We’ve all had daydreams – or nightmares about a vacation gone wrong. You board a ship, and a day later, you come down with norovirus – we all know there are few things worse than getting sick while traveling. You get off the plane in Europe and promptly drop and leave your ID in the bathroom because you were fumbling with purse, luggage or handwashing. Or, just as inconvenient, you left your original prescription bottles home, and are having trouble getting through customs.
There are ways to prevent travel mishaps with a little planning ahead. First, I never leave home without small travel-size cans of Lysol spray that I use to disinfect items, such as TV remotes, handles and railings, and night tables in your cabin or hotel room. Just as an aside, it’s also wise to spritz leather chair seats (if they’re cloth, I put a clean hand towel on them, instead). You’d be surprised how many people get ready to shower, then remember they forgot to check email. They tear out to the desk – without clothes – and plop down. Yuck!
Norovirus is not pleasant, and while the foregoing measures won’t prevent it entirely, if your host hasn’t taken steps to eradicate it, they can reduce the potential for infection. Also, hand-washing is critical – after handling anything in public spaces and definitely before eating.
This tip comes from travel writer Nancy Dunnan’s Travelsmart, and it suggests carrying more than one ID when traveling. This effectively deals with increased travel restrictions. Travel with your driver’s license, passport – even if going domestically – a copy of your birth certificate, and an image of your social security card. For the kids, carry a picture showing you holding one of the ID’s while standing or sitting next to your children.
Travel with your doctors’ names. Make a list and include telephone, email and fax numbers, as well as hospital affiliations. Don’t forget to list any specialists you have seen. Also, travel with your medicine bottles. Having the original prescription bottles makes two things easier: getting refills and getting through customs.
Oh, and here’s one you’ll want to know about: take a second look at deeply discounted tours and cruises. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Make certain the tour operator or cruise line has been in business for a number of years or is a member of a reputable trade organization such as:
• Cruise Lines Int’l Assn: – 212-921-0066, www.cruising.org
• US Tour Operators Assn: – 800-GO-USTOA (800-468-7862), www.ustoa.com
• National Tour Assn: – 800-682-8886, www.ntaonline.com
Travel is one of the most wonderful experiences for seniors, intergenerational, couples, and families, and with a little planning, it can be a delightful pastime without any serious mishaps.
We want to hear from you, so feel free to share tips, ideas, and resources for seniors with Grannybooster. Email me, Maris Somerville, at info@grannybooster.com
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