The general population is growing older and the number of seniors has been rapidly increasing over the last decade. Not only are people living longer and longer, but the Baby Boomer generation is entering their retirement years in huge numbers.
Although this fact has many trickle-down consequences, the most common is that more and more parents are living with their adult children. Even for those that are living independently, the number of families with multiple generations has definitely increased.
This not only enriches your family dynamic for the better but allows you and your children to be able to spend more time with the older generation.
Family vacations and travel with your parents can change not only the number of people in your group, but it can also mean a lot of changes to your planning, which vehicle you travel in, and packing routines.
Seniors tend to have more personal needs — as well as medications and health concerns — than the other members of the family. Thus, getting ready to travel with your parents can take a bit more planning to make sure that things go smoothly.
Checklist for Traveling With Your Senior Parents
Take a look at our checklist that can help you get organized and confident that you are properly prepared before heading out the door to make some great family memories! You can print the Checklist For Traveling Seniors Here!
Medical
Before you set out on your trip, have a quick check-up with their doctor to clear them for travel. Fill all prescriptions and medications, and remember, it is very important to take all prescriptions with you in original bottles!
*Allergy medication
*Non-prescription medications including aspirin
*Antacid
*Motion sickness tablets
*Arthritis cream or medications
*Sunscreen and insect repellent
*Asthma medication
*Hearing aid battery accessories
*Reading glasses
*Compression socks
*Portable wheelchair
Electronics
eReader
Phone
Camera
Tablet
All chargers, power cords and connection cables for electronics
Portable DVD player and movies
Spare batteries
Earphones
Booklight
Paperwork
When traveling or crossing any international borders you should have all of the following paperwork with you in your carry on luggage.
All hotel and travel reservation details
Passport
Visas
Driver’s license
Photocopies of all of your identification
Records of vaccinations
Information about the local embassy in the country that you will be visiting
Maps
Specific directions to your destination
Translation language guides or books
Emergency contact information
Doctor’s name and contact information
Personal Items
Cash or checks
Credit cards
Traveler’s checks
ATM cards
Prepaid phone cards
Books and magazines
Magnifying glass for reading
Puzzles
Sunglasses
Bottle of water
Money belt
Gum
Travel pillow
Comfortable walking shoes
Walking stick or cane
Baseball hat or sun hat
Hand Sanitizer
Although there is no way to anticipate everything that may occur while you are on vacation, being prepared is the best way to have some peace of mind.
Every situation is different and each family member has their own needs, but following a simple packing guideline may help you make your parents more confident and comfortable while you are on vacation. Having everything in order before you head out for the horizon can make even the smallest travel hiccup pass smoothly.
Have you ever traveled with your parents? What essentials do you recommend for the trip?