No one wants to travel when they are sick. However, many times people who are too sick to travel still do so, anyway. That’s because they feel they must travel for any number of reasons, including an important business meeting or a rare family get-together in an exotic location.
But when should you simply admit to yourself that you are too sick to travel? It’s important to know the illnesses and symptoms that should keep you from getting on a plane. A stuffy nose is one thing. But the following are ways your body is letting you know that now is not the time for you to fly.
A Fever
A fever of more than 100 degrees is a sign that you likely have something contagious. You don’t want to expose fellow passengers to your illness. Also, a fever may worsen with the stress of travel. This is one of the primary ways your body lets you know that flying is not a good idea.
Chest Pain
As Dr. Cedrek McFadden told Orbitz, chest pain is a sign of heart trouble, and heart trouble takes precedence over travel. Chest pain means you need to get your heart checked out immediately. McFadden said, “If a person is feeling pressure or a squeezing sensation in the chest, they could be exhibiting a sign they are not well enough to fly.” It could be a sign the heart is not getting enough blood flow.
Nausea
Nausea plus flying is not a good combination. Much like food poisoning makes you violently ill, flying can do the same thing with a case of nausea. At the very least, this can make the flying experience extremely unpleasant. This is a situation where you must really evaluate how you feel, as slight queasiness can be brought on over nervousness about flying. But true nausea is worse than that.
Trouble Breathing
Like chest pain, this is a sign that you need to
see a doctor rather than get on a plane. Difficulty breathing can be caused by
many different things, but it’s important to consult with a physician and find
out which one of those things is impacting you. Getting on a plane with
respiratory problems can only make the situation worse, as the decrease in
oxygen will only worsen your situation.
Sinus Infection
There’s pain. Then, there’s the pain that high altitudes can cause for someone with clogged sinuses who is traveling at 30,000 feet. The high altitude increases pressure on the sinuses, which in turn will cause pain for you. If you can clear your sinuses before getting onboard, you should be all right. But just be aware that changes in cabin pressure can cause severe pain and even damage to your eardrum if you have an infection. This is definitely an area where you might be too sick to travel.
Medical Escort
If you do not match the above but still are not feeling your best, it’s not a bad idea to travel with a medical escort. They can see to all your medical needs and be on hand if your situation worsens while you travel.
Keep these issues in mind as you consider whether you are too sick to travel. No one likes to bail on a planned trip. But sometimes, your body is trying to let you know that this time, cancellation is the best idea.
Medical travel insurance covers the policyholder for any medical costs incurred while traveling abroad. Many people need it because they want to have the comfort of knowing they are covered in case of an emergency, and because many insurance companies do not cover international travel.
Medical travel insurance sometimes is sold under the names international travel insurance, international medical insurance or worldwide travel insurance.
What Does Medical
Travel Insurance Cover?
There are insurance policies available that
cover all kinds of “what ifs” involving travel. Those include having to cancel
the trip because of illness and severe weather. Insurance also can cover the
cost of lost luggage. Most of that falls under the term “trip insurance.”
However, medical travel insurance is not trip insurance. It focuses on any costs on the trip from medical care. Those costs can include the following.
Having to get emergency medical evacuation from a remote area and transport to a medical facility
Costs for transporting your body back home in the event of death
An Inexpensive
Alternative
Medical travel insurance provides a less expensive alternative to trip insurance, according to Travel Insurance Review. Medical travel insurance policies are priced based on your age, the length of your trip and the amount of coverage.
That can add up to as little as a few dollars a
day, according to Travel Insurance Review. Because trip insurance policies are
based on the cost of the trip, they can cost hundreds of dollars more.
Also, medical travel insurance has some of the same benefits of trip insurance. Many policies will cover costs associated with trip interruption, trip delays or lost luggage.
How to Shop for
Medical Travel Insurance
When looking for the best medical travel insurance policies, it’s important to consider some of the key issues, in addition to cost.
For example, you want to make sure that the policy covers the costs that your medical insurance at home covers. That way, you are not stuck paying for basic medical tests if you feel ill. To be on the safe side and make sure that a hospital stay is covered, look for a minimum of $50,000 in coverage.
You also want adequate medical transportation
costs covered. That typically means about $250,000 in coverage.
Further, you want a company that provides around the clock customer service. That way they can help you file a claim, find a doctor or arrange medical transport no matter what time zone you happen to be traveling in. Medical travel insurance provides a needed safety net for those who plan to travel out of the country. It’s important to know what it can do for you, and how it differs from trip insurance. Read the fine print and ensure that it’s the right policy for you.
Considerations for Seniors
For senior travelers, choosing the right medical travel insurance requires special consideration. As you age, travel insurance needs can change, often necessitating more comprehensive coverage. Here are a few essential points to consider:
Pre-existing Conditions: Ensure your policy covers any pre-existing medical conditions to avoid complications during your travels.
Emergency Assistance: Prioritize policies offering robust emergency services and medical evacuation, especially important for older travelers.
Policy Terms for Seniors: Be aware of age-related terms and restrictions. Some policies may have different conditions for travelers above a certain age.
Choosing the right policy means balancing coverage needs with policy terms. It’s essential to read the fine print and seek expert advice if needed. For more in-depth guidance tailored to senior travelers, explore our detailed article on Senior Travel Insurance. This resource provides valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of travel insurance for seniors.
Those looking for accessible resorts have many options to choose from. With the help of NEMT services like Flying Angels, injured travelers can easily reach these destinations in comfort. 8 popular accessible resort destinations include Club Med, Walt Disney World, Beaches Turks and Caicos, by Sandals, Atlantis – Paradise Island Bahamas, Little Mountain Valley Resort, Resort at Squaw Peak, The Palazzo at the Venetian Resort and Turtle Bay Resort.
Popular Accessible Resorts
The following eight accessible resort ideas will give you a starting point when searching for a place to go on summer vacation. You may even find what you need among these eight places.
Looking for
Accessible Hotels
Hotels in the United States are accessible by
law to those with physical limitations. That may not be the case if you travel
outside the country. Most hotels and resorts accommodate those with mobility
limitations or injuries, but whatever the case, make sure to research hotels
with all the services you need, as well as a location that best fits your
plans.
Walt Disney World
Every Disney hotel has accommodations for those who have limited mobility or special needs. In addition to accessible hotels, rooms, and bathrooms, Disney also makes much of its park accessible to those with limited mobility. These include wheelchairs available for rent, accommodations for service animals, assistive listening devices, and digital audio tours.
Atlantis – Paradise
Island Bahamas
This resort near Nassau in The Bahamas offers accessible lodging for those with limited mobility. The resort also has an online guide of its services for the disabled. The resort includes multiple beaches, dolphin encounters, water slides, a casino, great restaurants, and snorkeling excursions, among many other offerings.
Club Med
Club Med’s all-inclusive locations in the Caribbean include accommodations such as rooms and bathrooms designed for those with impaired mobility or special needs. Other accommodations included wider clearance doorways, bathroom rails, bathroom benches, and lighted light switches and faucets.
Beaches Turks and
Caicos Resort
This family resort is one of the best to go to if you want a taste of the all-inclusive experience in an exotic location. The resort also includes wheelchair ramps and lifts scattered throughout the resort, allowing for accessibility, as well as wheelchair accessibility to the beach. Two of the resorts Caribbean Premium rooms are designed specifically for those with limited mobility.
Little Valley
Mountain Resort
If you are thinking of the mountains rather the beach, than the Little Mountain Valley Resort in Tennessee could be a great choice for an accessible resort. The resort offers you the chance to rent a cabin in Pigeon Forge, which is near the Smoky Mountain National Park. These include wheelchair accessible cabins that feature ramped entrances, open floor plans and master suites on the first floor.
Resort at Squaw
Peak
Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful areas in the western United States. The Resort at Squaw Creek by Lake Tahoe in the mountains of northern California is considered one of the most accessible resorts in the world. It features an accessible fitness center, wheelchair height peepholes, and audio/visual smoke detectors They have a Disabled Access Ambassador on staff who handles all the needs for disabled guests.
The Palazzo at the
Venetian Resort
Thinking of going to Las Vegas? The Palazzo at the Venetian Resort offers 66 wheelchair accessible rooms. It also has easy access for those with limited mobility to shopping and dining. And there’s a lot of that available – the resort has about 35 restaurants alone.
Turtle Bay Resort
If you are traveling to Hawaii, then the Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore of the island of O’ahu is worth considering if you need a place that accommodates those with limited mobility. The resort offers 11 standard accessible rooms and four suites that are accessible. All the resorts pools and hot tubs have lifts. These are some of the top accessible resorts that can hopefully help you decide where to have fun while injured. No matter which destination you choose, relax and focus on getting back to optimal health!
Both medical transport and emergency transport involve getting people from one location to another. Emergency transport typically is used to get a patient to a hospital quickly. Medical transport involves moving someone who needs or wants medical care during the journey.
The main difference is the situation. Those in emergency transport need to arrive at a treatment facility as fast as possible. Those who get medical transport are not usually in a hurry. They may even be on vacation. But they have medical personnel with them to ensure their medical needs are taken care of during the trip.
Reasons for
Emergency Transport
If you ever are in a situation where you must
dial 9-1-1, the people who arrive work in emergency transport. Typically, they
use an ambulance or helicopter. What is sent depends on your medical condition
or injury. Emergency personnel will send whatever vehicle they think has the best
chance of keeping you alive until you reach the hospital.
The staff involved with emergency transport includes emergency medical technicians (EMT) and paramedics who can assess your condition and perform the necessary medical procedures to keep you stable until you reach the hospital.
They are experts at first-aid treatment and life
support care. They report what they have seen to doctors and nurses at the
hospital once they arrive.
Reasons for Medical
Transport
Many who are interested in medical transport may not know that the nurses who travel with patients have training and experience in emergency medicine – at least, that is the case with Flying Angels.
Medical transport, sometimes called non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), can be used for many reasons. They typically involve air travel. Situations that could involve medical transport include:
Traveling to see a specialist in another city
Grandparents on a vacation to see loved ones
Elderly parents moving to a new home
Someone who has suffered an injury but who must travel
Someone with a chronic medical condition
Someone who has experienced a medical emergency in another country and is trying to get home
In any of those situations, people can hire a service that provides a flight nurse who will travel with them. The experienced nurse manages all the medical equipment needed to handle any situation, as well as manage the patient’s medication. They also have training on providing medical care at high altitudes.
Additionally, the company handles all the travel arrangements for clients and guides them through all the processes within the airport. Those are the primary differences between emergency transport and medical transport. Here’s hoping you never need either, but if you need the latter, you at least know that help is there when you need it.
Deciding on a retirement relocation is a decision that almost everyone faces. Making the right choice is not as difficult as it might seem, if you keep factors such as health services, money, climate, the social network, the size of the community and the distance from your family in mind.
With life spans increasing and retirement lasting longer, the decision is one of the biggest in a person’s life. You might spend a third of your life in your retirement relocation spot! That’s why it’s worth taking the time to plan out your retirement move – it’s better to start early rather than late.
All the below factors are important when choosing a spot to make a retirement relocation. However, we start with the most important one.
Health Services
If you have limited mobility, you want to make sure where you live gives you access to the medical services you require. This includes access to doctors, specialists and other medical professionals, as well as medical transportation services when needed. This should clearly be the top factor in choosing a place – nothing can be considered if it doesn’t meet this first criteria.
Financial
Considerations
Is it affordable? With people living longer than ever, retirement can last far longer than you might have first expected, and certainly much longer than it did for previous generations. That means you want to plan for the long-term and ensure you have the financial resources to afford the spot you are considering. When choosing a retirement relocation destination, it’s also important to have downsized your life to a level where it makes sense for what you need going forward, not all the stuff you had in the past.
Climate
This once reigned as the chief concern for those choosing a retirement spot. And while money more likely now takes prominence, climate and temperature still play a key role in making a retirement relocation choice. That’s why Florida, Arizona and parts of The South (such as South Carolina) are still popular choices.
Social Network
There’s a reason why a place such as South
Florida is known as “NYC South.” Many New Yorkers vacation and retire in the
Miami area or other parts of South Florida. That creates a social network of
people who they can relate to and feel comfortable with. However, someone
moving from, say, Chicago to South Carolina might find the social differences
too large to overcome. Keep this is in mind when making your location choice.
Size Matters
When it comes to the medical services and other
human services you will want, it’s best to consider places with at least 10,000
people – probably more. While it might seem attractive to live far out in the
country, it’s likely a better choice to find a spot with a bit more population
and the services that come with it.
Family
Family plays an important role in deciding where
to retire. For most people, being close to children and grandchildren – as well
as extended family such as brother, sisters, aunts and uncles – is a big reason
why they pick a place to settle down. Don’t make it hard on yourself by moving
too far away from the people who make you the happiest.
There are some of the key consideration to keep
in mind when choosing a retirement relocation. By weighing these factors, it
will help you determine what location is the best fit for you and your future.
Air travel is meant to be fun. It’s supposed to expand your horizons and introduce you to new cultures. But for some people, planning and going on a trip becomes more like an extension of everyday life – a bit of a chore.
You don’t want that! Read some of the tips below
that can help you have a more relaxed, rewarding trip. Travel has so much to
offer that you don’t want the little things keeping you from seeing (and
enjoying) the Big Picture.
Travel Light
The fewer items you bring, the fewer hassles you
have. It’s just that simple. Learn to pack less for your trips. Take only the
minimum. You’ll save yourself on baggage fees, have less to check in and less
to lug around.
Pick the Right
Security Line
People who complain about getting stuck behind
families with a lot of kids in the security line should really blame
themselves. In that moment when you can scan the security lines before
committing to one, look for the line that has the most people in business attire
(they know what they are doing) and the fewest kids (they have no idea what
they are doing).
Bring a Book
Don’t want to talk to people on the plane? Then,
bring a book. Nothing says “I don’t wish to be bothered” quite as well as a
good book on your lap. Also, if you’re a reader, the airport and the plane
offer a great chance to catch up on reading.
Pick the Right Seat
This is so important that we devoted an entire article to
it. Choosing the right seat for air travel involves having a plan for what
works best for you and then following it through. In every scenario, you want
to avoid young kids, talkative large groups and those who are most likely to
get up and use the bathroom repeatedly (studies show that women do this more
often than men).
Bring a Hoodie
Hoodies have become the versatile air travel
apparel of choice for the veteran. A hoodie can protect your head from a sudden
rain shower. You can use the hoodie as a pillow on the plane. You can draw the
hoodie closed to get some privacy for a nap. And so on. Find your favorite
hoodie and bring it along.
Pause Before
Leaving
Smart people – especially those in large groups
or with a family – know to always “take a pause” before leaving anywhere. This
includes an airport lounge, hotel room, show venue, restaurants and anywhere
else that you sat, stood and hung out in for more than just a few minutes.
During that pause, look around to make sure you have everything with you. Leaving
something behind (phone, headphones, money, articles of clothing) is still the
issue that plagues people the most on trips.
Manage Your Money
Your best bet for foreign travel is to get a card from a U.S. bank that doesn’t charge you for making purchases out of the country. You can pass on using traveler’s checks, they are not needed anymore in most places. Also, because ATM machines are now in most places, you don’t need to carry a lot of cash with you, either.
Insurance and
Professional Support
If you want to have security when travelling, buy travel insurance. This is especially important if you are traveling overseas – make sure to purchase a medical travel insurance policy. And if you have a medical condition or an injury, consider hiring a professional transport company to help arrange your trip and take care of all your medical needs.
Don’t Over Plan
You don’t need to know what you are doing for
every single moment of every single day. Build in some open time so you can
explore whatever catches your eye or whatever interesting place a local tells
you about. Travel is meant to expand your knowledge and give you new
experiences. Not everything can, or should, be planned.
Don’t Delay
If there is someplace you have always wanted to go or a site you’ve always wanted to see, then start planning to make that trip today. You may need time to save money, but the sooner you start to save, the sooner you can go. If you put off the trip longer, you run the risk of never going. Life tends to get in the way. These are some air travel tips to keep in mind. Travel is still one of the best ways to understand the world and meet interesting people. Take the time to do it right and relax. Travel is meant to be a fun adventure, not an over-planned chore!
Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Keeping well-hydrated and nourished during your flight is essential for maintaining energy and good health. Avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate you, and opt for water or juice instead. Pack healthy snacks like nuts or fruit that can tide you over until you reach your destination. Eating light and staying hydrated will help you arrive feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy your trip.
Prepare for Time Zone Changes
If you’re traveling across time zones, prepare for the shift by adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before departure. Try to get some rest on the plane if it’s a long flight, and once you arrive, adapt to the local schedule immediately for a quicker adjustment. This can help minimize jet lag and make your transition smoother, allowing you to make the most of your travels from the moment you land.
Embrace the Journey
Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Approach your travel with a spirit of adventure and flexibility. By following these tips, you’re not just well-prepared, but also more likely to enjoy every moment of your experience. So go ahead, book that flight, and embark on a journey that promises not just new sights but new perspectives. Safe travels and boundless discoveries await you!
