Senior citizens have to consider certain elements that we young generation never take into account.
Age can’t stop you from travelling. This goes perfectly with one of my friend’s grandfather who doesn’t miss a single chance to explore new places. He travels often, usually, to visit his son in the USA. I am sure he is in his 70s and he wouldn’t take this trip with his family, as travelling alone seems more exciting. However, senior citizens have to consider certain elements that we young generation never take into account. Hence, to find out how his family manages to add safety to his world of adventureat this age, I reached out to my friend and here are five pointers that he suggested for every elderly who enthusiastic about exploring the world.
He admitted that was one of his favourite trips accompanying with his grandfather a few years ago to visit family. At the70s, it appears very difficult to make it happen, but together they made the trip happen, and I am glad to share his insights with you.
When They Say Planning is the Key
You can achieve the hardest of goals with a systematic planning! My friend said that managing a trip abroad is not that easy. But when you put everything together with proper planning, it seems easy. He suggested the below-mentioned steps to make the best of your stay in the US:
Tip 1: Secure the Trip with Overseas Travel insurance
Any eventuality that may dampen your excitement can’t be predicted. Moreover, you may find it difficult to deal with unplanned expenses in a foreign land. Hence, owning an overseas travel insurance policy is a good idea to financially safeguard your trip. You can customise the plans as per your needs, and if you frequently go abroadthen opting for an overseas travel plan is a good idea. These plans cover you during accidents and emergencies and provide the much-needed financial security.
Moreover, quality healthcare has become expensive not only in India but also in other countries. Medical treatment expenses are sky-high in theUSA and can easily burn a hole in your pocket.No one can be prepared for thecosts of unplanned treatment. Hence, senior citizen travel insurancecan be a good option to secure the health of your elderly parents or grandparents. These insurance plans specifically cater to the requirements of senior citizens. By paying a small portion ofyour income as premium, you can cover your parents for unforeseen eventualities. Here, the senior citizen health plan comes as a saviour and bears the medical expenses for you.
Tip 2: Collect the Visa-Checked
Visa is an essential document that one needs while travelling abroad. All Indian citizens have to submit certain documents to avail a visa before flying to the US, like Passport. One can apply for the visa online as well as via the Embassy of the United States, situated in New Delhi.
Tip 3: Most Favourable Time to Visit USA
Owing to the annual vacation and the weather conditionsin the different areas of the USA, the favourable time to go for a visit is during spring (March to May) and fall (mid-September to mid-October). During this time the weather is comparatively pleasant and is also suitable for enjoying the natural beauty of this diverse land.
Tip 4: Book a Non-stop Flight
Non-stops flights are suggested when you are reserving your seats. This way you can avoid the chance of missing a connecting flight and can reduce the travel time as well. Even if you get a non-stop flight by paying a slightly higher price,you should go for it. While travelling with elderly people it is better if you reach the destination inon-time.
Tip 5: Fix a Right Time to Travel According to Their Convenient
Another piece of advice is to adjust your timing with theirs. Senior people may no longer be as energetic as they once were. Hence, travelling early in the morning or at night can be exhausting for them. Better decide a travel time that suits their endurance.
Tip 6: Don’t Forget this Extra Dose- Yes, the Medicines
This goes for all travellers and not only senior citizens. You should make a list of important medicines that have to be carried and keep them in ahandbag. Don’t keep them in the check-in baggage for that would be highly unwise. As my friend said, his grandfather is very particular about his medicines and always keeps them handy wherever he goes. He prefers carrying a bag with all the essentials inside and places it underneath the seat. This way, he makes sure he’s not dependent on anyone. Also, make a list of the medicines along with the dosage which is to be consumed to prepare for an emergency. This goes for everyone. By keeping handy the history of medication, you can make it easier for the doctor to diagnose the illness. After all, you never know when you’ll need it.
Tip 7: Check if there is Any Senior Citizen Concession
Many airlines offer adiscount for senior citizens. Check whether your airline is offering one or not. It is better to go with this option to save on your pocket. Bear in mind that discounts can be very hard to pin down. So, don’tpush too hard for this.
Tip 8: Make Necessary Arrangements in the Airport
Before flying, you should make all necessary arrangements for the senior citizensonce you reach the airport. If the elderly person hasmobility issues, the airport authoritiescan provide wheelchairs tohim/her. By making this facility available, airport authorities have madeairports more accessible for senior citizens.
Airline Options to Make Your Travel Easy
Many airlines offer attractive deals which can be confusing. However, with technology and internet booming day by day, we will have n numbers of options to choose from. The best part is that now you can compare flight prices on various online comparison websites.
This way you can land the best deal. However, if you are travelling for the first time with your aged family members, here are some airlines that offer comfortable journey.
- Air India
- Emirates
- Air Canada
- Aeroflot
- KLM
- British Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
- American Airlines
- Kuwait Airlines
- Turkish Airline
- China Airline
- Qatar Airline
- Swiss Airline
- Austrian Airlines
- Jet Airways
- EL AL Israel Airline
Have a Quick View at Air Tickets Fares from Popular Indian Cities to USA (Approx.)
- Delhi to USA Flights from Rs. 48,863
- Bangalore to USA Flights from Rs. 47,615
- Hyderabad to USA Flights from Rs. 46,129
- Chennai to USA Flights from Rs. 45,529
- Kolkata to USA Flights from Rs. 44,597
- Mumbai to USA Flights from Rs. 43,156
In a Nutshell!
I hope you find these tips helpful when planning a trip to theUSA with your elderly parents or grandparents. While most of them are common tips, the thing you need to be the most careful about is an insurance plan. Before choosing a plan analyse your needs as well as those of the elderly citizens travelling with you. Online comparison of travel insurance plans can help you find a good deal.
This way you can safeguard your trip and can enjoy the golden days with your parents and grandparents like my friend did. Have a safe journey!
I began writing as a professional on my personal blog and then discovered my true calling, which is writing about technology and news in general. I am a technical writer, author and blogger since 2005. An industry watcher that stays on top of the latest features, extremely passionate about juicy tech news and everything related to gadgets.
