10 Savvy Travel Tips for the Young-at-Heart Explorer

When Peta turned 65, she didn’t buy slippers – she booked a flight. With her meds, medical history, and power bank packed, she breezed through check-in. A Bluu car rental got her on the road, and YEI discounts kept her purse happy. At CapeNature, she toasted the sunset. Adventure doesn’t retire! Peta just proved it’s alive and well at any age.

As you’ve just read, adventure has no age limit? Whether you’re ticking off those bucket-list dreams or looking for a relaxing getaway, your 55+ years are the perfect time to explore South Africa, or even the world, on your own terms. Did you know that in YEI’s recent surveys, 84% of respondents have indicated that they plan travelling locally, and 54% are planning international travel!

With so many travellers in our midst, let’s look at the best travel tips tailored for those who are young at heart and ready to roam. And as a bonus, YEI Hub members check in at the bottom of this article with their unique travel hacks!

Travel discounts
Don’t let the costs of accommodation and travel related expenses put a dampener on your holiday. Make sure you check out where Pensioners can get discounts or deals and contact them in advance to see how you can shave these costs. There are so many great discounts, offers and benefits and these are easily sourced in the new Youve Earned It Directory.

Free entry and whopping great pensioner discounts
SANParks Free Week 2025 runs from September 22 to 26, 2025, with some parks extending to the weekend, offering free day entry to most national parks for South African citizens who present a valid ID. “Free”! What a pleasure! Thank you SANParks!
Nature reserves, such as CapeNature, for example, offers Seniors a whopping 30% discount on their accommodation. You are spoilt for choice for accommodation located in nature and in the wild in the YEI Directory

Checking in for your flight online
By checking-in online when you fly (some airlines allow you to do this up to 24 hours ahead of your flight), you are cutting out a huge chunk of time and stress. You will then be able to either print out your boarding pass in advance, or keep it on your phone, meaning you can skip the airport ticket counter lines.

Mobility assistance is a great convenience
A little bit of advance research is super beneficial. If you are mobility impaired or wheelchair-bound, it is really important to do some advance research. If you need assistance to help with movement around the airport, then you need to advise airport officials in advance. It reduces stress, and is very comfortable and speedy, does not cost and is an underutilised travel service.

Why take a medical history?
Bringing your medical history when travelling is vital, especially for seniors. It helps doctors treat you quickly and safely in emergencies, prevents medication errors, and ensures proper care if you’re unable to speak. It also saves time and avoids confusion about your conditions, allergies, or prescriptions, especially abroad, where records may not be accessible. Always carry a printed or digital copy.

The all-important prescription medication
Taking enough prescription medication ensures you maintain your health while travelling, especially if delays occur or refills are unavailable. It prevents missed doses, which can lead to serious complications. Always carry extra in your hand luggage, along with a list of your medications and a copy of your prescriptions, just in case. Don’t forget hand sanitizer and a first aid kit.

Be Paper and Tech Ready
Make copies of your passport, tickets, and ID. Best to keep digital versions stored securely online, and carry a power bank and charger.

Road trip vs car rental
You might think driving your own car is cheaper for a road trip, but remember the bad state of some of this country’s roads. Do your sums and factor in insurance, tyres, and maintenance. Mmm, maybe renting could be more cost-effective. It’s definitely worth the exercise to compare costs. Check out what a rental company such as Bluu Car Rental are offering 60-plussers. You may get a surprise at the cost, the value and convenience!

Tennis balls? Travel?
Pop one in your carry-on. It’s lightweight, non-electric, and a fantastic in-flight remedy for muscle tension, especially in the lower back and shoulders. Check out YEI’s mini guide on why tennis balls are a great hack for the 55plus jetsetter!

Bye-Bye, ‘Did I Leave the Iron On?
It might sound a little odd, but trust me, this works! Taking a picture of your stove before you leave on holiday could be the secret to holiday peace of mind! Yes, really! According to the ever-practical minds at Lifehacker, a very clever way to stop over-thinking “Did I leave that on?” is to create your very own digital album on your phone. Think of this as a personal anxiety antidote – a pic of the stove with knobs in the off position, an unplugged iron, the garage door closed and locked, all of those little concerns that your brain likes to worry you with. If that worry creeps in, just pull out your phone, go through your digital album and breathe a sign of relief. And then go back to sipping your gin and tonic in the airport lounge and relax into vacation mode!

And to finish off, let’s hear what YEI Hub members have to say about travel hacks –

Terry: My biggest hack is around travelling light once you’ve packed what you need take 2/3 of it out. If you are really desperate, you can buy something. But lagging a heavy case around with stuff you don’t use just spoils your break. And yes, you can re-wear clothing. Pack smart so everything mixes and matches. Save your back and shoulders from lagging heavy cases around.

Alison agrees with Terry:  Put it all out, then put a whole lot back in the cupboard and repeat!

Terry:  Have a scanned copy of all your documents: passport, visas, insurance, flights, hotels, transport stored on the cloud. You can download from any device in case is an emergency.

Always take a business card of the establishment you are staying at – in case you are lost, can’t pronounce the name properly, get separated from your party. Makes it much easier getting back to ‘home’.

Cindy:  a small container of washing powder to be able to wash & re-wear

Kirsty:  I use packing cubes for my stuff. So easy when you get to your destination.  To elaborate on “packing cubes”, they are soft “cases” in different sizes, so you can pack all your dresses together, your t-shirts together etc.  It ensures everything isn’t all mixed up and you can easily find what you’re looking for when you reach your destination.

Vivienne:  Wear a hoody on long overnight flights. Blocks out everything and keeps your head warm!

Angelika:  Don’t travel to complain. Travel to experienc

Marilyn:  Hydrate! Take an empty water bottle, which you can fill once you’ve cleared border controls.

Pieter:  Buy an e-sim for connectivity.
Kirsty agrees:  Try Airalo and Saily!

Brigitte:  I find travelling with a partner so much more comfortable and less stressful. Also try to not to consume alcohol and sweet drinks. Makes you too thirsty.  If traveling by car, take breaks every 200 Km or if you see a ‘padstal’ stop and explore.

Wendy:  I don’t pack things “just in case” or “that would be nice to have” . Hats, umbrellas or hairdryers are just bulk and not needed. A jacket with a hood will suffice. Hotels or Guest Houses supply hairdryers, towels and toiletries. You don’t need to pack “eats” for on the plane or when you are there. You won’t starve.

Colleen:  I roll everything up in the suitcase, takes less space.

Justine:  All I know is that if you go to Bali or Thailand, pack lightly. You do not need those jeans or jerseys ‘in case’. You will wear a sarong and bathing costume 100% of the time. Enjoy breakfasts included in price , and make sure you take fruit, croissant to have for your lunch. Pack wet wipes (not really environmentally friendly) but necessary when traveling .  Oh and have half a sleeping tablet on long flights!

 

A YEI article