Travel may be one of the greatest gifts in the world. A trip
to visit family or to an unknown destination can be the perfect way to spend
the summer! However, as you age, traveling can become a bit more difficult. You
may have physical limitations you need to plan around, plus, as an older individual you've suddenly become
number one on a thief's hit list.[1]
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to protect yourself, your
belongings and make the most of your next vacation!
Everyone has
their travel essentials: clothing, toiletries, photo ID…, but are you packing
your Life Alert Protection HELP Phone? Should you encounter an emergency while
you are globetrotting across the U.S., simply push the help button and Life
Alert’s 24/7 dispatch center will locate you via GPS and send help fast! The
emergency HELP phone gives you nationwide coverage and the best personal
protection while on vacation. Never worry about traveling solo with Life Alert
Protection’s HELP Phone!
Vacation is
supposed to be fun and relaxing so take these tips from the Better Health
Channel[2]
into consideration so you can ensure your best vacation yet!
- Allow an easy day or two to recover from jet lag. Remember that the effects of jet lag may be lessened if you fly west instead of east.
- If you are unsure of the water supply, drink bottled water.
- To reduce the risk of food poisoning, avoid food buffets, seafood, undercooked meats, peeled and raw fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurized dairy products. Don't buy food from street vendors.
- Don't draw up a jam-packed itinerary for each and every day of your holiday – arrange for plenty of rest breaks, particularly in hot weather.
- Seniors cards are only supposed to offer benefits within your home state, but flashing the card at museums and other attractions may get you a cheaper entry ticket.
- Travelers’ diarrhea may reduce the effectiveness of your medications. Consult with a doctor if you have diarrhea for more than one day.
- Don't travel around at night.
- Don't wear expensive jewelry on obvious display.
- Wear valuables (such as traveler’s checks and credit cards) on a belt worn under the clothes and next to the skin.
- Consider carrying a 'dummy' wallet holding a small amount of cash. If you are directly confronted by a mugger, you can hand over the dummy wallet and avoid further distress.
- See your doctor for a complete check-up, particularly if you have a chronic medical condition.
- If you are taking large amounts of medication with you, then you will need to take a letter of explanation from your doctor.
- Organize travel insurance with pre-existing illness coverage, if needed.
- If you are concerned about your health, arrange to go on a package tour.
Armed with your safety tips and your
Life Alert Protection HELP Phone you can conquer your travel plans with
confidence! No matter where you are traveling in the US, the HELP Phone can
provide medical alert personal protection with the simple touch of a button.
Life Alert’s dispatch center can locate your exact location through GPS and get
you help fast 24/7! Plus, the HELP Phone doesn’t need constant charging because
its original batteries last for up to 10 years! That’s a whole lot of time for
protected travel! Change the way you travel forever with Life Alert’s HELP
Phone. To learn more about the HELP phone or any of the other lifesaving
services from Life Alert, just call 1-800-513-2934 for a free brochure.
Works Cited:
1.
Saltzman, Dori. “Seven Safety Tips for Senior
Travelers.” IndependentTraveler.com.
< http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/senior-travel/seven-safety-tips-for-senior-travelers>.
2.
“Travel Tips for Seniors.” Better Health Channel.
<http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Travel_tips_for_seniors?open>.
