Tips On Traveling With Grandparents And Other Seniors
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Photo by Ekaterina Shakharova on Unsplash
By Janet Campbell of Elder Spark
*Check out her other article: Leaving Your Senior Loved One With a Caregiver: 4 Essential Tips
Tips On Traveling With Grandparents
Just because your grandparents have seen darker hair and fewer wrinkles doesn’t mean they need to quit living life. A quick look at the volume and types of travel clubs for seniors should shed some light on the prevalence of traveling after age 65. Unfortunately, some older Americans wait until well past retirement before they feel as though they have the time and money to see new sites. If you are getting ready to travel with your senior loved one for the first time, here are a few things to think about that will make the experience that much more memorable.
1. Go for a virtual spin first.
If your senior has never strayed too far from the comforts of their hometown, traveling abroad — or even just a few states away — may be a culture shock. Look for ways to let them experience the world online so they can get a better feel for their destination. A virtual trip to Spain, for example, or even just strolling the streets of Paris via Google Earth. You might also help to expand their palette by visiting ethnic restaurants and cultural centers.
Image via Pexels
2. Pack appropriately.
You’ll already have a good idea of the types of clothing and shoes that your senior travel companion will need based on your destination. But also don’t forget to pack their medications and any assistive aids, such as a walker or hearing aid batteries. If you plan to drive, a quick trip to Best Buy for a new tablet will end in money well spent. The electronics giant typically has excellent sales, and there are plenty of promo codes available online, all you have to do is look. It might also be a good time to check their luggage situation. A carry-on may not be feasible for a senior with mobility issues. A rolling suitcase with locking wheels might be a better choice.
Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels
3. Confirm accommodations.
When you’re planning to stay at a hotel, your accommodations will almost certainly be senior-friendly. But these places can be busy and overwhelming. Many seniors prefer to stay in a more intimate setting, such as a bed-and-breakfast. As Bob Vila’s Manasa Reddigari notes, B&Bs are often luxurious, hospitable, and full of character. However, because many are considered private establishments, you will want to call ahead and confirm that they are accessible if your senior loved one suffers from any type of mobility or visual impairment. You will also want to double-check their policies on traveling with children as many bed-and-breakfasts prohibit visitors under the age of 16.
Other Tips
Book a nonstop flight. Trudging through the airports is a challenge at any age, and even with mask mandates, you want to expose your senior loved one to as few new people as possible.
Search for senior discounts. Many airlines offer special pricing for passengers over the age of 65.
Look into cruising. Once restrictions have eased in the coronavirus is under control, cruises will likely be reestablished as the go-to travel option for seniors. They are all-inclusive and there is staff available in case your loved one needs a helping hand.
Take it easy on activities. Seniors often work at a slower pace, and this can be difficult when you’re traveling with children and their grandparents. Look for activities that offer self-guided options and make sure there is an adult designated to both children and seniors so that you can all reunite if you’re separated.
Book a separate room. As much as grandma or grandpa may love the littles, they’ll appreciate a respite of their own at the end of a long day.
Traveling with older adults is a fun and rewarding experience, particularly if they’ve never had the pleasure of travel before. But, make sure that you are well prepared. The above tips will help you plan an adventure for your family no matter how many generations will wander with you.
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More Information on Traveling with Elders
Eat Wander Explore helps extended families find the best way to travel together - as a generational trip. To learn more about this service and what we recommend to help build the family bond, check out this page.
We also recommend checking out your roots by traveling to places based on your ancestry. Learn more about how to do that effectively by reading “Ancestry Travel - Tracing your Roots and Experiencing it for Yourself”.
Lastly, we provide more great ideas on how to travel when you're a caregiver to elderly parents as well. If you ever have any questions, we’ll help you find the solution that you’re looking for - just send us an email at eatwanderexplore@gmail.com.
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Tracing your roots and traveling to the countries that your ancestors came from is becoming a more and more common way to choose travel destinations these days. Here are a few reasons why it may be more important to learn about your DNA before you travel and what type of impact that can have on the world as a whole.