You always said you would take a trip overseas when the opportunity presented itself. Lo and behold, it has finally happened. But now that the time is right, you’re not so sure you’re ready. You’re getting up into your years. Relax. With some planning and precaution, you can go on the trip of a lifetime and have fun.

The key to any trip is to start your planning early. Apply for a passport early if you don’t have one. Look for a tour company that specializes in tours for seniors. Once you know your destination, find out where the medical facilities are. Read up on the history, people, language, climate and culture of the places you will be visiting. The State Department publishes Consular Information Sheets on every country in the world. These sheets contain information on health conditions, crime and security conditions, drug penalties, unusual currency, entry regulations and unstable areas. They also issue travel warnings.

Make arrangements in advance if you need a wheelchair or have a guide or any special seating needs. Check with Medicare to see if the country you are visiting has a reciprocal health care agreement (this means you will have access to emergency care). You will also be eligible for non-emergency health care if delaying medical attention until you return home is not a possibility.

Discuss your travel plans with your doctor, especially if you have a history of medical problems. Find out what could happen with changes in your diet and eating habits and ask about staggering your medication to fit the different time zones if you have diabetes. Make sure you have all of the necessary vaccinations. Visit all other pertinent health care providers like your dentist or optometrist before you go.

Take enough medication to last the whole trip and keep it in its original containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining why you need them. It is also a good idea to get a letter from your doctor if you are planning on carrying a large amount of over-the-counter medication. If you have a serious enough condition, you may want to wear a medical alert bracelet. If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair with you. Pack them and your medication in your carryon and your backup medications and another pair of glasses in your checked luggage.

Before you leave, review your health insurance policy. If you are not covered for care abroad, get a policy that will cover you. Check with your travel agent for short term-policies designed specifically to cover traveling. Medicare doesn’t allow for payment of hospital or medical services outside the United States, but there are some supplemental reimbursement plans that offer no-cost foreign medical care coverage for eligible Medicare treatments. You pay the bills, keep the receipts and then submit them for reimbursement.

While flying long distances, be aware that you could experience deep vein thrombosis, the development of blood clots in the leg veins. To prevent this, wear loose clothing and elastic stockings, avoid drinking and smoking, drink plenty of water, sit with your legs uncrossed, walk in the aisles when possible and do leg and foot exercises.

Be prepared for jet lag, and upon arrival at your destination, take it easy for a couple of days. If you have high blood pressure, respiratory problems, anemia or heart problems, pay particular attention to high altitudes and air pollution. If you tire easily, experience a shortness of breath or become dizzy, you could be having a reaction to the high altitude. Allow yourself time to get used to the altitude before engaging in any strenuous activity.

While on your trip, eat light and don’t drink excessively. Drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for at least 20 minutes. Ice cubes may not be made from purified water, so avoid them. Stay away from food buffets and street vendors. If you get a severe case of diarrhea that lasts for several days, consult a doctor.

Older individuals are often considered easy targets for crime. Stay safe by leaving your valuables at home, including expensive jewelry, and getting the contact details of the nearest U.S. embassy. If you are in a country that doesn’t have a U.S. embassy, find out which country’s embassy will be available to help you.

While on your trip, travel during the daytime and carry your belongings securely. Tuck a purse under your arm; don’t let it dangle by the strap. Carry your money in a money belt or pouch and your passport someplace else. Stash your passport numbers in a different location in case your passport gets lost or is stolen. If your passport does get stolen, report it immediately to the local police, get a copy of the report and contact the nearest U.S. embassy for a new one.

In the event of serious injury while abroad, the U.S. consulate will help you find a doctor or other medical services. They will also contact your family and help you with a money transfer to pay for treatment. In the event of your death overseas, the consulate will contact your relatives in the United States and inform them of the requirements for shipping your body. The government will not pay for your remains to be shipped home.

Preparing for a trip overseas sounds like a lot of work. While that may be true, you have worked all your life and deserve to go on that trip of a lifetime. Get that suitcase packed and prepare to board that plane.