They would hold your tiny fingers in their hands and take you everywhere you wanted to go. They would make sure that you didn’t stumble over a rock on the way or fall into a ditch.
What about today? When once again you have to travel with them? No longer are your fingers tiny but your shoulders are broad enough to take responsibility and care of your ageing parents.
There are times when you want to show them the world or just take them along for a cousin’s outstation wedding and are not sure how travelling safe with them will be possible. But, it is equally challenging to leave them behind alone, isn’t it ?
Travelling with elders can be a totally different experience in comparison to travelling solo or with friends. Travelling with elderly members has its own set of challenges. Older members often have health conditions or limitations with mobility which can make travelling complex. However, with the right preparations your family time could be filled with happy memories.
Here’s what could make your life easier the next time you want to take your parents for a trip:
- Plan Together
Taking the parents along is a delicate balance between what they want and what is practical. If you are planning a multi-destination trip, choose what is possible and doable. Remember your parents won’t have the same stamina they had earlier, and they might not even want to do a lot many things. Their agenda isn’t covering the most places, but enjoying the place most. A good idea would be to include them in the planning discussion instead of letting them know the plan. - Wassup, Doc?
If your parents are on prescription for a chronic ailment, check with their doctor if it is a good idea for them to travel. Be open with the doctor and tell your plan and places you are going to visit. - The weather
Changes in weather affect everyone, especially the elderly. So if you are planning to take them to a place where the weather will be different than what they are used to, pack up accordingly. Ensure they have the correct clothes and footwear for the weather you are heading to. Also keep the right medicines in your kit to combat any discomfort caused due to the same. - Help at Hand
Make sure you have the contact details and directions to the emergency care centers at the place you are going to visit. You can also have a few references. Check with your friends if they have anyone at your holiday destination that you may contact in case of medical emergency. Especially, if you are travelling to another country knowing someone who knows the local practices and language is a great help in emergencies.
Provide these details to your parents also and equip them to be able to reach for help if you are not around. - Pack What they Need
Make sure you pack all their medicines and prescriptions properly. If you need any approvals from the physicians for air travel etc. make sure it is easily accessible in your documents. Have your parents’ blood group and any allergies; special care instructions listed out properly and handy. - Insurance
If you are going abroad for a holiday, make sure you have proper travel insurance for your parents. - Travel Light
You can’t take care of your parents, heavy luggage and have good time all at the same time. So pack light so that you can manage everything and it’s not too much botheration for anyone else to help you out too, if needed.
Finally, remember that your parents have their own pace, mood and practice of being the ones leading the holidays. So while you pack prescription and pills for them, ensure you pack patience for yourself too!
Bon Voyage!
