Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop travelling. In fact, travel means more when you are older; you will be able to fully appreciate the new experiences you’re having because of a lifetime of knowledge.

However, you can’t travel the way you used to when you are older. You will have to work around physical limitations. To protect yourself and your belongings you should take a few precautions.

Follow these safety travel tips.

Get Insurance

Older people are more at risk of falling and hurting themselves, and getting sick. So they need travel insurance more than anybody else if they don’t want their travel to get delayed or interrupted. This is especially important if they are travelling in a foreign country.

Don’t let people know your hotel room is empty

People assume that hotels are safe places, which is not true. Travellers, especially senior citizens, are often seen as easy targets, and they should do what they can to protect their belongings. Don’t put the “clean my room” sign on your hotel door. It is a clear sign that your hotel room is empty. You normally leave extra money, passports and travel documents in hotels rooms when you go sightseeing. So you don’t want these important things to get into wrong hands. Inform the front desk on the way out and ask them to send someone to clean the room.

Watch What You Eat

Older folks are frequently on restricted diets as they have more sensitive tummies. While away from home they would like to forget those facts, but doing so could have adverse effects. So don’t try to experiment with food while travelling or else you will be spending more time in your hotel room than sightseeing. What you can do is avoid too spicy, heavy or cheesy items.

Mind Your Meds

Senior travellers need to take as much care with their medications as they do with their passports and money. Don’t leave them lying in the open in your hotel room and don’t pack them in checked luggage. In case your flight back home is delayed you should have enough medicine to last you an extra day or two. Also, keep a list of essential medicines and their dosages in your purse so that if the need arise you can replace them.

Essential Medications for Travel

The fact that you can afford things you may not have been able to when you were younger is one of the perks about getting older. But you will be the target for thieves if you carry items like gold watches, expensive jewellery and fancy cameras. Because most thieves believe that older travellers are more unsteady on their feet and less aware of their surroundings. For your safety, leave the bling at home.

Keep Others in the Loop

Keep others apprised of your daily itinerary, including your hotel concierge or innkeeper, if you’re going to be travelling solo. Inform them when you will be back and stick to your schedule. Always carry a smartphone with you.

Stay Safe on Your Feet

In order to get through full days of walking and touring, wear comfortable shoes. To stay steady on your feet and for good balance it is always better to wear flats. If you wear heels you are at risk of falling or spraining an ankle.