Research potential destinations to look for spots that have senior-friendly activities and accommodations. Transportation options, such as accessible public buses or trains, give you more flexibility for getting to attractions if you're not driving. Older cities might have narrow or uneven sidewalks, and cities in mountainous or hilly areas might present a challenge for walking to locations. Choosing a senior-friendly location gives you more freedom to explore and makes the trip more enjoyable.
Where you stay impacts your overall experience during your vacation. If you have mobility considerations, ensure the accommodations can handle those needs. For instance, verify that the hotel offers accessible bathrooms, has elevators or can guarantee a first-floor room. If you're renting a vacation home, look at the location of the bedrooms, accessibility in the bathroom and the entrance into the home.
Even if you don't use mobility aids and generally get around well, certain features of a property could make it more or less appealing. A rental with steep sidewalks or lots of stairs to get inside might not be convenient for older adults, with or without mobility needs, for instance. A long walk from the parking lot into the hotel is often tiring for older adults, especially after a long day of sightseeing.
The proximity to transportation and the places you want to visit can also assist in your decision. Being close to public transportation means you can easily get to the attractions on your itinerary.
Visiting your health care provider before your trip ensures you're in travel-ready condition. Your doctor can alert you to potential concerns based on your destination or specific health conditions. They might restrict certain activities during your trip based on your medical history. If you take medications, verify that your prescription is up to date so you can refill it before your trip.
The time leading up to your trip is full of packing, planning and handling last-minute tasks. Make sure you also make time to take care of yourself. Managing your medical conditions keeps you as healthy as possible going into the trip.
If you're flying, pack all necessary medications and medical devices in your carry-on bag so you'll have them if your luggage gets lost. Bring the contact information for your health care provider and pharmacy in case you face issues while traveling. Wearing a medical alert bracelet or bringing documentation about your medical conditions can help first responders if you have a medical emergency while traveling.
With all the excitement of exploring attractions, it can be easy to skip meals or forget to sip your water. That, paired with the tendency for thirst to decrease with age, could leave you dehydrated, which could interrupt your vacation. Plan to stay hydrated before you leave to avoid this situation. Packing a reusable water bottle is an easy option. Keep in mind that you can't take large amounts of liquid through airport security — leave the bottle empty and fill it after you clear security if you're flying.
Packing healthy snacks can also help you keep your energy levels up. Plan for all meals throughout your trip, whether you cook in your vacation rental or go out to eat. You'll be less likely to skip meals if you plan them.
It's not always easy to ask for help, especially with tasks you used to do easily yourself. However, the travel industry is full of people whose job it is to assist patrons. Your hotel might have staff members who wheel your luggage to your room or concierge services to coordinate various activities. At the airport, you can arrange for wheelchair transportation to your gate.
Using these services or asking for additional help often improves your travel experiences. You reduce your risk of injuring yourself or wearing yourself out, which leaves you healthier and feeling better for your travel activities.
The excitement of exploring a new location sometimes leads to overestimating what you can realistically fit into your day. Creating a more relaxed itinerary with the option to add extra activities minimizes the risk of overdoing it or draining your energy early in the trip.
Prioritize the activities and places you want to visit. Estimate how long it will take you to get to those locations from your hotel or vacation rental. Then, add extra time into the schedule to account for late starts and traffic delays.
Be cautious of excursions and activities that require you to book ahead of time. If you feel tired or experience issues due to a medical condition, you could lose out on the cost of the pre-booked outings. Check on refund and rescheduling policies if you want more flexibility in your schedule.
