In case your health insurance doesn't cover your travel destination, be sure to get some travel insurance.

© Shutterstock

Weather - Senior travelers are more vulnerable to extreme temperatures, so do some research about the local weather before you decide to go there. 

© Shutterstock

Travel itinerary - Plan your travel route ahead so you make sure every destination is safe. 

© Shutterstock

Accesses - It's also important to check if there is good accesses for elderly people at your chosen destination.

© Shutterstock

Packing - Avoid carrying heavy luggage as it may cause back and arm pain. 

© Shutterstock

Hand luggage - Don't forget to put your medicines, documents and prescriptions, along with other important objects, in your hand luggage. 

© Shutterstock

Food - Watch out for your diet when traveling. You must eat light, balanced foods, in order to avoid digestion problems, which are common among travelers - especially elderly ones. 

© Shutterstock

Hydrating -

Don't forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated during the whole trip!

© Shutterstock

Long journeys - According to the World Health Organization (WHO), journeys that are longer than four hours (in relation to any means of transportation) may put seniors at risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

© Shutterstock

Comfortable clothes - That's why traveling in comfortable clothes is very important for your health too. 

© Shutterstock

Stretching - It's also a good idea to do some stretching before and after the trip, as well as changing position often and walking around as much as possible. 

© Shutterstock

Stretching - Avoid sitting in the same position for too many hours in a row. Get up and move around for a bit, as it will help with blood circulation. 

© Shutterstock

Timezone - If your travel destination is on a different timezone, make sure you get some rest when you arrive so your body gets used to the new time and you don't suffer from jet lag, headaches or mood swings.

© Shutterstock

Hotel room - When you get to the hotel, make sure your room is easily accessible and is well ventilated. 

© Shutterstock

Communication - Also make sure the phone connection with the hotel reception is working properly, in case you need to ask for help.

© Shutterstock

Walking - When it's time to choose the room, go for the ones that are on the ground floor (or lower floors) and near the elevator. 

© Shutterstock

Safety bars - It's also important to check if the bathroom has safety bars for the elderly. 

© Shutterstock

Walks - Avoid long hikes on irregular terrain, or in places that are too far from the city center. 

© Shutterstock

Walks - When you go for walks, don't forget to take your documents and medicines with you.

© Shutterstock

Mobile phone - Check if your mobile phone has reception, and if not, buy a local card that you can use during the trip.

© Shutterstock

Sun - Always take a hat and sunscreen with you. 

© Shutterstock

Balance - Be careful with the amount of food you eat - you should enjoy your vacations but keep your diet balanced. 

© Shutterstock

Sanitary conditions - Be aware of the fact that not all sanitary systems work well, so pay attention when you eat certain foods or drink water (especially from the tap).

© Shutterstock

Be happy! -

And, of course, never forget to have fun and enjoy the trip!

See also: National Geographic’s top 30 travel destinations in 2024

© Shutterstock