Creaking joints and a bunch of daily pills should not prevent a retired senior from traveling. There are so many things one can do to prepare and make the holiday a truly relaxing and enjoyable adventure. My dad always used to say, half the fun of a vacation is planning for it.
Don’t forget the senior discounts!
Now that you’re just about ready to fire up the laptop and start your journey, remember to start with senior discounts. AARP is a good place to start for travel perks for those in the US, and senior discounts in general can be found on flights, accommodations, and activities.
You’ve Heard it Before, We’ll Say it Again – Do a Health Check
Once you’ve picked a location, check to make sure that when you go on your trip you will have enough medications to take with you. Just get those pill containers for days of the week and get all those necessary meds lined up and ready to go (with at least a couple extra days to a week or so just in case there are delays or change of plans), and you’ll be all set. If you’re traveling outside the country, be sure to check and make sure all your vaccinations are in order, and specifically for the country you’re heading to – the old to each his own rule applies here.
Your Documents are Ready for Their Close Up
Once you have gathered whatever travel documents you will need, such as your passport, TSA precheck card, ID, medical cards, tickets, take pictures of everything and keep it stored on your phone. Should you somehow become disengaged from your documents (you can put them all in a Ziploc bag in your carry on for the safest keeping), you will at least have digital copies of everything on your phone. Speaking of phone, since people love to take pictures of everything these days, from the juicy burger they’re about the devour to scenic canyons and vast blue oceans, they make phone gear now that lets you keep your phone around your neck at the ready so you’re not constantly fishing in and out of your purse or pocket, plus it’s more likely to not get forgotten somewhere if you put it down.
Get all Comfy Cozy
Imagine all the places you’ll go and what you’d like to have to feel comfortable. Maybe you’d like a neck pillow for your flight, headphones to listen to music or play games, even your favorite snacks. And don’t be embarrassed to bring along a fluffy plush to hold onto if that adds to your comfort level. Now put on those compression socks and walking shoes, and a light jacket you can take on and off, and you’re good to go.

Look Ma, No Hands!
Make traveling hands-free a priority, and you’ll feel as free as a bird. If you can manage it, pack using only a free-wheeling carry-on with adjustable handle so you can avoid luggage retrieval upon arrival. Use a crossbody bag or fanny pack for things you want to keep right on you at all times.
Hydrate and Stretch – Wait, is This an Exercise Class?
No matter where in the travel journey you are, be sure to stay hydrated and get up and move a bit if you’re on a long travel stretch that involves sitting. And yes, Virginia, they make water bottle holders you can strap on as well to keep hands-free. Maybe even set your phone alarm so you don’t forget to take your meds every day. Even a hat you can attach to your purse or fanny pack when you’re not using it could come in very handy whether the sun is beating down on you or drops of rain start to fall.
Getting There with Ease
Airport too large to get from check in to departure gate? Not a problem. Call in advance and have a wheelchair waiting for you. And don’t worry if you’re traveling alone, because there will even be an airport staff person who will make sure you get wheeled around to wherever you need to go. As a bonus, those in wheelchairs often fall into priority boarding status, so you’ll get to your seat first, ahead of the crowd. Oh, and usually this service is free at most airports and train stations.

The Road Less Traveled
Flying is not the only way to travel. Did you know that there are cruises that specifically cater to seniors? And not to worry about potential medical needs, because there’s always a doctor onboard. Those with limited mobility won’t have to walk too far, because it’s a self-contained vacation on the water with your room, food, activities, pools, and entertainment all standing at the ready to serve. Also high on senior friendly destinations are national parks, beach resorts, and cultural cities – and many of these are optional excursions when one is in a port city. How convenient is that?
And have you considered a train tour? These journeys take advantage of scenic views at a pace much more leisurely than flying 35,000 feet up at 550 miles per hour, and the seating is spacious throughout the train, not just in some first-class section, with much less hassle to board and have your luggage taken care of than airport check-in and security.
Oh the Places You’ll Go!
Okay, so that’s the first half of the fun part of your senior travel journey. Now you’re ready to dream about where you actually might go. Let us help you get started.
Did you know that there are companies like Road Scholar and Trafalgar that offer trips specifically designed for seniors? Some tour companies specialize in accessible travel and hone in on what seniors usually like such as cultural excursions to museums, historical landmarks, and theater performances. There are rejuvenating spa retreats that make you feel like you’re young again, and sightseeing tours that offer accessible walks through parks and botanical gardens even if that “walking” is accomplished on a personal scooter. So what are you waiting for? In the words of the ref in the boxing ring, Let’s get ready to traveeellll.