Read the text and answer Questions 8 – 14
Travel for the Elderly
Whether you’re going abroad or staying in the UK, follow these simple tips so you can relax on your holiday.
We spoke to Emma O’Boyle from TripAdvisor
and Gill Williams, editorial head of greentravelguides.tv.
Going abroad
A When to travel
You can save money by booking a holiday out of season, or booking well in advance. Emma O’Boyle
recommends, ‘Taking a holiday during ‘shoulder periods’ can be a good way of saving money.
Shoulder
periods are the months either side of peak season. You can avoid the uncomfortably hot weather, crowds
and high prices, yet still enjoy some beautiful temperatures.’
B Guidebooks
Buying a guide book on where you’re going will give you loads of helpful information
on what sights to see,
the best and cheapest places to eat, local transport and much more. O’Boyle suggests ‘Ask friends for
recommendations or use the internet to find a hotel that matches your criteria. You can find honest reviews
online from travelers
in your age bracket, looking for the same type of holiday, meaning you’re far less likely
to end up at a hotel full of rowdy teenagers. Choosing a hotel is very personal and what one person likes
another may hate so don’t always rely on the hotel’s own description.’
C
Research
Using the internet to check what the weather’s like before you leave means you can avoid taking things you
dont need. ‘Don’t over pack. Go online before you travel to check local weather forecasts and conditions and
pack appropriate clothing and footwear.’ Gill Williams suggests.
D Copy documents
Photocopy your passport and other important documents in case the original gets lost or stolen and
remember to take details of your travel insurance policy with you. You can find a travel insurance broker
from the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.
E
Inform family
It’s a good idea to give close family or friends a list of your travel plans and any contact details, in case of
emergency.
F Save space
A great way to save space is to take two or three items and roll them up tightly. Try putting socks into shoes
to save space and keep the shoes shape.
G Luggage
Check restrictions with the airport before travelling to see what you can and can’t take in
your hand luggage
- now most liquids have to be packed in a clear container. Pack anything you’ll need in your hand luggage
like a book, travel game or medicine, ‘If you are flying, always carry essential medication in your carry-on
hand luggage rather than the hold - just in case the flight is delayed or the airline loses your suitcases.’ Says
Williams.
H Long flights
Let the airline know if you have any specific needs like a vegetarian or kosher meal. You may want to ask for
an aisle seat so you can get up easily when you want. ‘Let your airline know well
in advance if you need
assistance at airports,’ advises Williams. ‘Corridors can be long - up to 20 minutes walk at many
international airports.’
I Be active
On longer flights it’s important to have good circulation to reduce the risk
of Deep Vein Thrombosis
(DVT), which is caused when poor circulation results in blood clots.
How to improve circulation while flying:
·
Walk up and down the aisle every hour
·
Point and flex your toes while sitting down
·
Rotate your ankles clockwise and anticlockwise
·
Wear compression socks
·
Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water
‘
On a long flight, be sure to wear support anti-DVT socks. You’d be amazed how many airline pilots wear
them secretly!’