When you had a nine-to-five job, there was never any time to take vacations. But now that you’re retired with loads of time on your hands, it’s mobility issues that are holding you back from traveling.
Retirement is your time to relax and enjoy life: the hard work is done, the kids are raised, and now it’s time for you to have some fun! Maybe you’ve harbored dreams of traveling the world? Exploring new cultures? Broadening your horizons?
The time has finally come to board that bus, ride those rails or take to the skies! But are concerns about mobility hindering your enthusiasm for travel?
Don’t worry, because we have good news: You can still relish exciting senior vacations brimming with adventure and entertainment. You just need to employ careful planning and thoughtful consideration for hotels and activities!
In the sections that follow, we’ll present various vacation destinations that tailor to seniors with limited mobility, including important travel tips and other factors to ensure a relaxing vacation for everyone.
5 Trips for Seniors With Limited Mobility
When choosing a vacation spot for your senior loved one, remember to consider these important factors that can impact their accessibility.
How do I travel with limited mobility?
What about accessible hotel rooms?
Are airplanes wheelchair accessible?
Before deciding on a destination, it’s crucial to understand your loved one’s preferences and physical abilities. This includes knowing the activities they’d like to do and how much walking they’re comfortable with. These answers can help you determine the best limited mobility vacation to take with your loved one. Below are a few ideas!
1. Cruise the ocean
If you’re looking for a fun-filled senior vacation with limited walking, then call up Carnival or Royal Caribbean because in addition to cruises being all-inclusive, they’re also easy:
- Save time and money
- Meals are 10 steps away instead of 10 blocks
- Tons of wonderful attractions to enjoy on board
- Elevators and wheelchair ramps built right in
- An opportunity to explore numerous exotic destinations
If you’re looking for more of a slower pace, you could always take a river cruise. River cruises are smaller than ocean liners but still offer easy ways to visit beautiful countries with similar amenities. Be sure to call ahead and let them know your circumstances so they can accommodate you.
2. Rent an RV or camper
Not a fan of the water? Rent a camper!
Is your loved one a lover of the outdoors? If so, camping is a low-maintenance vacation that can provide relaxation from activities such as bird-watching, fishing and strolling scenic trails. Just be sure you’re traveling in an RV/camper that has your necessary mobility features like a wheelchair lift and accessible cabinets.
3. Take a staycation
Where’s the rule that says you must go out of town to have a good time? Sometimes keeping it local is better than going far away because it keeps stress levels low and costs down. Plus, there’s the added perk of sleeping in your own bed at night. Depending on where you live, destinations could include:
- Live performances
- Bed and breakfasts
- Wine tastings
- Historic tours in your town
- Festivals or farmers markets
4. Book a stay at an all-inclusive resort
Picture a cruise on land: That’s what staying in an all-inclusive resort is like! There are many things to enjoy on-site, like spa services and other illustrious amenities. They also offer ADA-compliant services and conveniences for seniors with limited mobility.
5. Take a mobility scooter vacation
Do you have the traveling bug? Do you own a mobility scooter? If so, then from beach boardwalks to national parks, the world is literally your oyster. Because of various travel organizations that help seniors with limited mobility see the world, virtually no destination is off-limits.
Just remember that the more thorough your planning, the better prepared you’ll be.
Accessible Stay
Your stay sets the tone for the entire trip, so once you’ve chosen your limited mobility vacation destination, it’s crucial to find accommodations that offer accessible hotel rooms. You’ll want to find one that suits your senior loved one’s needs. Things to look for include:
- Roll-in showers
- Accessible rooms
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Elevators
We suggest calling your hotel before booking to discuss your situation and ensure they can accommodate your needs.
Accessible Play
Now for the fun part: accessible adventures! That’s the key to a thriving senior vacation. You’ll want to plan various activities that accommodate their needs, preferences and interests. Below are just a few ideas:
- Embark on a guided tour. You can find one in most big cities, and they allow you to explore popular attractions without ever leaving your seat! Seniors with limited mobility commonly enjoy these tours on a bus or boat. In fact, the best cities suited for seniors with mobility issues include Washington, D.C.; Daytona Beach, Florida; and Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Explore a national park. When most people think of a national park, they think it will involve a ton of walking, but thankfully, many are now wheelchair accessible! In addition, being outside and connecting with nature can help improve health and reduce overall stress in seniors.
- Enjoy a spa treatment. Especially if you’re taking a cruise or booking a resort stay, carve out time to pamper yourself! After all, you are on vacation. You can relax with a hot stone massage, swim in the pool or revel in a relaxing spa.
If while on vacation and you happen to find yourself in need of limited mobility senior activities, get creative!
Accessible Travel
When picking a vacation spot, it’s important to look into different ways to get there. Find the best transportation option for you, like ADA buses or taxis if you’re not flying.
Fortunately, conducting research in preparation for a flight is simple, thanks to all the resources available on the internet today like TSA special procedures and the U.S. Department of Transportation. This is where you’ll find in-depth information on special travel needs like how to fly with a wheelchair, other regulations and more.
Pack the Essentials
Start your trip on the right foot by remembering to pack the proper essentials! Below is a list of important items to check off your list:
- Medications: Ensure important medications are refilled and there’s plenty with you in case of emergency.
- Mobility Aids: If you regularly rely on a cane or walker for walking long distances, be sure you bring them!
- ID or passport: You’ll need to present these before boarding the plane. Keep them safe.
- Clothing for every occasion: You can’t control the weather, but you can control the items you pack, like socks and a jacket!
Don’t Let Limited Mobility Hold You Back
Vacations are important for everyone, including seniors with limited mobility. They provide relaxation, rejuvenation and time for reflection, which are essential for a well-balanced life. Hopefully, we’ve shed some light on the many resources now available in the world for accommodating traveling seniors with limited mobility.
So, tell us: What’s your next accessible adventure going to be?
About Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
At Tutera Senior Living & Health Care, we’re committed to providing seniors with quality care that supports their emotional, intellectual and physical well-being. Using individualized care plans, empowering wellness programming and clinical excellence, we’re able to restore the quality of life for many seniors. Interested in learning more about Tutera Senior Living? You can use our community finder tool to locate a community near you or call us today with any questions.
