Retirement is the perfect time to get out and see the world, visiting places that you have only ever dreamed about. Travel is a great way to broaden your horizons, meet new people, take part in different experiences and continue learning and growing later in life. But travel is often fraught with challenges — figuring out where to stay, how much money to bring, what to eat, which activities to do, and how you will get around. All travellers need to be prepared, so we've compiled some things to consider before and during your travels.
This post is one in a three-part series. Come back on Wednesday for part two!
Before you go
Research and plan
Read, watch, listen, explore, learn and absorb. Research important factors about each destination such as climate, language, customs and culture. Borrow a travel guidebook from your local library and read it before you go.
You'll need to prepare for any local or overseas trip by exploring your options on exactly what places you want to visit and what you want to do while you're there. You'll also need to know your capabilities — what you can physically achieve, along with your budget and how much time you'll have.
If you are not a regular traveller, then ask for help by using a travel agent for all or part of the holiday, but make sure they have your best interests and intentions in mind. You can also get advice from family and friends on where they have travelled before and what they enjoyed. Below are some websites that you may find useful.
- Smartraveller: explore safety advice and information including local laws and customs, health advice, and visa and passport requirements about specific countries through Smartraveller. The website includes the emergency contact information of consulates and embassies. Check visa requirements for the countries you are visiting and make sure your passport has at least six months of validity.
- National Seniors Travel: discover options that are available for older Australians via the National Seniors Travel website.
- New Young Travel: read articles and information from New Young Travel, a blog site aimed at senior travellers.
- Lonely Planet: explore the Lonely Planet website for a plethora of information on destinations and regions to help you plan your journey and activities while travelling.
- Trip Advisor: read reviews, compare prices, and book hotels, restaurants and popular attractions through Trip Advisor, although do be aware that the reviews are mere opinions, and may be inaccurate due to outdated content.
- The World Factbook: find out basic intelligence on the history, people, government, economy, geography, transportation and transnational issues for 266 world entities, though The World Factbook.
You'll also find a wide range of travel guides available through our library catalogue.
Visit your doctor
Before you are set to travel, make sure you visit your doctor to ask for advice, information and to inform them of your plans. Your doctor will be able to give you a list of important medicines that you might need in case of an emergency and will have your medical history in mind when prescribing other medicines.
The Travel Doctor also has information about your travel destinations including facts and advice on health issues and vaccinations.
Get Insurance
In case you fall, are hurt or need medical assistance during your travels, insurance will help you in an unknown country. You must declare all pre-existing medical conditions when getting travel insurance, so look for an insurance provider that offers 24-hour worldwide assistance. Make sure your insurance plan includes 'Cancel For Any Reason' (CFAR) coverage and allows you to upgrade to avoid paying an excess. Medicare won’t cover you while overseas and while Australia does have reciprocal healthcare agreements with some countries, overseas travel insurance is still needed. If you are planning on driving overseas you will also need to obtain an International Driving Permit before you go, which can be requested through the RACV or online.
Medications
Any medication should be properly labelled with professional identification. Pack all medication in your carry-on just in case your checked bags get lost, you are delayed or your flight get cancelled. Medication should be packed away from contamination from liquids. Request a note from your doctor declaring the type of medicine you will need to carry with you and make copies of prescriptions and/or statements of medical conditions — keep this information in your carry-on luggage.
Do not leave your medication lying around in the hotel room, protect it by keeping it in a safe place, either with you wherever you go, or in a safe.
For information on managing your PBS medicine overseas, Services Australia provides advice.
People with diabetes will need advice on how to safely stagger their medications to fit a different time zone.
Remember that travel agents can arrange tailored airline meals if you have specific dietary requirements, but this needs to be organised ahead of time.
Come back on Wednesday for part two of this three-part travel series.
Armchair Travel for Seniors
Our Armchair Travel for Seniors events take place throughout October and offer great opportunities to experience different places in the world from the comfort of your own home.
Register for an event online and enjoy the presentations, discussions, and experiences.