Current Situation in Syria

Syria has experienced extreme violence, displacement and humanitarian crises since the start of civil war in 2011. Despite progress, conflict persists in many regions and the security situation can become volatile at any time. The U.S. Department of State and many other international agencies still recommend against all travel to Syria because of the risk for terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. Therefore, it may be not advisable to travel to Syria let alone the old people.

Safety Concerns

1. Active Conflict Areas: Parts of Syria, especially in the north and east, remain active conflict sites. These are extremely unsafe areas to travel to and places considered relatively safe can have an outburst of violence at any moment.

2. Health Infrastructure: The healthcare system of Syria has already been too massively damaged by the ongoing conflict. One of the bigger risks to elderly travelers is that they need medical care but it may be limited.

3. Travel Woes: The most important part of traveling within Syria is the need to get through some very broken transportation infrastructure. Travel may be significantly delayed due to bad roads, checkpoints and attacks.

Tips for Travel in an Elderly Person

1. Physical Condition and Mobility: The elderly often have health conditions, mobility limitations. For them, the entrenched hardships of Syria — the lack of medical availability and rough land — might represent a considerable danger to their well-being.

2. Storm preparation: Storm preparation, where if someone traveling needs to suddenly evacuate or another medical use. Model will be plastic. These can often be complex environments given limited or non-existing communications and transportation options.

3. Travel Insurance: Fully cover travel insurance covering health-related issues, trip cancellations and evacuations. Most insurers, however, may not cover travel to high-risk areas such as Syria.

Travel Recommendations

1. Reference Travel Advisories: Periodically monitor travel advisories from reliable sources, such as governmental websites and other international entities, regarding the security climate.

2. Travel Only If Absolutely Necessary: Should entering Syria become unavoidable, such travel must be planned in detail. This entails ensuring safe housing, transportation and access to health services.

3. Travel with The Professionals: Only consider travelling with a good tour operator, who knows how to properly operate in Syria. They can really help you and guide you.

4. Keep the Plans Fluid: Adjustments are needed on a short notice when security related situation develops. When traveling in uncertain times and places, flexibility is key.

Despite its long historical and cultural heritage, travelling there today is extremely dangerous, particularly for older people. With all the wars this country is dealing with, the complications at their health care system and also difficulties in travelling around, you might need to choose other locations where you can have almost these experiences but less danger of life. The health and safety of senior travelers can never be compromised, they should always come first in any travel plan.