Travel Tips for Older Adults: What to Know Before Your Next Trip
- Written by A.G. for Age Well Kit
- May 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 24
Travel Strategies for Greater Comfort and Confidence
Why I am Sharing This
During my lifetime I’ve done my share of traveling. I started out as a tour guide, then continued through my work as a photographer, and over the years, I’ve taken many trips to visit my family back in Italy. But over time, I’ve had to adjust how I travel. These days, I avoid flights that require leaving home before sunrise or arriving late at unfamiliar airports. I pay extra to sit more comfortably, pack intentionally, and never skip travel insurance.
What changed for me as I got older was the realization that even small adjustments can have a big impact on how enjoyable and manageable a trip feels.
That’s why I’m sharing this video by Passport Pro. Although the video is aimed at people traveling in their seventies, these travel tips make sense for all older adults, especially those who haven’t traveled in a while or are planning to go solo.
Here is a short summary of the video and a cheat sheet with the points I found most useful. The video is embedded at the bottom of the page so you can watch it without leaving this site. Below that, you'll find links to related articles.
Video Summary
This video from Passport Pro outlines five common challenges people may face when traveling later in life and offers straightforward suggestions to address them. Topics include the physical demands of traveling, medical preparedness, handling mental fatigue and jet lag, staying emotionally grounded in unfamiliar environments, and reducing vulnerability to scams. The video emphasizes practical steps to make travel more comfortable and safe.
Cheat Sheet
Travel Tips for Older Adults: What to Know Before Your Next Trip
Based on the video by Passport Pro
1. Physical Demands
Early departure times, long flights, layovers, and carrying luggage can take more of a toll as we age.
Choose convenient departure times
Allow extra time for connections
Stay in places with elevators or easy access
Build in rest days between active ones
Spend more time in fewer places to reduce strain
Something to Consider: Upgrade your travel class, which can be surprisingly affordable if booked early. Also: staying at an airport hotel the night before an early departure, or after a late arrival, can make a big difference in how you start or end your trip.
2. Medical Preparedness
Access to reliable care and medication can vary by country.
Schedule a checkup before your trip
Bring a printed list of your medications
Keep prescriptions in your carry-on
Research nearby clinics or hospitals
Use travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions
3. Mental Fatigue
Jet lag, foreign languages, and rushed transitions increase stress
Build buffer time between flights and activities
Keep your arrival day simple to help adjust
Use apps for directions and translation
Print your itinerary and directions
Don’t rely on phone only
4. Emotional Adjustment
Being away from familiar routines can feel disorienting.
Stay in touch with loved ones through video calls
Learn key phrases in the local language
Spend longer in one location to feel more settled
5. Safety and Scams
Appearing uncertain can make travelers more vulnerable.
Walk with purpose and stay alert
Use anti-theft gear like money belts, slash-proof bags, or clothing with internal pockets
Research about common scams before arriving
Avoid going out alone after dark when possible
If you are going to be traveling soon, you may also be interested in these other articles:
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Video by Passport Pro. All rights belong to the original creator.
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