For those who have the means, travel in your golden years is a no-brainer. When you’ve got time, money, and the physical capacity, seeing the world will can provide incredible experiences as well as health benefits.
Our guide explains how to make the most of travel as a senior, including which countries are popular, the different types of holidays...and what to watch out for.
Over-60s are travelling more than ever, and making the most of their freedom.
If you’re over 60 and can’t decide where to go next, then use this list of 1Cover’s most popular destinations for senior travellers to inspire you.
The travel industry has progressed in recent years, and offers more options than ever for the senior traveller, catering to those with mobility issues and even those recovering from illness.
From solo travel to group travel and ever-popular cruises, read our guide to the most popular types of holidays for senior travellers.
Young at heart...but your the rest of your body might say otherwise.
This shouldn’t stop you from enjoying travel though. Our guide to health considerations will help you stay safe and healthy before, during, and after your trip.
72-year old Te Ao Maaka was on her way to Bali International Airport for a flight home to New Zealand when she suffered a heart attack. She was taken to hospital but refused treatment by doctors until demands for payment by hospital staff were met. Thankfully, Te Ao Maaka had a seniors travel insurance policy with 1Cover.
1Cover alleviated the stress of the situation right away by handling payments for medical assistance and making sure family was with her. Te Ao Maaka was in hospital with family by her side for 13 days before being repatriated to New Zealand on a comfortable flight. Back home, she made a complete recovery from her heart attack.
Watch Te Ao’s story to find out more.
Deep vein thrombosis can be a danger if you’re confined to a vehicle and not moving for a long time. Wriggling and moving your knees up and down can keep this danger at bay. When possible, walk and stretch out. Don’t forget to wear your compression socks to help with blood circulation.
Injuries, sickness, losing bags, missing flights, theft, or emergency evacuation are all possibilities on holiday. A comprehensive seniors insurance policy may help you mitigate these risks.
Even if you’ve packed light, you can injure yourself trying to carry luggage. To mitigate injury, don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone if you need it.
The costs for travel insurance for seniors can vary, and this can be due to higher health risks. This is especially true if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
1Cover data shows that in 2019, some of the more common pre-existing conditions for over-60s were:
Other problems that senior travellers sometimes face overseas are:
rashes
Missed flights, missed connecting flights and trip cancellations due to sickness from viruses and bacterial infections are also common.
If you want added peace of mind, a seniors travel insurance policy may be worth considering. Always remember to check for age limits and to check the PDS for terms and conditions and any exclusions.
As you age, you may have found yourself becoming increasingly stationary. But travelling will keep you on the go. Constantly moving is great for your physical health — it’s great for your bones, muscles, ligaments and joints. It’s especially good for lowering the risks of heart disease and high blood pressure. Overall, it’s a fun way to keep your heart in the best shape possible.
If you’ve found yourself forgetful or just mentally fuzzy, travelling will sharpen your mind up. To engage with unfamiliar places and new people, you have to pay greater attention to your surroundings. This means you’ll be exercising your mind more than you would back home or in a place you know too well. Some research has even shown travel to combat the risks of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Travelling can improve your mood and outlook on life instantly. By travelling, you’re giving your spirit a break from what has possibly become a stale, dull and boring everyday routine. There’s nothing better for the spirit than brand new experiences. To get away from the familiar, see and do new things is to reinvigorate your entire self!
All information on this page has been prepared as general advice or for entertainment purposes only.
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