Statistics are proving that age 70 really is the new 50. According to the U.S. Travel Association, mature travelers ages 65 or older represented 21 percent of all leisure travelers in 2010. From taking a trip with their grandchildren across country, to living out dreams in far, exotic destinations, today’s seniors are choosing to enjoy their golden years traveling.

Staying safe and being prepared when traveling is more important than ever for this age group. Here are some special considerations for senior travelers looking for a hassle-free travel experience.

Pack carefully
When packing for a trip, it’s important to be prepared. Some packing essentials include a comfortable pair of shoes, a hat and sunglasses to protect the face, clothing that you can wear in layers and any necessary personal items. Multi-purpose items, such as a scarf, which can also be used as a makeshift beach blanket, are always smart to pack and limit the weight of your suitcase. If you are taking an extended vacation, inquire about laundry options close to where you’ll be staying.

Visit your doctor
As a senior, your health is very important and no one ever wants to get sick or injured on vacation. Schedule a checkup with your doctor before any major trip to discuss the activities you plan to do, and get written prescriptions for any medications you may need. Keep your prescriptions in their original containers so that they can be identified properly. If you plan to travel out of the country, contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for required immunizations.

Get protection
Whether traveling 50 miles or 5,000, prepare for the unexpected by purchasing a membership from a travel and medical assistance company like On Call International before you leave. Senior travelers ages 77 to 85 can purchase a special Mature Membership, which includes services like emergency medical transportation to the hospital of their choice, transportation home, worldwide physician referrals, a 24-hour nurse helpline and emergency travel assistance. The membership also includes pre-travel destination and health information, lost-luggage assistance, worldwide legal assistance and even covers the cost of transporting grandchildren or a traveling companion home if you need to stay in the hospital.

Plan carefully
When planning your trip, stay organized and compile any contact information and travel reservations to keep in a folder to ensure you don’t have any problems. You might also include emergency numbers and family contact information in this folder as well. Whether driving or flying, it’s smart to gather maps ahead of time so you don’t get lost. If you are traveling out of the country, make sure your passport is up to date several months ahead of time as getting a new passport takes time to process.

With a little planning, seniors can travel without worry and enjoy the best of their golden years exploring the world. For more information about safe travel and medical assistance memberships, visit www.oncallinternational.com.