Are you a senior who finds travel difficult due to mobility and accessibility challenges? If so, you’re not alone. A study by the Bureau of Transportation found that more than 57% of people over age 65 have a similar experience. To help you live out your travel dreams, we’ve compiled this list of the top travel ideas for seniors with limited mobility.
You’ve worked for years and raised your family, and now it’s time to travel and have the experiences you always dreamed of. Thankfully, we are in an era where people and businesses are aware of the needs of seniors with limited mobility, and many are taking steps to ensure proper accessibility.
Furthermore, online forums and apps create space for sharing information, such as whether a wheelchair ramp or automatic doors are available and what the setup in the accessible restrooms is like. In fact, with a little forethought, seniors with limited mobility can plan an incredible vacation and rest assured that they’ll have full access to all the adventures and amenities available.
Plan Ahead for Your Accessible Vacation
Whether you plan to jet-set off to a faraway land or take a day trip to a nearby attraction, you must plan ahead. Knowing the availability of accessible bathrooms and entryways and how to access them will reduce anxiety and confusion when you arrive.
Secure Travel Insurance
Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, a solid travel insurance policy is a must, especially for seniors with limited mobility. Even when you’ve done your due diligence and confirmed accessibility, hiccups can happen. A dependable travel insurance policy ensures that you are reimbursed if you can no longer attend an event or trip and provides assistance from a 24/7 helpline with resources to get your trip back on track.
If you’re looking for the best travel insurance for your trip, check out these Top Travel Insurance Companies for Seniors.
Find Accessible Places in Google Maps
If you use a smartphone with the Google Maps app, you can enable the “Accessible Places” feature within your settings. This feature prompts Google Maps to display a wheelchair icon for accessible locations. You can then select the icon to find additional information about specific accessibility features, including parking, restrooms, entrances, and seating options.
.
Utilize Accessibility Apps
There are countless apps available that can assist you in finding accessible locations in whatever area you may be traveling. Prepare by installing and utilizing these apps to map out your trip and choose the best parking, restaurants, and excursions.
For instance, the WheelMate app helps you locate wheelchair-accessible facilities and find additional information about parking and restrooms. With more than 35,000 locations across 45 countries, you’re sure to find what you need. You can also find apps that assist with other accessibility needs, such as speech or vision. Simply search in your phone’s app store for whatever you need.
If you don’t currently use a cell phone, consider purchasing one for your trip so you’ll always have access to assistance. To help you get started, we’ve compiled this list of the Best Cell Phones for Visually Impaired Seniors.
Top Limited Mobility Travel Ideas for Seniors
Don’t let accessibility limit your adventures. There are a plethora of incredible vacation opportunities that are accessible and exciting, even on a budget.
Cruise the World
Taking a cruise is one of the best ways to see the world while enjoying the luxuries of the ship as you travel from one adventure to the next. Fortunately, many cruise ships are fully accessible with built-in high-rise toilets, restroom handrails, roll-in showers, large entryways, accessible seating at restaurants and shows, lowered sinks and closet rods, accessible balconies, and elevators. Many even offer wheelchair rentals, braille signage, and ASL interpreters.
Some of the best cruises for seniors with limited mobility include:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Disney Cruise Line
- Holland America
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princes Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity Reflection
If you’re not quite ready to sail the seven seas, consider an accessible river cruise where you’ll enjoy the cruise experience, but on a smaller and more local scale. American Cruise Lines, for instance, offers 17 river and coastal cruises all designed with mobility challenges in mind.
Accessible City Breaks
Accessible city breaks are fully accessible vacations that focus on taking advantage of all a single destination offers. For instance, an accessible city break in San Diego, California, might include accommodations at the Bahia Resort and day trips to the Birch Aquarium, the Cabrillo National Monument, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, various museums, exciting casinos, relaxing spas, and fantastic restaurants.
During an accessible city break, you can be adventurous and take in all the city’s exciting activities, or you can enjoy a quiet stroll through lovely seaside neighborhoods, shopping districts, or national parks. These vacations are fully customizable and often include a vast array of accessibility options. Be sure to plan ahead so you know what the accessibility landscape is like.
Senior-Friendly Resorts
If you’re looking for a stress-free vacation, a resort vacation is your best choice. Resorts offer the opportunity to pay ahead and then sit back and enjoy all the resort has to offer. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about transportation with amenities such as restaurants, pools, spas, and entertainment on site.
While most resorts are accessible to some degree, there are some questions you should ask before you book your stay.
- Are the doorways throughout the entire resort accessible via wheelchair?
- How high are the beds?
- Are the beds accessible from both sides?
- What types of showers/tubs are available?
- Are there grab bars in the restrooms?
- Are shower chairs or raised toilet seats available?
- Is accessible parking available?
- Is accessible seating available at shows and restaurants?
- Is the pool accessible?
- Are wheelchair rentals available?
- Are shuttle services wheelchair accessible?
- Does wheelchair accessibility extend to outdoor pathways?
There are countless resorts worldwide, so we’ve narrowed the list to the best accessible resorts for seniors.
- Little Valley Mountain Resort in Sevierville, TN
- Resort at Squaw Creek in Northern California
- The Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada
- Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii
- Disney’s Caribbean Resort
- Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort
- Sandals Grande St. Lucian Resort
- Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort
Guided Tours
Guided tours offer an incredible opportunity to explore the world with a group of people with similar interests, all organized by a paid travel guide. If you want to take a group tour, seek one designed with accessibility in mind.
Many of these “wheelchair travel tours” or “accessible tours” are curated by a guide who will verify accessibility of lodging, travel, restaurants, and attractions all along the way. This way, you can spend your time and energy enjoying the experience without stressing over the details.
Don’t let accessibility challenges limit you in seeking out the adventures you crave. With just a little planning, travel for seniors with limited mobility will be well within your reach. Also, don’t forget your AARP membership benefits.
Related Article: Best Senior Discounts
