Key Takeaways
- Consider prepping for the trip with a checkup and travel insurance.
- Look into accessibility assistance early to make travel more comfortable.
- Pace the days and pack lightly to avoid exhaustion and enjoy every stop.
- Travel with a companion and share the itinerary with loved ones.
Prepare Before You Go
It may be obvious, but being prepared is one of the most important travel tips for senior citizens.
Tip #1: Schedule a Pre-Trip Checkup
To ease any worries about your health, schedule a physical before you head out on your trip. This gives you or your loved one the chance to discuss any vaccinations you may need, adjust prescriptions if necessary, and even get a backup supply of vital medications for longer trips.
Doctors can also safely prescribe medications you or a loved one may need due to motion sickness on a plane, muscle soreness from more vigorous activity, or other travel-related discomforts.
Tip #2: Carry Medical History
To help ensure prompt care in an emergency, keep a physical and/or digital copy of medical history, current prescriptions, and health insurance information on you at all times.
Tip #3: Consider Travel Insurance
If planning a trip out of the country, it’s worth looking into travel insurance for seniors. It can offer peace of mind and help lower the cost of care should an emergency like a fall, food poisoning, or other medical issue occur while traveling.
Get Comfortable Getting There
When flying, getting through the airport and settling into your seat is often the most stressful part of any trip, but a few small requests can make the whole experience much smoother.
Tip #4: Request Accessibility Assistance
Most airports and airlines offer accommodations for travelers who need special or wheelchair assistance, so be sure to select that option when purchasing a flight ticket. Upon arrival, you can also alert airport staff to have a wheelchair or electric cart escort ready for you or a loved one.
Requesting assistance beforehand can often speed up the security screening process too, since many airports have accessible lanes or specialists on hand to help.
If you’re traveling by train or bus, Amtrak and most major bus lines offer similar accommodations, so it’s worth requesting assistance when booking your ticket as well.
Tip #5: Ask About Priority or Early Boarding
If you or a loved one requires special assistance due to a disability, you likely qualify for pre-boarding, giving you both plenty of time to board safely, find your seat, and stow any assistive devices. The Air Carrier Access Act federally mandates that a passenger with a disability who self-identifies as needing extra time or assistance to board the aircraft must be allowed to pre-board.
Trains and buses follow similar procedures under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires both public and private ground transportation providers to offer assistance equipment and accessible features so passengers with disabilities can board and exit safely, with adequate time and priority seating as needed.
Tip #6: Stay Hydrated and Keep Moving
Long flights and car rides can take a toll on circulation, especially for older travelers who face a higher risk of dehydration. If flying, drink plenty of water and try to get up and walk the aisle every hour or two. On a road trip, plan for regular rest stops so you can stretch your legs and stay hydrated along the way. Staying hydrated and moving regularly can help reduce the risk of blood clots and keep energy levels up for whatever’s waiting at your destination.
Choose Accessible Lodging and Activities
Adequate lodging and activities can help minimize hassle and make a world of difference. Before booking a hotel, vacation rental, or any activities, do a little research ahead of time to make sure it’s easy for you or a loved one with accessibility needs to get around.
Tip #7: Call Ahead About Accessibility Accommodations
Call hotels or vacation rentals ahead of time to ask about any accessibility accommodations you or a loved one may need. Depending on the situation, that may mean visual fire alarms, doorbell lights, text telephones, or tactile signage, or it might mean an accessible shower, wheelchair ramp, elevator access, or a ground-floor room.
Tip #8: Look for Accessible Activities
Many popular tourist destinations now offer adaptive equipment or accessible paths so visitors with disabilities can enjoy the experience too. This may include wheelchair or mobility scooter rentals, sensory kits, assistive listening devices, tactile maps and signage, or a tour guide trained to offer specialized support.
Tip #9: Avoid Overpacked Itineraries
It’s tempting to want to see and do everything, especially if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip. But cramming too much into a single day can leave you or a loved one exhausted before you’ve even had a chance to enjoy it. Instead, pick a few must-see priorities each day and leave room to slow down and take it all in.
Tip #10: Build in Breaks Between Activities
Sometimes a jam-packed itinerary is unavoidable, whether it’s a tour group schedule or a trip with a tight timeline. When that’s the case, try to build in short breaks between activities. Even 15-20 minutes to sit down, rehydrate, and rest can make the rest of the day feel much more manageable.
Pack Smart
How you pack can make or break your trip, especially when it comes to managing medications and staying comfortable on the go.
Tip #11: Keep Medications in Original, Labeled Containers
Always pack medications in their original, labeled containers rather than a pill organizer, especially when flying internationally. This makes it easy to verify any prescriptions at security or customs, and it ensures you have the right dosage information on hand if you need refills or medical attention while away.
Tip #12: Pack Light with Organized Essentials
Heavy luggage is hard to manage, especially if you’re navigating stairs, cobblestones, long airport terminals, or switching between hotels on your own. To keep bags light, organized, and easy to move around with, choose bags with smooth wheels and keep essentials like medications, chargers, and documents in an easy-to-reach personal bag so you’re not digging through a suitcase when you need something quickly.
One of the easiest ways to lighten your load is to pack fewer shoes and skip heavy items like bulky coats, unless you know you’ll need them, and swap full-size toiletries for travel-size versions or reusable travel bottles. Additionally, stick to one or two versatile, comfortable pairs of shoes and a lightweight layer instead, and check the weather ahead of time so you’re not carrying too many items “just in case” that end up weighing you down the whole trip.
Prioritize Safety
Beyond the day-to-day logistics, a few extra travel safety tips for seniors can go a long way toward giving you and your family peace of mind, whether you’re traveling solo or with a group.
Tip #13: Understand Travel Insurance for Seniors
Finding the best travel insurance for seniors starts with knowing what to look for, rather than just picking the first policy you see. When comparing travel insurance plans, especially if you're researching the best travel insurance for seniors over 60 or over 70, look for coverage that includes:
- Pre-existing condition coverage (many standard policies exclude this without an add-on)
- Emergency medical care and medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
- 24/7 emergency assistance services
Since coverage needs can vary quite a bit by age, destination, and health history, it’s worth reviewing a few different policies and talking through your specific needs before booking a plan.
Tip #14: Travel with a Companion
A traveling companion for seniors can add an extra layer of safety and support—whether that's a spouse, family member, friend, or a group tour through a senior travel companion service. Good travel companions for seniors can help carry bags, navigate unfamiliar places, and offer a second set of eyes in case of a fall or medical issue. Traveling with others also makes the whole experience more enjoyable, giving you someone to share the memories with along the way.
Tip #15 Share Itinerary with Friends and Family
One of the best travel safety tips for seniors is to keep loved ones in the loop before leaving. Before departure, share a copy of the itinerary with a family member or close friend, including flight information, hotel addresses, and any excursions you have planned. Set up a regular check-in schedule, even a quick daily text, so your loved ones know you've arrived safely and can reach you if plans change.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Traveling as a senior takes a little extra planning, but the payoff is real. As a matter of fact, research shows travel is linked to improved health in seniors—such as better cognitive function, higher vitality, and a greater sense of purpose and well-being later in life—so it’s well worth the effort.
At Sunrise Senior Living, we believe every stage of life deserves to be lived fully, including the adventures still ahead. Of course, we also understand that not every senior wants to (or can) travel, which is why our communities bring the excitement to residents through cultural events, outings to local attractions, and other engaging experiences right at home.
That’s why we believe in Possibility Rising: this chapter isn’t about what you’re leaving behind, it’s about a life in motion. To learn more about how we support residents' active, engaging lifestyles, find a Sunrise community near you.