Age can’t stop you from travelling. This goes perfectly with one of my friend’s grandfather who doesn’t miss a single chance to explore new places. He travels often, usually, to visit his son in Azerbaijan. I am sure he is in his 70s and he wouldn’t take this trip with his family, as travelling alone seems more exciting. However, senior citizens have to consider certain elements that we young generation never take into account. Hence, to find out how his family manages to add safety to his world of adventure at this age, I reached out to my friend and here are five pointers that he suggested for every elderly who enthusiastic about exploring the world.
He admitted that was one of his favourite trips accompanying with his grandfather a few years ago to visit family. At the70s, it appears very difficult to make it happen, but together they made the trip happen, and I am glad to share his insights with you.
When They Say Planning is the Key
You can achieve the hardest of goals with a systematic planning! My friend said that managing a trip abroad is not that easy. But when you put everything together with proper planning, it seems easy. He suggested the below-mentioned steps to make the best of your stay in Azerbaijan:
Tip 1: Secure the Trip with Travel insurance
Any eventuality that may dampen your excitement can’t be predicted. Moreover, you may find it difficult to deal with unplanned expenses in a foreign land. Hence, owning a travel insurance policy is a good idea to financially safeguard your trip. You can customize the plans as per your needs, and if you frequently go abroad then opting for an overseas travel plan is a good idea. These plans cover you during accidents and emergencies and provide the much-needed financial security.
Tip 2: Most Favourable Time to Visit Azerbaijan
Owing to the annual vacation and the weather conditions in the different areas of Azerbaijan, the favourable time to go for a visit is during year (January to December). During year the weather is comparatively pleasant and is also suitable for enjoying the natural beauty of this diverse land.
Tip 3: Book a Non-stop Flight
Non-stops flights are suggested when you are reserving your seats. This way you can avoid the chance of missing a connecting flight and can reduce the travel time as well. Even if you get a non-stop flight by paying a slightly higher price, you should go for it. While travelling with elderly people it is better if you reach the destination in on-time.
Tip 4: Fix a Right Time to Travel According to Their Convenient
Another piece of advice is to adjust your timing with theirs. Senior people may no longer be as energetic as they once were. Hence, travelling early in the morning or at night can be exhausting for them. Better decide a travel time that suits their endurance.
Tip 5: Don’t Forget this Extra Dose- Yes, the Medicines
This goes for all travellers and not only senior citizens. You should make a list of important medicines that have to be carried and keep them in a handbag. Don’t keep them in the check-in baggage for that would be highly unwise. As my friend said, his grandfather is very particular about his medicines and always keeps them handy wherever he goes. He prefers carrying a bag with all the essentials inside and places it underneath the seat. This way, he makes sure he’s not dependent on anyone. Also, make a list of the medicines along with the dosage which is to be consumed to prepare for an emergency. This goes for everyone. By keeping handy the history of medication, you can make it easier for the doctor to diagnose the illness. After all, you never know when you’ll need it.
Tip 6: Check if there is Any Senior Citizen Concession
Many airlines offer ad is count for senior citizens. Check whether your airline is offering one or not. It is better to go with this option to save on your pocket. Bear in mind that discounts can be very hard to pin down. So, don’t push too hard for this.
Tip 7: Make Necessary Arrangements in the Airport
Before flying, you should make all necessary arrangements for the senior citizens once you reach the airport. If the elderly person has mobility issues, the airport authorities can provide wheelchairs to him/her. By making this facility available, airport authorities have made airports more accessible for senior citizens.
Airline Options to Make Your Travel Easy
Many airlines offer attractive deals which can be confusing. However, with technology and internet booming day by day, we will have n numbers of options to choose from. The best part is that now you can compare flight prices on various online comparison websites.
This way you can land the best deal. However, if you are travelling for the first time with your aged family members, here are some airlines that offer comfortable journey.
- Azerbaijan Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Emirates
- Qatar Airlines
- Buta Airways
- Aeroflot