Travel Tips for the Over-50 Crowd

Older travelers can still reap the rewards of travel, but some additional safety measures may be necessary.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:58pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping gradients of warm colors and towering architectural forms, conveying the grandeur and adventure of travel without any literal depictions.Older travelers can still enjoy the health benefits and excitement of travel with some additional safety precautions.Cleveland Today

A joint study found that women who vacationed twice a year had a lower risk of heart attack than those who vacationed less frequently. The same was true for men, with those not taking an annual vacation having a 30% greater risk of heart disease. The Health In Aging Foundation offers tips for older travelers, including determining vaccination requirements for overseas trips, getting a pre-trip medical checkup, being aware of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) risks, and staying hydrated.

Why it matters

Travel has been shown to have significant health benefits for older adults, but the approach may need to be adjusted as people age. These tips can help ensure older travelers stay safe and healthy while enjoying the rewards of travel.

The details

The Health In Aging Foundation urges older travelers planning to go overseas to identify vaccination requirements in the countries they plan to visit, as some require vaccinations to be administered at least six weeks prior to entry. A pre-trip medical checkup can ensure older adults are healthy enough to travel, update vaccinations, and discuss medication management when crossing time zones. The Mayo Clinic warns that deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) can affect immobile travelers during long flights, train rides or road trips, and recommends getting up and walking around when possible. The Cleveland Clinic notes dehydration can cause dizziness, elevated heart rate, swollen feet, muscle cramps, and fatigue, so older travelers should stay hydrated even if they don't feel thirsty.

  • The Health In Aging Foundation notes some countries require vaccinations be administered at least six weeks prior to entry.

The players

Global Commission on Aging

An organization that conducted a joint study with the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies on the health benefits of travel for older adults.

Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

An organization that conducted a joint study with the Global Commission on Aging on the health benefits of travel for older adults.

Health In Aging Foundation

An organization that provides guidance and recommendations for older travelers, including on vaccination requirements and medication management.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A government agency that provides information on travel-related vaccinations on its website.

Mayo Clinic

A nonprofit organization that provides information on the risks of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) for travelers.

Cleveland Clinic

A nonprofit healthcare organization that provides information on the risks of dehydration for travelers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

These tips can help ensure older travelers stay safe and healthy while enjoying the significant health benefits that travel can provide, from reduced risk of heart disease to better overall well-being.