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There are certain things to consider when traveling as an older adult. Before venturing out on your next trip, consider these tips and recommendations to ensure a safe, healthy and memorable vacation.

June 3, 2025

By Jon Gonzalez, DO
WellMed at Pleasant Run
Lancaster, Texas

Travel is a wonderful way to explore new places, spend time with loved ones and take a break from the day-to-day routine. I personally travel several times a year – near and far – and regardless of the destination, I rarely leave home without my favorite travel companion – my mother, Juanita Gonzalez.

Whether it’s a stateside trip, a cruise, a long international journey or a trip to a national theme park, staying healthy while on the go is important. Especially for older travelers.

There are certain things to consider when traveling. And, with just a little preparation and care, older travelers can ensure their adventures are enjoyable and worry-free.

Here are a few recommendations that I offer my older patients – and even my adventurous mother – to help ensure a safe, healthy and memorable trip.

Plan for your health needs

Before any trip, schedule a visit with your health care provider, especially when traveling internationally or taking an extended vacation. Your doctor may recommend specific vaccinations or adjust your medication regimen, especially when crossing time zones. Be sure to bring enough medication for the entire trip, plus additional doses in case of unanticipated travel delays.

Pack a travel health kit with prescriptions and over-the-counter medications

While it is recommended that travelers keep medications in the original containers, it is permissible to use a pill organizer to help avoid missing doses. Avoid storing medications in your checked luggage, as baggage may get lost while travelling. Always keep medication in your possession.

Exploring unfamiliar places is exciting and can take you out of your normal routine. This can cause travelers to forget to take medication. Setting an alarm helps to remind travelers to take medications timely.

Be prepared

There are times when you cannot return to your lodging location for several hours. Before leaving your hotel room or a cruise ship for a day of exploring, ask yourself if you have everything you need. Do you need to take medication before leaving the hotel? Is there medication you need to take with you? Do you have your list of medications and emergency contact information with you?”

I also recommend purchasing or making a small emergency kit with items such as band-aids, face masks, hand sanitizer, triple antibiotic ointment and alcohol wipes.

Plan ahead to address potential health or safety challenges

In the event of an emergency, it is important that you have health records, emergency contacts and travel insurance information on hand. Create a list to include current medical diagnoses, all medications and dosages, implanted medical devices such as a pacemaker, allergies, recent or scheduled procedures, your doctor’s contact information and an emergency contact. Carry a copy of this information with you, even when you plan just a short excursion. It is also important to share this information with a travel companion or emergency contact.

Protect yourself from accidents

Safety is a priority whether you’re on a road trip or a plane ride. When driving, plan your route carefully and take breaks to avoid fatigue. When flying, older travelers may consider priority boarding to avoid the rush and long lines during general boarding.

Choose accommodations wisely. If mobility is an issue, make sure the hotel offers shuttle buses and accessible features such as elevators and ground-floor rooms. This will ensure you are comfortable and safe during your stay. It may also be wise to arrange, in advance, to have a walker or motorized scooter available for older adults with stamina or mobility concerns.

Wear comfortable, conditioned walking shoes. You will easily walk five to ten miles a day while vacationing. Even spending a few hours exploring a museum can cause some foot and joint discomfort when wearing shoes with little to no support. To avoid foot pain and trip hazards that some turf and terrain present, make durability and arch support your top priority when selecting travel shoes.

Stay hydrated and eat smart

Proper hydration is crucial to maintaining energy levels and to avoid dehydration, especially in airplanes where the air can be very dry. Keep a large water bottle nearby and drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Use common sense and caution when it comes to food options while traveling. Avoid street food that may not be prepared in sanitary conditions. Stick to hot, cooked meals and bottled water to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses​. If you have dietary restrictions or requirements, keep healthy snacks like nuts or protein bars readily available.

Prevent illness with good hygiene

During busy travel seasons, crowds in public places increase the risk of illness. To protect yourself, practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently or using an alcohol-based sanitizer. Wearing a mask in crowded spaces is also important to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as the flu or COVID-19.

Keep moving to prevent clots

Long periods of sitting during flights or bus rides can increase your risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when blood clots form, usually in the legs. To prevent DVT, wear compression stockings and take breaks to walk around and stretch your legs.

Prioritize your mental health

Travel can be tiring, but it’s also an opportunity to relax and connect with loved ones. Build time into your schedule for rest and relaxation, and practice stress management techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. Prioritizing your mental health is just as important as staying physically healthy.

Prepare early

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is not allowing ample time to pack. Don’t make this mistake. Start gathering what you need early.

Better yet, a week prior to your travel date, take time to prepare a checklist of the items you will need. Writing a checklist in advance helps you remember important items and items you may need to purchase for the trip. Use your checklist to begin packing a few days before you plan to depart. A checklist also helps you avoid overpacking. Keep luggage within weight requirements, easy to manage and with room for great finds while traveling.

In just a few days mom and I will venture out on an Alaskan cruise. Later in the year, we’re off to Disneyland in California for even more great adventures.

While my mother gets the benefit of traveling with a doctor who reminds her to maintain a healthy regimen while traveling, by just following these helpful tips, you too can have safe, healthy and memorable vacations.

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