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 Several Ways to make Holiday Travel Easier for Seniors  
The elderly may find it stressful to travel over the holidays because they are not used to traffic or crowds. There are ways to ensure a much easier trip if you make advance plans. This article lists several tips for safe, happy senior travel.

By Li Ming Wong

The elderly may find it more stressful to travel over the holidays because they are not used to all the traffic or crowds. There are ways to ensure that you have a much easier trip though, if you make advance plans.

Many elderly people take daily medication, so make sure you have a sufficient supply. Put it in a safe place where it is not likely to get lost. If you have extra pills, pack them separately. If you have some in your purse and some in your luggage, you will have protection if either one gets lost.

If you are flying, make sure you have a note from the doctor to identify what the medications are. You will have to show them to security, and you can keep the lines moving steadily if you have the right documentation with you. Holiday travel is very busy, but do not think for a second that security is going to let their guard down and just let you pass through.

Do not attempt to carry heavy bags around the airport. This can result in injury. If the airline with which you are traveling offers an outside kiosk, drive up to it and then park your car. It is also a good idea to invest in luggage that has wheels on the bottom. This way you can pull suitcases along instead of having to carry them any distance. Most head, back, and neck injuries around the holidays occur due to carrying heavy luggage.

If you use a walker or wheelchair, make sure you contact the airline in advance. They are more than willing to accommodate such needs. Since airports are so busy during the holidays, though, you need to let them know in advance. This way they will have staff available to assist you.

You may want to arrive at the airport an hour earlier than specified if you need special assistance. During the holiday season, you will find the airport very crowded. This can result in it taking longer for you to get to your gate. It may be a good idea for you to take an early morning flight when the traffic is lighter - if you can get one.

Carry your medical history with you when you travel. This is even more important if you have ongoing health issues. Your medical history can assist medical professionals who are not familiar with your needs to assist you if you are not able to converse with them. Make sure the medical history includes information regarding any medications to which you may be allergic.

Oxygen tanks are a common item that elderly people need when they travel for the holidays. It can be difficult to carry what you will need for the duration. Instead of just staying home though, talk with the company that delivers your oxygen. Chances are they can arrange for you to get the additional tanks you need when you land at the airport. If you are driving, you will be able to have oxygen tanks delivered to the hotel or the residence where you are staying.

It is not wise to travel with several oxygen tanks in your vehicle. They can burst into flames if you are involved in a car accident. They are also very heavy, and take up a great deal of space. Even if your oxygen tank provider does not serve the area where you are going for the holidays, they can usually put you in touch with another company that does.

Just because a person is older does not mean that he or she does not enjoy traveling for the holidays. Take your time to make sure you cover all your bases. This will help to ensure that you all remain safe. The better the trip you have getting to your final destination, the more you will enjoy your holiday season.

About the Author:

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  Article added 11/14/07.

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