Senior Travellers

Travel health information for senior travellers

Here’s our special top ten checklist for carefree senior travel.

1. Visit your doctor

Several weeks in advance of your departure, set aside time to visit your doctor. Review your travel plans, length of stay and any special activities with him or her, especially any unusual activities you’ll be taking part in tyhat are outside your normal physical routine.

If you’re taking regular medication it’s important to ask your GP for a letter explaining the type of medication you’re on and the reason you are taking it, in case of an emergency.

Some nations require a letter explaining why you are bringing medication into the country. Check first and ask your GP to provide a suitable letter if necessary.

Remember to take copies of all your medical paperwork.

2. Organise prescriptions

Double check your prescription medications are updated and renewed so you won’t run out while abroad. Contact your doctor well in advance because it can sometimes take a week to arrange an appointment. And remember most NHS surgeries need at least 48 hours’ notice to fulfil a repeat prescription.

3. Get vaccinated

Contact one of our Travel Clinics in London to talk about the Travel Vaccinations you need for the countries and regions on your itinerary. Our expert staff will give you the vaccinations you need and answer all your questions. They’ll also advise you about any specific dangers you might face at your destination.

4. Organise your medication

Make a note of all the medications you take and keep the list with your hand luggage in case you need to buy extra meds during your travels.

5. Keep it cool

If you take medicatines that need to be kept cool, arrange a hotel room with a refrigerator.

6. Contingency planning

If you suffer from an illness or disability, let your travel agent, tour operator and / or hotel know and double check that the special facilities you need will be available.

7. Update your insurance

Check well in advance that your travel insurance and medical insurance covers all your personal needs while travelling. If not, arrange extra cover for the time you’re away. If you’re going away for a long time, for example, your travel insurers will need to know so they can provide special long-stay cover.

8. Research

It makes sense to find out exactly which medical and emergency facilities are available at your destination. When you know beforehand you can relax, and it makes life so much easier if something happens to go wrong.

9. Exercise in-flight

Apart from staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other non- alcoholic fluids during the flight, do your best to move around the plane frequently instead of staying in your seat. This helps avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a serious risk when you spend too much time sitting down on a long flight.

10. Food and drink

It’s great fun to try new types of foods in exotic countries, and that’s part of the enjoyment of travel, but we recommend you spend a little time learning about the food in the places you’re going, so you know exactly what to expect… and, potentially, what to avoid!

We also recommend you consult our website for detailed information  about the travel health situation in more than 150 countries, including how to stay safe around food and drink.

For more sensible advice and common sense recommendations,  speak with one of our friendly, profesional travel nurses at any of our Travel Clinics in London.