Adventurous Seniors Packing Lists
For Exotic Travel Destination Take These Items To Stay Safe, Healthy
Got Toilet Paper? Photocopy of Passport? Hand Sanitizer? From AARP, CDC Come Tips for Senior Travelers on What to Pack in Carry-on Luggage Besides Clothes and Toiletries
Packing for an exotic vacation trip to a third-world country or for a trekking/ biking/kayaking tour? Don’t forget to pack these key items, most of which should be in your carry-on bag.
Prescription Medicines
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control say: “Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage.” If they are liquids, you must follow TSA security guidelines – see the Transportation Security Administration website for details. Some drugs may be illegal in other countries. Check the US Department of State Consular Information Sheets for a country you intend to visit or the embassy or consulate for that country. If your medication is not allowed in the country you will be visiting, ask your health-care provider to write a letter on office stationery stating the medication has been prescribed for you.
Medicine for diarrhea and pain These usually are over-the-counter but depending on current risk factors and your age, you may need special prescriptions.
Vaccines
Don’t expect your personal physician to be an expert on diseases in other parts of the world. There are private practices such as Travelers Medical Service in New York who can guide you to right booster shots, vaccines and preventive care.
Drugstore/Camping Store items
Water purification tablets (if you are concerned that bottled water won't be readily available) Bug spray with at least 50 percent DEET; Sunblock of at least 30 SPF rating; antibacterial hand sanitizer or individual packages of hand-wipes; compression socks for extra-long flights.
Documents, Containers, Papers
Passport+emergency medical info; color photo of passport kept elsewhere; visa (if needed); air ticket with record locator number kept separately; medical/travel insurance info; compression plastic bags for clothes (they let you pack more than you would otherwise); Ziplog bags in various sizes; toilet paper; under-the-shirt or around-the-waist money belt; ATM card; credit card; travelers checks (if cheaper than ATM); friends’ addresses for postcards.
Handy Extras
Headlamp; shower slippers; extra eyeglasses or contact lenses. For sleep—pills, earplugs, eye mask, travel pillow. Extra film or memory card and battery for camera. MP3 player and headphones.
If you are the type of traveler who packs at the last minute or forgets things, go online, Google “travel packing list,” and download a list to guide you. Click here for more on vaccines and medicines.
A Final Tip for Couples:
If you are checking luggage at airport, pack half your clothes and necessary items in each other's bag, so if one is lost the other has things for both of you.
