A Slow Procession Down Under: How Seniors Can Make the Most of Australia
- Sharon Wagner
- Dec 11, 2018
- 3 min read
Australia is home to some of the most beautiful scenery and most exotic wildlife on earth and, not surprisingly, is on the bucket list of people all over the world, both young and old. It’s a massive country and getting around, especially in the interior, can be challenging for tourists, but a well-planned and thoughtful approach to exploring Australia can make it a rewarding, safe and memorable experience.
Australia’s tourism industry has recognized that the growing senior tourism market is an important source of revenue and has arranged tourism experiences tailored to their needs and wishes, so taking things slowly is not only possible, but a customary way to travel around the continent. Today, seniors visiting Australia enjoy everything from whitewater rafting to coastal cruises and wildlife excursions.
Protect your belongings
Of course, it’s important to keep a close eye on your belongings during your vacation, but people sometimes forget to take care of their house and belongings while away. Some people ask neighbors to keep an eye on things, but it might be a better idea to hire a house sitter, someone who can take action if something goes wrong while you’re away. It’s a good way to preserve peace of mind while you’re having fun on the other side of the planet.
Safety first
Make copies of important travel documents and leave them with family members at home in case you lose track of the originals while on the road. Make sure your itinerary is well-known and that copies of it, with dates and destinations clearly outlined, have been left with someone back home. It’s also a good idea to make your bank and credit card companies aware of travel plans, including where and when you’ll be traveling. Use email, Instagram, texting or some other timely means of staying in touch with family back in home to let your children and grandchildren know all’s well and that you’re in good health.
If you take prescription medications, bring along an extra supply so you don’t run out, because it can be very difficult to replace or refill a prescription if you’re traveling abroad. Generic prescription names are often different in other countries, and the logistics of finding what you need is inefficient and can delay your travel itinerary.
Going it alone
Take advantage of senior discounts when booking accommodations and transportation, because certain modes of travel (air travel in particular) can be very expensive in Australia. Check into senior discount cards, which many Australian states issue and honor, and bring along any proof of membership in AARP or some other senior organization back home, which some establishments may honor. Australia’s National Seniors Organization is an excellent source of information about budget-conscious travel options throughout Australia.
Most visitors fly into the country through Sydney, so begin your travel itinerary there and make hotel reservations well in advance, because accommodations in the capital can be extremely expensive. Write an itinerary that makes sense based on your mobility and desire to take it slow. One route that’s especially popular with senior travelers in Australia is called the Great Ocean Road, a picturesque route between the cities of Warrnambool and Torquay in the state of Victoria. Take your time and enjoy the drive, because there are many wineries and opportunities to view wildlife.
Group travel
Australia’s tourism industry does a good job of catering to senior tour groups, a popular form of travel for many elderly adults who like having a network of friends and travel companions alongside. Tour groups also take care of details like accommodations, transportation and activities, and put together itineraries, ensuring you see the best that Australia has to offer. You can enjoy an extensive excursion to Fraser Island, take a train trip through the countryside, and a special trip through the outback. Contact Senior Holiday Travel, Odyssey and Audley, some of Australia’s most popular senior tour groups for more information.
If you’re fortunate enough to travel in Australia, do yourself a favor and take it slow. It’s an experience to be relished and remembered, and one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. The last thing you want is to rush it and risk missing something.
