Was last winter one to forget?
Remember that double whammy of snow and ice, followed by extreme cold and then 18 inches of snow in some places? Not to mention the downed trees and power outages in others.
Enough already! But the reality is, it could happen again.
When winter weather arrives, you can hunker down and brave the elements—or you can “get out of Dodge.” The recent nor’easter may have some people seriously considering their alternatives.
The question is: Where should you go, and how should you prepare?
That usually depends on your goals and needs.
There are plenty of decisions to make. How long do you want to be away? What will you do with your pets or other animals? Do you want to travel somewhere in the U.S. or head someplace more exotic? Does a getaway mean a cruise, a road trip or a longer stay somewhere warm?
If a shorter adventure sounds appealing, Road Scholar has suggestions for seniors looking for a change of pace. Road Scholar is a nonprofit organization that provides educational travel and learning programs primarily for adults age 50 and older.
Winter getaways aren’t just a way to escape cold, ice and snow. They can also be an opportunity to experience off-season travel, when there may be fewer crowds and potential cost savings. A warm-weather trip can provide a welcome dose of excitement during a time of year when the days are shorter and winter weather can discourage some people from even leaving the house.
Road Scholar offers some additional thoughts on why warm-weather getaways can be especially appealing to older adults.
Stay Active and Explore
When temperatures drop and wintry conditions set in, it can be easy to become less active. Depending on the destination, traveling can help seniors stay active while experiencing new cultures, landmarks and activities.
Winter travel can also provide an opportunity to enjoy destinations with warmer, sunnier weather—something that can be a welcome change during the darker months and may contribute to a greater sense of well-being.
Where to Go?
Warm-climate getaways are abundant.
High on the lists of many travel operators are destinations such as Costa Rica, Greece, Portugal and Spain, in part because some areas may offer relatively affordable travel options.
Closer to home, several southern-tier states offer a desirable mix of sunshine and warm temperatures, including Florida and Arizona, as well as parts of California such as San Diego and Palm Springs.
Of course, the best destination depends on what you’re looking for, how long you plan to stay and how much you want to spend.
Going Solo or With Others?
Another consideration is who will be traveling with you.
Will it be a solo adventure, a trip with a group of friends or a getaway for two?
There are plenty of travel organizations that cater specifically to women traveling solo, including Women Traveling Together, Sisterhood Travels and Women Travel Tribe. Silversea Cruises also offers options designed for solo travelers, including both men and women.
For some travelers, joining an organized group can provide the opportunity to meet new people while taking some of the planning and logistics off their shoulders. Others may prefer the flexibility of traveling independently.
Don’t Forget the Health Considerations
Before heading off on a winter escape, there are several health-related issues to consider:
- Talk with your doctor before traveling. A pre-trip checkup can be especially helpful if you have ongoing health concerns or are planning a more demanding trip.
- Check your health insurance. If you’re traveling outside the United States, find out what your current insurance does and does not cover. Original Medicare generally does not cover health care outside the U.S., although there are limited exceptions. Travel medical insurance may be worth considering, depending on your destination and circumstances.
- Check the CDC’s travel information. Before traveling abroad, look for current information about health risks, recommended vaccines and other precautions for your destination.
- Bring enough medication. Pack enough prescription medication to cover your entire trip, plus some extra in case of travel delays. Keep medications in their original labeled containers. This can make airport security and customs procedures easier and can also be helpful if you need to replace a prescription while traveling.
- Keep moving on long trips. Sitting for extended periods can increase the risk of blood clots. Simple measures such as wearing compression socks, flexing your ankles and doing calf pumps can help keep your legs moving. When possible, get up and walk around during long flights or car trips.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout your travels, particularly during long flights or when spending time in warm climates.
Thinking About a Longer Stay?
Long-term stays involve all of the considerations above—and then some.
If you’re planning to spend several weeks or even months away, you’ll want to think about accommodations, transportation, access to medical care, prescriptions, finances, communication, travel documents and what you’ll do with your home and pets while you’re gone.
The good news is that there are plenty of options.
Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from a snowstorm, a week in the sunshine or an extended stay somewhere warm, a little advance planning can make the experience much more enjoyable.
So, when the next winter storm is headed your way, you don’t necessarily have to ask, “How am I going to get through this?”
You might instead ask, “Where would I rather be?”
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
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