Advice for Older Canadians Traveling This Winter

Every year, many Canadians travel to sunny destinations to escape the cold of the winter. Some will flee to an all-inclusive for a couple of days. Others, especially older travelers, will stay for an extended period or even retire abroad.

When helping a senior traveler plan their next getaway, it is important to keep in mind that this clientele faces specific challenges and risks when traveling. They are often traveling with medication, can have special needs due to medical conditions, and they are at a higher risk of being targets of scams and crime abroad.

Older travelers, as any other travelers, should prepare carefully and always buy travel insurance. Make sure they sign up with the Registration of Canadians abroad service so that they or their family can be notified in case of emergencies abroad or if there are changes to Canada’s official Travel Advice and Advisories for their destination.

It is important to inform older travelers about receiving medical care outside Canada, especially if they plan on staying abroad for an extended period. They should also always keep in touch with their family and friends in Canada, know how to reach Canadian government offices abroad, and know that they can contact Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre 24 hours a day, seven days a week in case they need help.

You can find many more helpful travel resources and advice for older travelers on Travel.gc.ca.