Seniors travelling tips
Youth may be wasted on the young, but luckily there are no age limits to travel, regardless of physical ability or impairment.
And while today’s seniors are not limited to only travelling by vehicle or to nearby locales, plenty of advance planning is a must when embarking on new adventures.
“Seniors shouldn’t let mobility issues stop them from doing what they want to do,” says Michelle Gilberds, travel consultant at Newwest Travel. “There are all kinds of options available for them to see new places and take on amazing adventures.”
Gilberds and her colleagues know enjoyable travel can continue well into the golden years, and they’re always available to assist with the necessary planning prior to a major holiday.
“We’ll look into the available options for their preferred travel dates and ensure that all companies involved in the vacation are aware of any mobility or dietary needs and requirements,” she says.
For seniors with mobility issues, a bus tour might not be ideal because the strain of repeatedly climbing and descending the bus stairs may prove too much for some travellers. But there exist plenty of other senior-friendly travel options, according to Gilberds, regardless of whether the goal is to relax or do some exploring in far-away lands.
“Cruises are a great way to see a few different destinations in one trip, since it includes both the transportation and accommodations for the trip, as well as some food and beverage,” she says. “They also leave some of the planning up to the traveller when deciding on which excursions they want to include in their places to see.”
Those excursions are optional for cruisers, but all cruise lines do offer a variety to choose from that are rated based on physical ability. And if mobility aids are required, Gilberds can offer guidelines on whether it is advisable to bring them along.
“It depends on how dependent an individual is on their aids. Of course, if they are confined to a wheelchair they will need to bring it,” she says. “But if they only need a walker, wheelchair or cane for long distances, then [this assistance] can be arranged.”
Airlines such as WestJet are happy to offer assistance to travellers with special needs; however, most requests need to be made at least 48 hours prior to departure, which is something that Gilberds and her colleagues can ensure. Accommodations may include travelling with a service animal or the use of personal oxygen tanks or mobility aids. Travellers who are hearing- or vision-impaired can also request assistance from the airline in advance.
In terms of the flight itself, there are pros and cons to both non-stop flights and flights that require connections.
“Air travel can be stressful for even the most seasoned flier,” says Lauren Stewart, Media Relations Manager at WestJet. “Guests that have limited mobility may enjoy the convenience of non-stop flights because indirect or layover flights require longer periods of travel time and often include deplaning, searching out additional boarding gates, and boarding a second or even third aircraft.”
The one exception to this may be for travellers whose disabilities make it difficult to manoeuvre in airplane washrooms, which are traditionally not very big. In situations such as this, it may be beneficial to split the flights up rather than taking one longer, non-stop flight to their destination.
Regardless of which option is selected, according to Stewart, “WestJet welcomes [their] special-needs guests and will do [their] best to make travel as easy as possible [so that it’s] smooth and stress free.”
Additionally, if a hotel is needed at some point on the journey, some do offer wheelchair rentals, but they are subject to availability and will need to be paid for at the destination. The same can be said for many amusement parks in terms of renting medical scooters or wheelchairs for use in the park.
“It would be best [for seniors] to bring their aids if they are going to a destination where they will need to be somewhat active,” says Gilberds, adding, “Other destinations like an all-inclusive resort—where they can relax poolside or on the beach— might not require the aid as much.”
Regardless of where the final destination may be, it’s important for seniors to carefully plan their routes and be aware of things like cobblestone paving or excessive stairs that can wreak havoc on knees and other joints.
When in doubt, it may be best to book through a travel consultant such as Gilberds who has years of experience and can do all the necessary research beforehand.
“We can be their go-to person if they have any questions or issues.”