I've traveled the world with my 83-year-old dad. Here are 4 things I wish I'd known about traveling with an older relative.

I've learned that traveling the world with my 83-year-old father comes with surprises and challenges.

Rachel Friem

My 83-year-old father, an avid traveler for decades, has visited over 80 countries. And over the past five years, my family and I have been along for the ride, traveling with him to places like Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Greenland.Exploring the world with an 83-year-old has come with its surprises — and challenges — but we're happy to keep figuring out how to make these trips possible for as long as he wants to lead.Here are four lessons I've learned about traveling with an older relative.

Communication has to start before the plane takes off.

We always take my dad's must-see spots into account before planning a trip.