So, you’re vacationing with the grandparents? That’s great! Traveling with a senior travel partner can be a lot of fun. We have a few tips to help you make the most of a vacation with seniors.
Let’s get started!
Check for senior discounts.
Ask about senior discounts. Many senior citizens are on a fixed in come. Occasionally, these discounts can make a big difference in a senior’s travel budget.
Check to make sure they have a passport and if so, that it’s up to date.
Check the passport situation. While a lot of seniors may have a passport from previous travel, it is a good idea to check that it is up to date. Check the expiration far enough in advance to allow for renewal if needed.
Ask about disability passes at your destination.
Ask about venues that you will be attending about disability passes. These can make moving around throughout the trip much easier for older travelers. If your senior travel partner has health issues it’s important to keep them comfortable. It will make the trip more pleasant for everyone involved.
Check for scooter rentals (or other medical equipment) at your destination.
Call your hotel and ask for recommendations on medical equipment or mobility equipment rental companies. Many tourist areas have companies that will deliver necessary medical equipment such as ECVs, wheelchairs, and walkers. Call ahead and reserve the necessary items. In many situations the items can be delivered right to your hotel.
Have the senior traveler check with their doctor if they have any health concerns.
Have your senior travel partner check with their doctor to make sure it is ok for them to travel. You don’t want any surprises along the way. You want everyone to have the best travel experience possible.
Beach wheelchairs are available in many locations.
If you’re traveling to a tropical location, a beach wheelchair can be a lifesaver for those with mobility issues. Call ahead to see if your hotel could recommend a rental company.
Allow for extra bathroom visits.
Senior travelers often require more frequent restroom visits. It’s important to build in time for these breaks. A lot of seniors feel self-conscious about this. So, it’s important to plan breaks that include other activities such as souvenir shopping or browsing through a museum to distract attention from their temporary absence.
Make sure their medical needs are met.
Does the senior in your travel party require medical supplies? While the medical equipment tip listed above discusses large mobility equipment, this tip addresses things such as medication, diabetic supplies, and any other medical needs you senior traveler may have. Make sure you have extra supplies of everything they need. You never know when a flight could be cancelled and there may be a delay getting home. Pack extra! Remember to make sure all bottles of their prescription medication is labeled with their prescription label.
Supply snacks for medication.
Have snacks on hand for any medication that your senior travel partner takes that requires it be taken with food. Generally, these don’t have to be big items. Usually a few crackers, a granola bar, or some other small portable snack will suffice.
Hydration is key.
Hydration is important for everyone, but especially our senior travelers. Encourage your travel partner to frequently take in liquid. Dehydration is preventable. Know the early warning signs and watch carefully.
Early boarding can make a difference.
Check with your airline to see if early boarding is a possibility for seniors with physical disabilities or significant health concerns. This will allow the traveler to not feel rushed in the crowd of people attempting to board the plane. It may also allow them to take care of any medical needs before takeoff.
Live 360 can be your friend.
If you and your senior travel partner have iPhones consider activating Live 360. This app can be very helpful if you get separated. It will allow you to find the other person.
Military discounts can save seniors money.
Check for military discounts If the senior traveler in your group has previously served in the military. This may save them a substantial amount on admissions to various venues, tours, and even hotel rooms. It never hurts to ask!
Consider their activity level.
Take your senior travel partner’s daily activity level into account. While a lot of seniors are very active, there are those who struggle with mobility issues and may not be physically capable of maintaining the pace you are accustomed to.
Remember if to check for accessible hotel rooms.
Request an accessible hotel room if the senior in your travel party has mobility issues.
Rent a van for space and comfort.
If you’re embarking on a road trip consider renting a van instead of a car. This will allow for more space and comfort.
Traveling with seniors can be a fun and rewarding experience. You will build memories not only for yourself, but for them as well. All it takes is a little bit of planning.
Want to know more about traveling with seniors? Check out our podcast Traveling With Seniors.
And, don’t forget to read our blog post Choosing a Travel Destination to help you determine where to travel with your senior travel partner.
