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Group of seniors riding in car

What Are the Best Vacations for Seniors with Limited Mobility?

All too frequently, the things that are considered better for our health are not quite as fun as the things we should moderate. Cupcakes may be tastier than broccoli, but no health expert is recommending five to nine servings of cupcakes per day. However, there some important health considerations that are a lot of fun. A 2019 report published by the American Psychological Association (APA) says that taking vacations is important for our physical and mental health! The APA says vacations help to reduce stress and anxiety, leading to numerous health benefits, including reducing your risk of heart attack.

If you are planning a trip with a senior loved one, there are many factors to consider. Traveling with a senior who has limited mobility can bring additional challenges. However, understanding your options ahead of time can help make your trip enjoyable and relaxing for all!

Managing Travel with Disabilities

If your top travel concern is cost, you may be wondering things like – How can seniors travel cheaply? Do seniors get a discount on flights? What cruise line is best for seniors? However, if your main travel concerns revolve around managing travel for a senior with limited mobility, your questions are likely very different. You may be wondering about access at different travel sites and support resources when you are on the road. To help organize your thoughts, here are some of the main points to consider as you evaluate what are the best vacations for seniors with limited mobility:

  • Make health needs the number one priority.
  • Plan ahead and make your bookings early to allow for the best possible selections.
  • Allow extra time in your travel plans.
  • Research all the accommodations and make the selection that meets your needs.
  • Be sure to have the information on mobility access and disability resources prior to leaving on your vacation.

What are the Best Vacations for Seniors that Support Limited Mobility?

Many of the vacations you have always loved are still possibilities – it just takes a bit more planning to make these trips successful with limited mobility. Here are nine ideas for places to travel and how to do it safely:

Take a Cruise

Both ocean and river cruises offer scenic vacations, but do not require too much physical exertion. Also, most cruise lines can accommodate special needs requests if they are made in advance.

Visit an Art Gallery or Museum

Visiting a city or town with multiple indoor museums or galleries allows you to enjoy varied activities in a controlled, indoor environment that is handicap accessible. Some cities with many art and museum options include:

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Chicago, IL
  • New York City
  • Rome, Italy
  • Denver, CO
  • Athens, Greece
  • Paris, France
  • London, England

Go to a National Park

Many national parks are now wheelchair accessible! According to the website outsideonline.com, the best U.S. national parks for seniors with limited mobility are:

Take a Bus Tour

Bus tours provide education, history and entertainment, all while you sit back and relax!

Jump on a Boat Tour

Boat tours are popular in some of the most beautiful locations around the U.S. and Canada and provide an excellent way to see the sights with limited physical activity required.

Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort

A resort that meets all your needs means you can just relax and enjoy yourself! It is important to contact the resort in advance to ensure they provide the mobility assistance your travel group requires.

Hop on a Train

Amtrak is the most popular train service in the U.S., and it offers senior discounts! Many train trips are all-inclusive, and many trains have travel and seating options that meet all disability needs.

Rent a Private Residence

Websites like Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO) and Airbnb offer the opportunity to stay in a private home, rather than a hotel. The site Handiscover focuses on homes for rent for people with limited mobility. For some seniors with limited mobility, a home setting is more comfortable. Just check the website to make sure the home you want has what you need!

Keep It Local

A great vacation does not require traveling a great distance. Regional road trips can be just as much fun, and it allows you to sleep in your own bed at night. Residents at Country Gardens Assisted Living Community enjoy scheduled transportation for day trips and scheduled appointments. This makes traveling locally a lot easier and makes it simple to share the trip with friends and neighbors.

Some local ideas for fun include:

  • Live music or theater
  • Wine tastings
  • Visiting historic sites
  • Festivals or art fairs
  • Trying out new restaurants

For seniors in communities like Oakley Courts Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, there are many fun opportunities to explore in your own backyard. With delicious dining and restaurant-style service to beautiful outdoor spaces waiting to be explored, you can bring your whole family for a day of fun and relaxation!

Celebrating Freedom and Fun

In a community that puts your goals and your lifestyle first, it is easy to find both the support you need and the amenities you want. At Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, and our communities like Oakley Courts and Country Gardens, we want you to enjoy every day. In addition to our hospitality services, such as housekeeping, interior and exterior maintenance and transportation, our communities offer extended services that include:

  • Help with activities of daily living
  • Medication management
  • Mobility assistance
  • Diabetes management
  • Certified nursing care
  • Health education

Contact Tutera Senior Living today to learn more about our communities and services. Want to find a Tutera community near you? Our location finder is your solution!

Learn more by clicking on the community links below:

The Atriums Senior Living Community
Carnegie Village Senior Living Community
Charlton Place Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
Country Gardens Assisted Living Community
Lamar Court Assisted Living Community
The Lodge at Manito Assisted Living & Memory Care Community
Mission Chateau Senior Living Community
Moweaqua Rehabilitation & Health Care Center
Norterre - The Laurel Assisted Living and Memory Care
Oakley Courts Assisted Living & Memory Care Community
Rose Estates Assisted Living Community
St. Paul's Senior Community
Tiffany Springs Senior Living Community
The Village at Mission Senior Living Community
Wesley Court Assisted Living Community