Traveling in Italy can be a wonderful experience for senior citizens, and it's important to prioritize safety while exploring a new country. Here are my top tips for senior citizens to stay safe while traveling in Italy:
Plan Ahead
There are a few things you can do ahead of your trip to Italy with safety in mind. Here are three areas to get you started:
1. Search your destination
Do some research on your point of destination(s) inside Italy before you go. Write down on a piece of paper you can store in your wallet or better yet, get your cell phone out and add the local emergency numbers, the location of the nearest hospitals or clinics, and any specific health and security risks in the area.
In case of emergencies, use the following numbers:
112 for the National emergency number
113 for the State Police
115 for the Fire Department
118 for a Medical Emergency
THE AMERICAN EMBASSY in ROME
Via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187 Rome
Tel. (+39) 06.46741
THE AMERICAN CONSULATE in FLORENCE
Lungarno Vespucci, 38 50123 Firenze
Tel. (+39) 055.266.951
THE AMERICAN CONSULATE in MILAN
Via Principe Amedeo 2/10 20121 Milan
Tel. (+39) 02.290.351
THE AMERICAN CONSULATE in NAPLES
Piazza della Repubblica 80122 Napoli
Tel. (+39) 081.583.8111
2. Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential for senior citizens traveling abroad, who need coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen events. When purchasing travel insurance:
- Make sure the policy covers your specific needs, including pre-existing medical conditions.
- Keep a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers with you at all times. I take screenshots from my cell phone so they are always with me.
- Understand what is covered by your insurance and how to make a claim if needed.
TRAVEL TIP: If you want "Pre-existing Conditions" included or the Cancel for Any Reson insurance, you have to buy travel insurance within 10-14 days of making your initial payment for travel, i.e. deposit for a tour, booking your first hotel, etc.
3. Make your house look like you are home while you are away
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail and newspapers or put them on hold while you're away.
If you are traveling for several weeks ask someone to take your trash bin to the curb and back to the house on weekly trash pick-up days. You will be surprised at how thieves canvas a neighborhood looking for these telltale clues that someone is not home.
Use timers for lights or electronic devices in and outside your home to create the illusion that someone is home.
Consider informing a trusted neighborhood watch group (one that you have engaged with before) that you'll be away.
Stay Connected
Share with someone you trust your itinerary and how to reach you in an emergency. Consider carrying a mobile phone with you at all times. Even if you don't turn it on - keep it for emergencies.
TRAVEL TIP: Coordinate with your mobile phone carrier your international calling options before you leave the States. Make sure your phone is at least set up for emergency use abroad.
Don't Advertise You Are Not Home on Social Media
It's crucial to avoid broadcasting the fact that your home is unattended while you're away. As hard as it is, avoid posting about your travel photos on social media platforms where strangers can see them. Wait until you return home to post your favorite photos on social media.
Use Reliable Transportation
Opt for reputable transportation options like taxis, trains, or organized tours. Be cautious when using public transportation at night, and consider using only licensed taxi services. Most cities have taxi stands/queues. Look for these signs at night. And never get into a taxi that stops and solicits their services to you first.
Medication
If you take prescription medications, bring a good supply with you in their original containers. I always bring extra just in case there is a problem returning home on a previously scheduled flight.
Always pack your medications in your carry-on item. I had a client recently lose her checked luggage with important medication inside and the bag was lost for more than 48 hours.
Ask your doctor/s for a hard copy prescription (one from their prescription pad) to take with you. It's the only way you can get a prescription filled in Italy if needed.
It's also a good idea to carry a list of your medications and any allergies you have.
Remember that it's always a good idea to consult with your doctor before traveling, especially if you have any health concerns.
Watch Your Belongings
Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings at all times.
Keep Bling to a Minimum
Senior travelers should consider minimizing the amount of flashy jewelry or valuable items they wear while exploring a new destination. Expensive jewelry can attract unwanted attention and make you a target. I had a client whose daughter had a thief snatch a gold necklace right off her neck. Consider wearing minimal jewelry or opt for inconspicuous accessories to avoid drawing attention to yourself as a target.
Stay Hydrated
Traveling can be tiring, especially for seniors. Make sure to stay hydrated and listen to your body if you need to take a break.
TRAVEL TIP: For sustainability, pack a reusable water bottle that you can refill at local water fountains (they are everywhere in the cities like the one below in Rome) and in restaurants.
Balance Your Day to Include Rest
As a travel agent, I suggest half-day tours as much as possible so my clients have options to relax after their tours. I always try to include an easy day or a day of rest after a full-day tour or an experience longer than 4 or 5 hours.
Enjoying a coffee or a drink in a Piazza with your family can be an enjoyable time for rest.
If you are participating in a tour and need to rest, please notify your guide immediately. Local guides will do their best to have the entire group rest for a minute and/or call a friend who can assist you with joining up with the group after you rest.
By following these additional safety tips, seniors can enhance their travel experience and minimize potential risks while exploring new destinations.
Enjoy your trip to Italy, and stay safe!
The Way To Italy has been providing fee-based, custom travel planning for travelers to Italy for 23 years. I handcraft once-in-a-lifetime Italy experiences down to the last detail.