Active Aging Presented by Public Health Seattle-King County
Traveling tops the must-do list of many people reaching retirement age. According to AARP’s 2023 Travel Trends report, 62% of people in the U.S. age 50+ planned to take at least one leisure trip last year. If you’re in this group, you deserve to treat yourself to those trips you’ve always wanted to take but put off while working.
Now, to answer the fun questions, “Where should I go?” and “What should I do when I get there?”
There’s an endless list of exciting places to see and many fun adventures await. In planning a trip, your budget, physical abilities, and wish list are top factors to consider. If you need ideas, check out this list of senior-friendly travel tips and destinations.
Active Aging Travel Tips
When planning your travel adventure, always prioritize your health and safety. Follow these active aging travel tips to ensure a safe and smooth trip.
Consult Your Physician and Follow Public Health Guidance
Always consult your physician before traveling to cover any special instructions, dietary requirements, or physical restrictions for your trip — especially if you have any chronic conditions or mobility issues. You should also follow any public health and safety guidelines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may post ahead of your travel dates. Read the CDC guidelines here.
Request an Accessible Hotel or Airport Assistance
When you book a hotel, or plane tickets, be sure to request any mobility assistance or special accommodation you require. This might include a first-floor or wheelchair accessible hotel room, an elevator, airport gate transport assistance, and accessible shuttle or taxi service.
Know TSA Rules and Pack Medication in a Carry-on Bag
Before you pack, familiarize yourself with current TSA rules. Make sure to pack any medication in a carry-on bag for easy access when you need it. This includes liquid prescriptions, syringes, pumps, freezer packs, and IV bags.
Keep Important Documents Handy
Make copies of important documents including your driver’s license, passport, medical cards, and trip itinerary. Pack a set with you and give a set to a friend or family member at home, in case of an emergency. As you explore a city or tourist site, carry your ID and emergency contact information with you.
Guard Against Theft
Older adults are targets for theft and fraud, according to the National Council on Aging. When traveling, keep your jewelry, passport, and other valuables in a hotel safe. Inform your banks and credit card companies about your travel plans and provide your destination. When moving about, zip your money, ID, and credit cards into an interior jacket or pocket, to prevent theft.
Enjoy Activities and Know Your Physical Limits
As you enjoy activities, don’t tax yourself, stay hydrated, assess fall or injury risks, and know your physical limits. Staying within your physical boundaries will help prevent injuries and accidents.
Senior-friendly Travel Destinations
You should always visit places at the top of your wish list whenever possible. If you need ideas, here are some senior-friendly travel destinations, according to Frommers.
U.S. National Parks
There’s nothing more beautiful and invigorating than exploring the great outdoors and the U.S. National Park Service has a myriad of breathtaking options. From the Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, to Yellowstone, majestic mountains and miles of scenic flora and fauna await. Plus, the parks boast a variety of accessible trails and activities for people of all ages and abilities. Visitors age 62+ can also buy a lifetime senior park pass.
Alaska
If you’re longing to see gorgeous scenery, Alaska is filled with gorgeous landscapes and seascapes, giant glaciers, jaw-dropping whales, and more. And there are plenty of ways to see things without rigorous walking and climbing. You can take an Alaskan cruise, take a birds-eye helicopter tour, and enjoy a scenic inland Aurora Winter Train Ride that travels between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
The Caribbean
What better way to rest and rejuvenate than enjoying a balmy Caribbean breeze? To get there, book a Caribbean cruise that visits one island or more. On the ship you can play shuffleboard, slots, and trivia, soak in the pool or hot tub, and dine on delicious food. Or fly to an island and stay at an all-inclusive resort on a sandy beach.
If you’re looking for global adventures, try these senior-friendly places.
Istanbul, Athens, and Italy
Istanbul, Athens, Greece and Rome, rank first-third on Forbes’ Best Destinations for Senior Travel list. Istanbul topped the list due to its peaceful atmosphere, quality activities, and walking ease. Over 22% of Athens’ population is 65+. Beyond the gorgeous scenery, Athens offers 10 senior tours. Rome has a plethora of things for seniors to do at a slower pace and is one of the most walkable cities in the world.
The world is waiting for you to explore, follow these tips and suggestions to have an exciting and safe senior travel experience.
