While traveling, elder people often face more stress and fatigue than they can handle. Come holiday season, lots of seniors set out to be with friends and family. Holiday travel can be exhausting, considering that is when the most people make long-distance trips. Whether you are traveling with them or not, you can do a few things to make sure they stay comfortable during the trip.

Consult a Physician

The best time for your elder to visit the physician is four to six weeks before the trip. The physician will need to be told about your travel plans including mode of transportation, duration of the trip, and of course, the destination.

Consider Getting Travel Health Insurance

Most health plans (even Medicare) do not pay for services received outside the country, so if you are going abroad, seniors will need alternative coverage. They are more vulnerable to health complications while in transit, and treatments could be costly where you are headed. Clarify on what your loved one’s insurance covers, and if you are leaving the country, take a look at travel health insurance options.

Pack for Comfortable Dressing

For seniors who are traveling, loose clothes are the most comfortable to be in. One major benefit of dressing in them is that they allow for better circulation. People with circulation problems are at risk for blood clots from sitting too long on the plane. If your loved one has this problem, find out from her doctor if she will need compression stockings.

Let the Airline Help You

When you book the tickets for the trip, make sure to let the airline know that you will be needing assistance and a wheelchair for your elder. Even if that last part isn’t necessary, it sure beats standing in a queue or walking long distances. Airline terminals are usually spaced far part, and while you may not give much thought to how much walking that involves, it would probably take a toll on your elder.

These are some things to watch when traveling with an elder during the holidays. Make sure they are comfortable during the journey and get good rest after getting to the hotel or a relative’s place.