5 Ways to Simplify Travel as a Modern Senior

 

Are you a modern senior who is preparing to travel abroad? Are you planning to bring another modern senior relative or friend along on the journey? If so, plan ahead so you can enjoy your trip! Consider the following tips:

1.      Health Insurance. Medicare does not cover health care overseas. It is highly recommended to obtain short-term health insurance before your trip.

2.      Pharmacies and Medications. Pack an ample supply of routine prescription meds for the duration of you trip. Keep medicine in its original, labeled container to avoid questioning at customs and carry a letter from your doctor that details your condition and medications.

3.      Local Conditions.  Talk to your doctor before your trip to identify your health care needs
 at your destination. Research the environmental conditions of your destination that may affect you including altitude, pollution and the safety of local drinking water.

4.      Personal Time. Keep in mind that abnormal physical and mental activity undertaken during travel is strenuous, no matter your age. Don’t forget to build enough personal time into your travel plan; whether to rest from a long walk or enjoy an additional travel site.

5.      Prepare for Emergencies. Leave emergency contact information and a copy of your passport biographic data page with family and trusted friends. Know the contact information of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting.

And remember: reserving online with Rocket Parking ahead of time is just as important as preparing for your journey! Bon Voyage!

Take STEPs to Safeguard Yourself Abroad

 

Thinking about traveling abroad but concerned for your safety? Put your worries to rest and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

·         What is STEP? STEP is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency, such a lost or stolen passport.

·         Emergency Help: U.S. consular officers aid Americans who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties by providing them with the names of local attorneys and doctors. They provide loans to destitute Americans, and deliver information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel. STEP also assists U.S. citizens in emergencies, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.

·         Non-Emergency assistance: Consular officers perform non-emergency services, helping Americans with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. They can notarize documents, issue passports, and register American children born abroad.

·         Enrollment: Enter information about your trip and subscribe to receive updates on Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts and other information for a particular country. Be sure to include an email address or phone number where you can be reached while traveling.

Remember to book your reservation at Rocket Parking before you leave from Houston’s Busch Intercontinental Airport on your overseas excursion.