Catching a flight can be a tiring, uncomfortable, and potentially stressful experience at the best of times. Unfortunately, when you have entered your mature years, it can become even more exhausting than usual. Whether you struggle with the cold, dry air onboard the aircraft or find it easy to get lost as you try to find your way through a sprawling airport complex, there are so many aspects of air travel that can prove to be a struggle.
If you are preparing to fly out of San Diego for your next vacation, you may be dreading the journey rather than looking forward to it.
Fortunately, there are several helpful tips you can use to help make your experience of over-50s flying less of an obstacle and, hopefully, something to enjoy. Read on to find out what they are and how to include them in your travels.
1. Get A Pre-Flight Check-Up
If you are over a certain age and you are going on a lengthy trip, you may want to consider making an appointment with your doctor beforehand – particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions. Your doctor can make sure you are physically fit enough to make the journey and can also offer any advice you may need regarding potential illnesses or mishaps you may encounter at your destination. You can also arrange any vaccinations you may need beforehand to help ensure that you remain in good health for your adventure abroad.
2. Don’t Forget Your Medication!
While you are discussing your trip with your doctor, you should also make sure that you get your medication sorted out. If you are going on a longer trip, arrange for your prescriptions to be filled before you leave, so you will have plenty of meds on hand to last you for your time away. It can be incredibly stressful to find yourself in foreign climes and suddenly realize you have run out of your essential prescription medication, so it’s vital that you prepare for your trip to avoid such a calamity.
3. Sort Out Your Parking
Another tip you can use to make sure your journey goes off without a hitch is to find a convenient and secure parking place for your vehicle while you’re away. Fortunately, this won’t be a problem, as you can find a wide variety of parking information near San Diego Airport at parkwayparking.com. With their help, locating secure, convenient, and cost-effective car parking won’t be a problem when you fly out of San Diego.
4. Pack For Convenience
Just because you are soaring off to foreign shores for a trip doesn’t mean you need to pack half your wardrobe and the kitchen sink for good measure! In fact, packing lightly but sensibly is the best way to go, as you don’t want to be hauling heavy bags around or risk paying an airline fine for packing too much weight in your luggage. Not sure how to maximize your suitcase space without going overboard? Here are some top tips for packing light while still making sure you have everything you need for your getaway!
Choose A Small Bag
It stands to reason that if you purposefully opt for a smaller bag or suitcase, you simply won’t be able to cram too much in! You should only pack half the number of outfits you think you will need, focusing instead on choosing hard-wearing, versatile items of clothing that you can easily mix and match. Not only will they be allowed through security checks, but they will also be much easier to carry around. It’s a good idea not to bring anything you don’t really need. Of course, medications are an absolute must, as we’ve already covered, but when it comes to electronics, you may only need to bring your phone and charger. After all, smartphones these days can do all of the jobs that a camera, a laptop, and a Kindle can do, so if you don’t need the other ones – don’t bring them!
5. Choose The Perfect Clothes For Comfort
Comfort should be one of your top priorities when it comes to air travel. Don’t worry about being stylish; it doesn’t matter what you look like when you fly, so long as the clothing you choose is loose, soft, cozy, and as comfortable as can be. Air travel can cause all kinds of discomfort and can even be dangerous if you don’t take the right precautions, with the risk of developing blood clots posing a constant threat. Choosing the right clothing can help you stay safe and comfortable for the duration of the flight, so you will hopefully still be feeling fresh when you step off the plane at the other end. Compression socks or stockings are also a must when flying to improve your circulation and prevent the onset of DVT. Choose your most comfortable pair of slip-on shoes to ensure you avoid sore heels as you walk through the airport. Slip-on shoes are also more convenient as you go through the security checks, as you can take them on and off without having to undo the laces or straps.
6. Take Notes
If you find that you easily get confused or forgetful when travelling, perhaps it’s a good idea to slip a little notebook and pen in your pocket with all of the essential details you need. These may include your flight time and number, the details of the parking service you have chosen, and the address and telephone number of your hotel. That way, if you do encounter any problems, you can simply whip out the notebook and find the important information you need right away.
Enjoy Your Trip
As you can see, there is no reason for air travel to be inconvenient or uncomfortable, no matter how old you may be. As long as you pack sensibly, prepare for your journey well in advance, and bring everything you need for an enjoyable trip, there is no reason your flight out of San Diego shouldn’t go according to plan and whisk you away on a magical holiday you’ll never forget.
