You may have noticed, now that you’re in your older years, traveling during the year-end holidays is getting more and more difficult. What once were minor inconveniences of driving to the airport, parking, going,through security and boarding your flight are now troublesome or more so than in previous years.
Maybe it’s time to let your body and the calendar tell you to do what you can to make this year’s travel schedule easier for you. Sometimes just the simple climate can have an effect on what and what you cannot do. A few simple tips are worth considering.
1. Know your physical limits in walking, climbing, carrying and doing other activities that are now more difficult for you. Make allowances for them. For example, travel with a carry-on instead of a heavy suitcase. When you feel tired at any time in your travels, find a safe place and get some rest, although everyone else may be in a rush prepare yourself and plan accordingly in case you do need to take breaks don’t let everyone else’s urgency overwhelm you.
2. If you’ll be driving long distances over the holidays, leave your house at dawn before rush hour traffic, allowing plenty of time on all aspects of your journey. If you’re the sole driver, rest every two hours and limit your day to no more than 10 hours, covering about 400 miles. If you have a travel partner set a schedule you drive X amount of hours and they do the same, giving you opportunities to stretch and move around when you change drivers.
3. Set your road travel schedule to airports and terminals so you arrive for your flight, bus or train departure at least an hour before the schedule listing. Avoid needing to rush through large terminals to get to security and check-in, because of course you never will.
4. Always be aware of security needs. While traveling, have a fully charged cell phone within reach at all times, day and night. Cue in numbers you can click instantly for help, such as 9-1-1, your doctor and family members who should know where you are throughout your travel schedule.
5. Eat lightly and at your regular times. If you’re on a heavy holiday travel schedule, whether air, train, bus or car, don’t over-indulge in food nor alcoholic drinks. If you’re driving long distances, especially at night, stay away from alcohol totally. Staying energized during your trip will help you make it through the day, eating fatty foods will slow you down and make you feel sluggish, like they say ”you are what you eat.”
6. Take enough of your prescribed medications to last throughout your holiday travels. Additionally, pack some over-the-counter pharmaceuticals in case of colds, upset stomach, arthritic pain and other unexpected ailments.
I hope some of these tips will help you get through your holiday travels, you can never be to prepared, everything will fall into place and don’t forget this is your vacation don’t let anyones rush slow you down or frustrate you.
