Are you a senior looking to travel this summer? You’re in the right place! Planning the ultimate senior summer getaway is no small task. While retirement is the perfect time to travel, traveling as a senior does come with some additional considerations. You’ll need to make sure your travels are safe, healthy, and appropriate for your mobility and activity level. Keep reading for great travel tips for seniors to make the most of your summer getaway! We’ll provide essential tips and insights on how to make the most of your summer travels, from choosing senior-friendly destinations, to packing efficiently, travel insurance, and staying safe and healthy on the road. Whether you’re an experienced globetrotter or planning your first getaway in a while, this blog post will help you plan an unforgettable summer getaway.
Choose the Right Destination
Choosing the right destination is the most important aspect of planning the best summer getaway for seniors. Here are a few things to ask yourself (and perhaps your travel companion) when choosing where to go:
- Do you want your trip to be active, with a focus on sightseeing, swimming, hiking, or walking, or more restful, with mostly reading and movie watching? Or a mix of both?
- Are there health and mobility limitations you’ll need to take into consideration?
- What is your budget for the trip?
- How long do you plan to be away?
- Do you want to see somewhere new, or revisit a favorite place?
Visiting somewhere new can be exciting and give you the opportunity to explore and experience new things. However, revisiting a favorite place can be less stressful, since you know how to pack and what to expect. It’s also fun to relive fond memories at that previous destination and carry on a tradition. If you’re looking for somewhere new, here are a few great destination ideas.
Restful Destinations for Seniors
If you have health and/or mobility limitations, or you’re just looking for a more restful vacation, we have some great ideas for places to go! Here are a few favorites.
Niagara Falls, New York
If you’ve never been to Niagara Falls, now is the time to visit the 8th wonder of the world. These falls are the most powerful waterfalls on the North American continent. And they’re also wheelchair- and walker-accessible! The Maid of the Mist, an electronic boat that ferries you around the base of the falls, is very senior-friendly and a great way to experience the falls without having to do any hiking. They have wheelchair-accessible ramps and parking, and seats on board the boat. Please note that while rain ponchos are provided, you’re likely to get wet on this boat tour!
Other accessible venues at Niagara Falls State Park include the Niagara Adventure Theater, and Niagara Scenic Trolley. There are also some great nearby hotels and restaurants.
Sedona, Arizona
If reading books by the pool is more your speed, Sedona may be the perfect place to visit. It’s got lots of ways to see the red rock scenery without having to do any hiking. And, of course, it’s pool weather almost year-round! The Sedona Trolley Tour takes you on a fun, informative journey throughout the city. You can also take an incredible scenic 30-mile drive through Oak Creek Canyon, an amazing way to experience Sedona’s iconic red cliffs. There are many hotels with pools, golf courses, and restaurants to top off this beautiful and relaxing destination.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
For a relaxing coastal destination, don’t miss Gulf Shores. You can get a hotel right on one of its beautiful white sand beaches, like the Hampton Inn at Orange Beach, with a heated outdoor pool and private beach access. Gulf Shores has also provided Accessibility Mats at some beaches that allow wheelchair users or people feeling unsteady on their feet to enjoy the beaches. You can also rent a motorized beach wheelchair to get wherever you’d like to go. Over 100 restaurant options in the area make Gulf Shores a great restful senior getaway.
Active Destinations for Active Seniors
If you’re a healthy, active senior who doesn’t have trouble getting around, consider these fun new places to explore.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a great place for the nature-loving senior looking for some hiking and natural wonders. You can see geysers, the Grand Canyon, bison, moose, and more, all in a day’s walk. There are many very well-maintained trails, boardwalks, and sidewalks, so you can explore without fear of falls or injuries. You can go on ambitious hikes if you choose, but you’ll also be able to see the Old Faithful geyser, some of the Yellowstone Falls, or see the Grand Prismatic without walking more than a mile or two. Boat rentals at the marina are also available, if that’s more your speed.
San Diego, California
If you haven’t been to San Diego yet, what are you waiting for? Few beachside cities offer as many options as San Diego. You can get your amusement park fix at Disneyland, see incredible animals at the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park, experience sea creatures in a way you’ve never seen them before at Sea World, explore every type of art at the Balboa Park Museums, and, of course, hang out at dozens of beaches. All of these attractions require a substantial amount of walking, so be prepared to take breaks, bring water, and perhaps take a midday rest before returning in the afternoon.
Loire Valley, France
For active International senior travelers, the Loire Valley is a can’t-miss destination. You can enjoy wine tasting, tours of incredible historic castles, gardens, local markets, biking, and hot air balloon rides. Traveling in France can be difficult for American travelers, as most French people don’t speak English. Bringing a guidebook and French phrasebook might be helpful, and be sure to do your research before you go. Or, make things easier with a River Cruise Tour conducted in English that takes you from Paris to the Loire Valley and back!
Senior Travel Tips: Packing Efficiently
Every trip is more fun with efficient packing. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy these days! Use packing cubes to organize your essentials. If you travel frequently, you might consider keeping some permanent “packing essentials” with your suitcase. For example, you could keep a mini bottle of contact solution, contact case, glasses and case, sleeping aids, sleep mask, ear plugs, and mini versions of toiletries, all ready to go at a moment’s notice. If you’re willing to buy travel-size duplicates of most of the non-clothing items you take while traveling, almost all you’ll have to pack is your clothes before you can be on your way.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance provides you with protection for risks and accidents while on your trip. It can cover everything from unexpected cancellations to rental car damage to medical and dental coverage. There are many providers who offer this insurance, which you can purchase before you book a trip. Do you need travel insurance? The short answer is: it depends. For most seniors, having travel medical and dental insurance might be a good idea. Most insurance plans don’t cover much of expenses that are considered out-of-network, and your travel destinations may not fall within your network. If you are managing chronic health conditions, or are prone to injuries, travel insurance could give you peace of mind while you’re out and about. However, if you don’t end up using it, all of the money invested in travel insurance is forfeited. You might want to talk to your health insurance company about what is or isn’t covered while you’re traveling before you make your decision.
Staying Safe and Healthy
Traveling is fun, but it can be challenging for your health and safety. Airplane, train, or bus rides can leave you more exposed to viruses, and long car travel can be challenging for your back, hips, and knees. Here are a few tips to help you out.
- Take an immune supplement. Supplementing your usual vitamin regimen with Vitamins C, D, Zinc, and perhaps elderberry could help boost your immune system while you’re traveling.
- Plan lots of breaks when traveling by car. Drowsy driving can be very dangerous, so switch drivers or pull off and take a nap if you’re feeling sleepy. Getting out of the car every couple of hours will help prevent joint stiffness and back pain.
- If you’re on a long plane, train, or bus journey, make sure to stand up and move around periodically to prevent blood clots.
- Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after using public restrooms.
- Consider a short-term stay at a senior living community. Many communities offer short-term stays, which can be a great choice when you’re traveling. You’ll have access to all of their amenities, a safe and secure environment, a comfortable and accessible apartment, on-call medical staff, chef-prepared meals, and more. Call a community near your travel destination to see if short-term stays are available during your travel dates.
Stellar Living hopes these travel tips for seniors help you plan your ultimate summer getaway!
