Traveling is fun and exciting. The prospect of getting away from it all can make every day seem like a Monday. But taking a vacation isn’t just about relaxing and forgetting work; it’s also about making sure you have the most fun while on your trip.
Most aging loved ones know planning vacations for seniors with limited mobility ahead is the key to living their best lives. Planning your travel itinerary will give you peace of mind and help you to avoid the last-minute rush.
Here’s the perfect guideline for aging family members in retirement communities who want to enjoy their vacations to the fullest.
Plan Ahead
One of the most essential measures that you must take is planning. This can include preparing in advance, such as making sure you have your medication and other items within your reach that you might need while traveling. Make sure that you get everything done while at home, so you do not have to worry once you leave. Also, have a list of contacts and numbers if there is an emergency. If you have no one to contact in case of an emergency, make sure that the hotel has the number of a local doctor.
Book Hotels in Advance
If you’re above 50 with limited mobility, we’d highly recommend booking your hotel at least 21 days in advance. For those who plan on staying longer, it’s best to book hotels even further in advance, as these are very sought-after destinations and they can fill up fast. You need to remember that the moment you book the hotel is the moment you pay for it! It would not be very good to book a holiday and then have your accommodation canceled because another person or family booked it. As annoying as it may sound, don’t wait until the last minute to book your hotel.
Carefully Plan Your Route
Traveling can be fun and exciting, especially if you are traveling to a new country. However, one of the most common problems for many golden-age adults in assisted care with limited mobility is trouble moving around after long journeys. Planning your route carefully should be one of the first things you do when making a vacation plan. This is because taking a good route can make your travel much easier and comfortable.
Stay in the Most Accessible Parts of Town
One of the most important aspects when traveling for those with limited mobility is location. Most golden-age adults get around quite well with their walker or wheelchair, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in inaccessible places. Be smart and consult a travel agent when planning your next vacation to ensure that your trip will be fully accessible and enjoyable.
Have a Backup Plan
Some aging adults might have to modify their usual vacation plans with limited mobility. One needs to make sure that they are not going to too crowded places and with family or friends on this vacation. It is good to remember that senior citizens should have a backup plan available if they do not find the right place to stay or have plans change drastically.
Enjoy Your Trip!
People have a variety of reasons why they prefer to vacation in one city over another. When an aging loved one with limited mobility chooses where they want to travel, they don’t just look at the views, weather, and accessible transportation — they really want to make sure they stay in an environment where they can move around as they want.