Travel opens the door to new experiences at every age. With a few practical precautions, older adults can enjoy everything from weekend getaways to international vacations while staying comfortable and focused on making the most of every moment.
Key Takeaways
- Planning ahead can help make travel more comfortable and enjoyable for senior travelers and their families.
- Keeping medications, emergency contact information, and travel insurance information easily accessible can provide added peace of mind throughout the trip.
- Scheduling breaks and staying hydrated may help older adults feel their best while traveling to and staying at their destination.
Traveling Comfortably with Seniors at Every Stage of Vacation
Planning Ahead
Good vacations begin long before departure. Taking time to prepare can help make unexpected situations easier to manage:
Research, Research, Research
- Research your destination carefully before booking. If your aging relative uses a walker, wheelchair, or other mobility aid, confirm that both the transportation services to the destination and locations at the destination itself (hotels, attractions, restaurants, etc.) offer the accessibility features they need.
- Travel during milder seasons or in locations with milder climates. Extreme heat or cold may impact older travelers differently than it does younger ones. By traveling during milder seasons, you may help reduce your loved one's risk of experiencing negative side effects of extreme weather conditions.
- If planning a cruise or resort stay, verify that there are no age-related restrictions.
- Consider using travel agencies focused on senior-friendly vacations or accessible travel planning.
Consider Location and Timing
- If flying, book flights early whenever possible. This way, you may be more likely to get preferred seating. An aisle seat may make it easier to get up, stretch, and access the restroom.
- Coordinate accommodations in advance. Travelers who need extra assistance should notify the airline in advance, so they can more easily arrange accommodations like wheelchair assistance.
Don't Forget About Healthcare and Insurance Needs
- Before traveling internationally or to destinations with specific health recommendations, review what the CDC says regarding recommended vaccinations and travel health notices.
- Ask your pharmacy about getting enough prescription medications to cover the trip, plus several extra days, in case travel plans change.
- Review your health insurance coverage before leaving home, particularly for international travel. Some policies may have limitations outside your local area or country.
Be Financially Savvy
- Notify your financial institutions about travel plans, especially for international trips, to help avoid temporary card freezes due to suspected fraudulent activity.
- Before confirming reservations, review cancellation and refund policies carefully.
- Consider travel insurance for added peace of mind.
- Ask transportation providers, hotels, museums, and attractions about senior discounts or advance-purchase savings.
Make a List (and Check It Twice)
- Prepare a list of emergency contacts. This list may include other family members, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and insurance information.
- Keep an updated list of current medications your loved one is taking, including both the generic and brand names.
- Create a detailed itinerary that includes transportation information, lodging addresses, reservation numbers, emergency contacts, and daily plans. Share copies with family members who remain at home.
Packing
Packing strategically can make travel (and unloading at the destination) much more comfortable:
Carry-on Bags
- Carry one change of clothes, medications, and important personal items in a carry-on bag, in case checked luggage is delayed.
- Print copies of your itinerary, hotel confirmations, boarding passes, and emergency contacts; place copies in each family member's carry-on bag.
Checked Luggage
- Choose lightweight luggage with sturdy wheels and comfortable handles. Your family may have a much easier time managing your luggage with these features.
- Place luggage tags with your name, phone number, and destination contact information on every piece of luggage—checked or otherwise.
- Pack sun protection (sunscreen, long-sleeve clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat).
- For tropical destinations, don't forget to bring insect repellent.
- Do not forget chargers for medical devices and personal electronics. If you're traveling internationally, you may need outlet adapters or voltage converters.
Review Policies
- Before leaving for the airport, review TSA requirements and airline baggage restrictions to avoid unexpected fees for oversized or overweight luggage.
- If possible, check luggage before arriving at the airport to reduce the amount you need to carry through the terminal.
Traveling to the Destination
The journey itself deserves as much attention as the destination. Here's how to make traveling to the destination (and coming back home from your trip) a little easier to manage:
Keep It Close
- Keep your carry-on bag with you at all times. It should include medications, emergency contact information, insurance cards, identification, [link to senior ID card blog] and a complete medication list.
- Carry copies of important documents, including boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and transportation receipts.
Take Care of Yourself
- Pack healthy snacks to help maintain energy between meals. You and your family will be thankful, especially if delays occur.
- Drink plenty of water, especially if your family is flying, as air travel can increase the risk of dehydration.
- If your loved one is at increased risk for blood clots, they may benefit from talking to their healthcare provider about wearing compression socks.
- Dress in layers with comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. This arrangement makes it easy to remove or add garments as the climate changes between destinations.
- Wear a face mask to lower the risk of airborne infections.
Arriving at the Destination
Once you arrive, take time to settle in before beginning the fun:
- Arrange accessible transportation services whenever available, especially if your loved one cannot walk for extended periods.
- After checking into your hotel or boarding a cruise ship, unpack essential items and place them somewhere easy to reach.
- Store valuables (passports, extra cash, jewelry, etc.) in the hotel safe whenever possible.
- Recharge medical devices and personal electronics right away, so everything is ready for the next day.
While on Vacation
The best vacations balance activity with rest. Here are a few ways many families get a little R&R at their destinations:
- Carry medications, snacks, and water whenever leaving the hotel.
- Know where nearby medical facilities, like hospitals and pharmacies, are located.
- Use sun protection every day, even if it's cloudy or cold.
- Schedule frequent breaks throughout sightseeing days. Rest periods often allow everyone to enjoy more activities comfortably over the course of the trip.
- Keep passports, money, and other important documents in an interior pocket or money belt to reduce the risk of theft.
- If traveling with a group, choose a designated meeting location in case anyone becomes separated.
- If your aging relative needs additional assistance or is prone to wandering, it may be helpful to have a family member be their designated traveling companion.
- After especially busy sightseeing days, consider planning a quieter day with fewer scheduled activities to rest and recharge.
- If your relative has a chronic medical condition like diabetes, they may benefit from wearing a medical alert bracelet.
After Vacation
Returning home is also part of the travel experience:
- Allow time to rest and recover after a long trip before returning to a full schedule.
- Stay alerts for symptoms of illness, especially if certain communicable diseases are common in the area you visited.
- Finally, talk with family members. Discuss what worked well and what you could plan better for next time. Each trip offers valuable lessons that can make the next one even more enjoyable!
Making Every Journey More Enjoyable
Traveling looks different for everyone, no matter their age. When your family is traveling with an older adult, though, there are a few ways to make the trip a little more comfortable for everyone involved. By thoughtfully planning ahead, everyone can take the time to enjoy your next family getaway.
FAQs
Are there travel companies for seniors?
Yes. Many travel companies specialize in vacations designed for older adults. These companies may walk you through destinations with senior-friendly guided tours, accessible accommodations, slower-paced itineraries, and assistance with travel logistics.
Are there senior travel discounts available?
Many transportation providers and attractions offer senior discounts; make the most of your family vacation by seeing what perks are available.
What travel locations would an 80-year-old enjoy?
When it comes to planning a vacation with an older relative, there's no "best" location. There is only the location that fits your loved one's preferences and needs. For example, your loved one may enjoy beaches. But, if they use a wheelchair, it may take extra planning to find a location with an accessible beach. By keeping your relative's needs in mind, you can better select a travel destination where they can participate in activities with everyone else.
What are some basic travel safety tips for seniors?
When traveling with seniors, it may help to follow basic safety tips like:
- Planning ahead
- Keeping medications and important documents easily accessible
- Staying hydrated while traveling and at the destination
- Wearing sun protection, regardless of weather or climate
- Taking regular breaks to stay rested
- Knowing where local emergency services are located
- Sharing an itinerary with your travel group and a trusted relative or friend back home
What are some packing tips for seniors?
When traveling, many older adults find it helpful to pack lightly, use wheeled luggage, and keep important documents and medications close by and accessible.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only.