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Tips for planning a holiday with seniors

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Tips for planning a holiday with seniors

Whether we are young or old, age is no barrier to travelling as long as we are fit and healthy. But when planning a holiday with seniors, be mindful that they have different needs and are unlikely to have the same energy levels as younger travellers. Nevertheless, a holiday with your senior family members can be a memorable one as long as preparations are done well. 

Here are some tips for an enjoyable and fuss-free vacation with seniors! 

1. Destination

Pick a destination that is senior-friendly, bearing in mind the interests of seniors as well as the fact that they may have existing medical conditions. For seniors who are history buffs, a destination with plenty of historical and cultural sights will surely delight them! Nature-loving seniors will enjoy destinations with plenty of green spaces. Besides looking up the attractions available, do take note of the medical facilities available so that in the event of an emergency, you know that where to seek help. 

Other factors to consider include the climate of the place, disability access and ease of transport. If your senior travel companions have mobility issues or are sensitive to extreme weather conditions, choose a destination that can sufficiently accommodate their needs.

2. Daily itinerary

Take it slow and easy when travelling with seniors. Avoid packing too many activities into the travel itinerary as seniors do not have the same energy levels as younger travellers. Be flexible, allow for breaks throughout the day and ensure they get sufficient rest. Depending on your destination and the needs of the seniors you travel with, about two to three activities in a day would suffice. 

3. Packing essentials

Essentials such as prescribed medication, first aid kit, water bottle, light snacks as well as important documents should be packed inside a carry-on bag. If your senior travel companions have existing medication conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, ensure that you also pack a blood pressure monitor and blood glucose meter. Ensure that seniors have easy access to this bag of essentials.

Do bring a prescription letter from the doctor in the event that you need to get medication on the go – it will be better to bring your senior loved ones to the doctor and seek advice on how much medication to bring as you may not always be able to find them at a pharmacy abroad.  

4. Travel light

The suitcase that your senior travel companions carry should be fitted with wheels and sufficiently light so that it is easier to transport around. Apart from the essentials, bring just enough clothing and toiletries to last seniors for the entire trip. Heavy suitcases will only be a strain on the joints and back of seniors. If your senior travel companions have mobility issues or joint problems, consider sharing a suitcases with your senior travel companions so that there will be less baggage to handle. 

5. Choose non-stop flights where possible

Flying non-stop may mean higher air fares but it also means shorter journey times, not to mention that they are hassle-free. Connections do not only prolong journey times, but can also taxing for seniors, particularly those with mobility issues. Running from one gate to another to catch a connecting flight is probably the last thing you and your senior travel companion would like to. If flight connections are inevitable, pick one with a minimum layover of 2 hours so that seniors will have enough time to get around. 

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Kid-friendly Travel: Top 10 Things to Do in Rome

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Kid-friendly Travel: Top 10 Things to Do in Rome

Beautiful Rome is home to myriad tourist attractions and activities. As a traveller in the city, you will be faced with the problem of having too many things to do, and too little time on your hands. Vacation makers travelling with their kids will have to fit in the demands and interests of their little ones as well. This makes it an even greater challenge to plan a fun-filled and well-scheduled trip…until you discover these ten travel attractions and activities!

1. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Hop on a bus, and discover the sounds and sights of Rome on four wheels! Starting from €25, these tours allow travellers to hop on and off the buses for an entire day. You and your little ones will enjoy cruising along the roads of Rome, keeping your eyes peeled for fascinating sites in the Vatican City, Pompeii, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.

[ROMAN-HOSPITALITY https://www.bonappetour.com/s/Rome–Italy?lat=41.90278349999999&lng=12.496365500000024]
 

2. Learn to Cook Italian Dishes

If you and your family have an insatiable appetite, joining in a cooking class in Rome is a must-do on your travel itinerary. You will gain intriguing insights into the food and culture of Rome, and learn a wealth of cooking tips from your cooking host. Reap the fruits of your labour at the end of the session, by sitting down to enjoy a delectable meal together. The best part about this experience is that you can replicate the dishes and flavours in the comforts of your home, long after you have returned from your sojourns abroad.  

3. Indulge in Gelato

A smooth and creamy gelato is a universal treat, ideal at all times of the day, perfect for the young, young-at-heart and the not-so young-at-heart. Find out where to have the best gelatos in Rome, and make your way there to savour a serving (or two) of this decadent treat!

4. Explora: The Kids Museum

Let your little ones have a taste of what it is like to be an adult, filled with grown-up responsibilities. There are four sections in the museum displaying different activities and games for children up to the age of twelve. 

5. The Pantheon

Cultural buffs will not want to miss out on a visit to the magnificent Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the gods of Pagan Rome. You will set sight on an array of intricately-carved statues, beautiful Roman architecture and imposing pillars. A tour of the grounds of the temple will take about an hour, making it an ideal spot to slot into gaps within your travel itinerary. 

6. The Piazzas (Italy’s City Squares)

Cities throughout Italy are filled with a variety of vast piazzas, or city squares. Arm yourself with a picnic basket, grab a cup of coffee from one of the nearby coffee shops or bars, and enjoy a leisurely picnic session at the piazza. Once your kids have had their little tummies filled up with a spread of Italian delights, let them run free and play around in the commodious piazzas. 

7. Technotown

Similar to the Explora, Technotown is an appealing attraction for your children to explore and play at. In this innovative technological environment, the young and young-at-heart can try their hand at playing virtual football, watching 3D animation, as well as constructing and flying a motorised airplane. 

8. La Bocca della Verità (The Mouth of Truth)

Venture near the Church of Santa Maria, and you will find a huge marble face called the La Bocca della Verità. Play the game of truth by slipping your hand into the open mouth, and voice a statement aloud. Legend has it that individuals guilty of telling tales will have their hands bitten off by the highly perceptive marble face.

Regale this tale to your little ones, and watch as they nervously slip their hands into the hole. However, fret not, for there is little cause for worry – we have not heard of any cases of unfortunate visitors who have had their hands bitten off…yet. 

9. The Trevi Fountain

Holidaymakers cannot miss out on the oft-performed routine of tossing a coin into the sparkling waters of the Trevi Fountain. A note of caution – keep a wary lookout for pickpockets lurking around the Spanish Steps. Travellers, young and old, visiting this renowned site during the summer will enjoy the cooling breeze as they relax by the fountain area. 

*Update: As of June 2015, the Trevi Fountain is under renovation works. 

10. Eat With a Local

Make this trip your most memorable one yet, by joining in a social dining experience with the locals. Step into a Roman’s home, and tuck into a feast in an authentically Italian setting. A night of food, fun and engaging conversations await, leaving you with fond feelings and deep insights into the city. 

Travellers venturing to Rome in the summer should not miss out on a picnic by a picturesque castle, while a meal offering a classical selection of Roman dishes is perfect all year round. Your kids will love the experience, and delight in striking up a conversation with the affable hosts.

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