featured image for post top safety mistakes older adults make and how to avoid them

11 Top Safety Mistakes Older Travelers Make and How To Avoid Them

Traveling as an older adult comes with unique challenges and considerations. With a bit of planning and awareness, you can avoid common safety pitfalls and make the most of your adventures. Here are the top mistakes older travelers make and how to avoid them.

Travel Safety Mistakes Older Adults Make

1. Overpacking

Why It’s a Mistake: Overpacking can lead to heavy luggage, making it difficult to navigate airports, trains, and streets. It can also result in extra fees for overweight baggage. It may not seem like it, but overpacking can lead directly to back injuries or falls as you try and lug the stuff around.

How to Avoid It:

  • Pack Light: Choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched.
  • Use Packing Cubes: They help organize your items and maximize space.
  • Stick to Essentials: Make a list of must-haves and stick to it.

2. Skipping Travel Insurance

Why It’s a Mistake: Travel insurance is crucial, especially for older travelers who might be more prone to medical emergencies. Skipping it can lead to high medical costs and other unexpected expenses. Many people don’t realize that your normal health insurance most likely won’t cover you while you’re on foreign soil. That includes Medicare!

travel insurance brochure on desk with credit cards

How to Avoid It:

  • Purchase Comprehensive Coverage: Look for travel insurance policies that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
  • Compare Plans: Use comparison websites to find the best coverage at a reasonable price.
  • Read the Fine Print: Ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered.
  • Know How To Use It: It’s great if you’ve purchased your travel insurance. But it won’t do you any good if you have a health emergency and don’t know how to use it. Get clear on the process. Know who to call and what to do if you have a health emergency – before you leave home.

3. Ignoring Health Precautions

Why It’s a Mistake: Health issues can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. Ignoring necessary precautions can lead to serious complications.

How to Avoid It:

  • Visit Your Doctor: Get a check-up and any necessary vaccinations before you travel.
  • Carry Medications: Bring enough prescription medications to last your trip, plus a few extra days’ worth.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially on long flights.

4. Not Planning for Mobility Issues

Why It’s a Mistake: Mobility issues can make travel difficult if not addressed beforehand. Failing to plan can limit your ability to enjoy your destination fully.

How to Avoid It:

  • Request Assistance: Airlines and train services often provide assistance for those with mobility issues.
  • Choose Accessible Accommodations: Ensure your hotel or rental property can accommodate your needs.
  • Use Mobility Aids: Don’t hesitate to bring or rent mobility aids like canes or wheelchairs.

5. Underestimating Travel Fatigue

Why It’s a Mistake: Travel fatigue can sap your energy and enjoyment. Older travelers may need more rest to recuperate.

How to Avoid It:

  • Pace Yourself: Plan for slower-paced days and incorporate rest periods.
  • Stay Overnight After Long Flights: Allow yourself time to adjust to new time zones.
  • Listen to Your Body: Don’t overexert yourself trying to see and do everything.

6. Not Securing Valuables

Why It’s a Mistake: Older travelers are often targeted by thieves. Failing to secure valuables can lead to the loss of important items like passports, money, and electronics.

How to Avoid It:

  • Use a Money Belt: Keep your money, passport, and important documents close to your body.
  • Split Your Cash: Don’t keep all your cash in one place. Use hotel safes when available.
  • Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas.
  • Women – This Is For You: Never, ever carry a purse unless it’s an over-the-shoulder type of bag, preferably an anti-theft one. And if you’re walking in a crowded area, keep the bag anchored to the front of your body, not the back.

7. Skipping Local Research

Why It’s a Mistake: Lack of local knowledge can lead to missed opportunities and unnecessary risks.

older couple walking through a European city plaza

How to Avoid It:

  • Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing a few key phrases in the local language can be incredibly helpful.
  • Research Cultural Norms: Understand the local customs and dress codes.
  • Know the Emergency Numbers: Familiarize yourself with local emergency contacts.

8. Failing to Stay Connected

Why It’s a Mistake: Staying connected ensures you can reach help if needed and stay in touch with family.

How to Avoid It:

  • Get An International Plan For Your Mobile Phone: Ensure you have mobile voice and data to use maps and contact services.
  • Use Communication Apps: Apps like WhatsApp or Skype can help you stay in touch without high costs.
  • Keep Your Devices Charged: Ensure your devices are always charged so you are not caught with a dead battery if you need help.

9. Being Overly Trusting

Why It’s a Mistake: While it’s important to be friendly, being overly trusting can lead to scams and theft.

How to Avoid It:

  • Stay Cautious: Be friendly but cautious with strangers offering help.
  • Use Official Services: Stick to official transportation and tour services.
  • Avoid Sharing Too Much Information: Don’t share your travel plans or personal details with strangers.
  • Do Not Accept Items From Strangers: If you are handed something from a random stranger, do not accept it. This is often a ploy to either distract you so they can steal from you or to demand that you pay them money.

11. Not Being Home By Dark

LOL, OK. Just kidding: Sort of. Did your parents use that one on you? “Be home by dark”? The mistake I want to talk about here is Arriving After Dark.

Why It’s a Mistake: In all honesty, arriving after dark isn’t always a problem. The key thing is that if you’re arriving in a foreign destination and have all of your transportation arrangements and accommodations pre-booked, you’re good to go. The mistake comes in if you don’t have things pre-arranged, or, if you’re going to a private home or apartment – like an Airbnb. I don’t recommend arriving after dark, as you have no way of knowing what you’re facing when you get there. Is it well-lit? Is it secure? Who knows. You certainly probably won’t.

How To Avoid It:

  • Arrive Earlier In the Day: Certainly well before dark.
  • Don’t Travel Alone: Travel with a companion.
  • If You Must Arrive After Dark: Consider grabbing a hotel for the first night and checking into the private accommodation the next morning, especially if you are a woman traveling alone.

Traveling as an older adult can be a rewarding experience. By avoiding these common mistakes and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure your trips are safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

Remember, keep calm, and roam on.