Senior travel: tips and insurance

Carry medication in its original labelled box or bottle, with the pharmacy label showing your name and the dose. A doctor's letter listing each drug by generic name, the dose and the condition it treats can make customs and airport security conversations shorter. Requirements differ by country, so check the destination's rules before you fly.

For a long trip, take enough for the whole time plus a buffer, and split it between your carry-on and your checked bag so one lost bag does not leave you without. If a drug is controlled in your destination country, check the rules before you fly; some countries require an import permit for medicines that are ordinary at home.

Ask your doctor about vaccines and any travel-specific medication well before you go. Some vaccines need time to work, and some are not suitable for people on certain treatments, so check the timing with your doctor. A pre-travel health appointment is the place to raise that, not the airport.

If you use a CPAP machine, a mobility aid or a wheelchair, tell the airline when you book, not at the gate. Airlines have specific rules on batteries, cabin use and assistance, and they need notice to arrange it.

The most common mistake older travellers make is copying a younger itinerary. Three cities in a week is tiring at any age and punishing with jet lag, stairs and long walks. Fewer bases, longer stays and one main activity a day usually produce a better trip.

Build in a rest day after a long flight and after any big move between cities. Book accommodation with a lift or a ground-floor room if stairs are a problem, and check the actual walking distance to the nearest transport stop rather than trusting a map. A hotel that is 10 minutes from the station on paper can be 25 minutes with luggage and a hill.

For flights, consider paying for extra legroom or a seat near the front, and allow longer layovers than you would normally. If you have mobility needs, request assistance when you book; airports and airlines set their own rules and notice periods, so check what applies to your booking.

Travel in the shoulder season where you can. Fewer crowds, milder weather in hot regions and lower prices can all reduce the physical load; check the season and weather for your specific destination.

Carry a mix of a card and some local cash, and keep a backup card separate from the main one. Tell your bank you are travelling so a fraud alert does not freeze your card mid-trip. A small amount of local currency on arrival saves a stressful first hour.

Keep photocopies or phone photos of your passport, insurance policy and emergency numbers, stored offline. If you lose your passport, report it to the local police and contact your embassy or consulate; the process is slower than you would like, so the copy helps.

On safety, the usual rules apply with a few age-specific ones: avoid unlit streets at night, keep your phone and wallet out of sight in crowds, and be wary of anyone who approaches you with an unsolicited offer. If you are travelling alone, tell someone your plans each day.

Cruises and guided tours. Operators often have their own insurance requirements and age rules. Check what the operator covers and what you still need to buy; a cruise line's medical cover is usually not a substitute for travel insurance.

Long stays and second homes. If you are away for months rather than weeks, a standard travel policy may not fit. Look at annual multi-trip or expat-style medical cover, and check the tax and visa rules for long stays.

Pre-existing conditions that are unstable. If you are waiting for tests, have had a recent hospital admission or your medication has just changed, insurers may decline cover or exclude the condition. In that case, talk to your doctor about whether the trip should wait.

Travelling with a companion who has a disability. Assistance at airports, accessible rooms and adapted transport all need booking in advance. Build extra time into every transfer.