The last thing you need on your winter trip is getting sick. But, hey, you have to admit it. You're no longer as as young as you once were, and just leaving the house can be hazardous to a senior’s health. Therefore, traveling far away multiplies those dangers, especially travel during the winter months. Here are some trip tips for making your next going-away venture healthier and safer.

1. Before you plan a trip, consult with members of your family, online government travel updates and news sources. Investigate the destination, travel methods, potential winter weather problems, accommodations and everything else. If there’s a good travel agent you trust, either neighborhood or online, that resource could be very valuable.

2. Book a physical check-up with your family doctor. Get his/her assurance that you're fit enough for the normal requirements of the journey, and that you can handle any unexpected rigors you'll face while away from home. Prepare a list of prescriptions, if you’ll be away for awhile, and get signed refill forms from your doctor. Carry a copy on your person and an extra copy in your suitcase.

3. If you must take daily medications, be certain there’s an adequate supply with you to cover each day you expect to be away from home. Then pack at least an extra week's supply in case your return home is delayed.

4. If you have problems because of age or physical disability, get a note from your doctor to show to airport, bus, cruise and other travel authorities. A doctor's note can get you priority status with airport security and permit early boarding. For some airlines, such as Southwest, where seats are not assigned, your note will get you "pre-boarded". That means you can comfortably choose your seat before the regular rush of passengers.

5. If you take a carry-on, when you're getting seated and it’s difficult for you to lift the bag into the high overhead compartment, ask a crew member to help. When the aircraft lands, to prevent injury to you and nearby passengers, get help again to take it down.

6. Another suggestion for seniors is to be moderate with all food and liquid intake. Throughout your journey, whether aboard a cruise ship, waiting in the airport, in a luxury hotel, at a foot-stompin' barbecue or buffet, first select just small amounts of healthful food and enjoy it. Modest seconds are OK, too. Don’t be tempted to overeat just because you’re away from your usual home routine. Your stomach may make you pay too high a price.

7. Be careful about buying food or drinks from outside street vendors, even in areas where quality control and sanitation are good. If you indulge, you may luck out with no negative effects. But it just isn't worth the chance of spending the rest of your trip with an upset stomach or, worse, in a strange hospital. Always drink bottled water, but only what you get from your hotel or cruise ship. No matter what the fancy label, bottled water you buy from a street vendor could be from a local tap, and in some countries, potentially dangerous.

8. Regular exercise is essential for a traveling senior. It keeps you in good physical condition and mentally alert. If you feel fit enough, and while on a cruise or using hotel pools, be sure to do at least 15 minutes of walking and/or swimming every day. When in a city, instead of taking a bus or taxi, short strolls can make your sightseeing more leisurely and enjoyable. When walking, be keenly aware of traffic conditions on city streets and other busy and potentially dangerous areas.

9. As a senior traveler in a strange land, wearing touristy clothing, gabbing aloud in your language, showing obvious physical limitations and exposing a snooty attitude toward native people may instantly label you as a prime target for thieves. Never travel alone, even in daylight, always with at least another person, and preferably with a tour group.

10. In all travel situations, keep your wallet securely in an inside buttoned pocket. If you carry a purse, hold it strapped tightly under your armpit. Street criminals often use children or elderly women as decoy beggers to induce tourists to open wallets and purses. At that moment, strong arm partners strike, and they’re all away in a flash. If you want to give to street people or buy inexpensive items from them, dole out coins you’ve stashed in a separate supply of an open pocket or small bag.

If you obey the simple, effective rules for personal safety and good health while traveling, your chances of enjoying your next journey will be much greater.