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Summertime isn't even here yet but don't say that in front of the weathermen! They'd totally disagree based on high temperatures and summer storms! Not to mention the fact that schools are out in most areas. And many families have hit the roads for vacation already. Including senior parents, grandparents, and grandkids. Sometimes all together. Sometimes to visit each other. Making this the perfect time to share some terrific travel tips we learned over the last year.
Today, I want to focus on seniors who may be traveling. Be sure to check back tomorrow for part 2, when its the grandkids on the move – often with grandparents. 🙂
I have to say, all of these ideas are wise for ALL ages, but we learned them during a couple of family reunions when seniors were on the way.
- Send your itinerary and make/model of your vehicle along with the license number. Then, if you should have any kind of travel difficulties and can't get ahold of anyone, hopefully they can track you down. One of my beloveds was so smart – she just took photos of cars and license plates. Heaven forbid they ever have a dire emergency, those will be invaluable. (And isn't that a cute pink one from Kentucky – short for Grandkid Joy – And yes, it's currently available 🙂 )
- Whether flying, training, bussing, or driving, make sure you get up and walk around periodically. You'll be more comfy and your body will thank you! I go to the restroom so often, it's never an issue for me – on planes or driving. But both my senior moms have to remind themselves to do this. When my senior mom and I made our last long trip a few years ago, we discovered there are Walmarts EVERYWHERE. They are a wonderful stopping point every couple of hours because they have clean restrooms; usually have an eating place or you can buy fruit, cheese, crackers, bread, and drinks; they are big enough to give our legs a good walking in air-conditioned comfort; they have plenty of parking, all of which makes for a safe and comfortable place to get out and about. We had a grandchild with us, so they were doubly helpful to keep her stocked with something to read or more beads for the bead project she was working on.
- TRIPLE CHECK doors before you leave along with lights (we like the automatic on/off ones unless a neighbor is watching the house and will do that), refrigerator closed, water faucets and toilets all totally not running, etc.
- FOURPLE CHECK to be sure you have your purse/wallet and cell phone with you. Without these, your trip will be a lot more difficult as one beloved uncle recently discovered.
- Call or text periodically to update at least one person who has your itinerary and let them know how you are doing and where you are. And again, without that cell phone – public phones are getting harder and harder to find! I'm not even sure Walmart has them anymore (do you know? If so, leave a comment to let us know 🙂 ).
- Take plenty of water and snacks in your car along with a flashlight and other necessities for the road.
Well, that's it for today. But if you have more suggestions, we'd love to hear them. And see you tomorrow with a REALLY cool suggestion for traveling with kids/grandkids – THEY will love you for it! 🙂
