Four Ideas for Senior-Friendly Travel
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on May 02, 2017
Four Ideas for Senior-Friendly Travel
Do you have travel plans for this summer? Is there somewhere that you have always longed to go, but time has gotten the best of you? Maybe you want to travel this summer, but are not sure about being away from your doctor or worry that you will be too tired to go on an adventure. Today, we are going to explore some senior-friendly ideas for traveling. St. Augustine said it best, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only one page”.
4 Big Ideas for Senior Travel
1. National Park Pass- Limited time on a $10 lifetime pass!
Exploring the 84 million acres of land taken care of by the National Park Service in the United States is a great way to get outside and see breathtaking sites all over the country. To name a few options, you can see the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the United States and was formed by a volcanic eruption over 7,700 years ago in Southern Oregon, or take in the amazing site of natural stand stone formations at Arches National Park in Utah. Many of these parks offer great driving scenery as well as paved short trails, a perfect solution to someone who may get tired from walking too much or spending too much time in the sun. Seniors over the age of 62 can receive a lifetime pass for the price of $10. However, Time’s Money section just recently posted a warning article about the National Park Service will be raising this senior lifetime pass fee to $80 a person. For further references about a senior pass for America’s national parks, check out their senior pass page.
2. Book a Cruise
A cruise is a fun time to be had by all. You get the advantage of boarding a ship that has a place to sleep, a place to eat, and also acts as your transportation as you travel to different locations! A great opportunity for a family with different vacation desires. What do you have in mind for a cruise location? Have you always wanted to get off the mainland and check out the 49th and 50th states? Perhaps you can consider an Alaskan or a Hawaiian cruise. Maybe when you think of a cruise, you think of a relaxing vacation with calm waters and sandy beaches. Maybe it’s been a long winter and going someplace closer to the equator sounds like just the ticket. There are plenty of Caribbean cruises that allow you to relax and soak up the sun with a cold drink in your hand. One last cruise suggestion would be to hop on a river cruise on the Danube River or the Rhine River in Europe to explore all of the exciting cultures of different countries in Europe. Again, the cruise offers the convenience of acting as transportation and accommodation, which means you can just enjoy sightseeing and the historical wonders of Europe!
3. Join a Senior Touring Group
Do you worry about trying to keep up with your family on a vacation? Are you concerned that you might hold everybody up with low energy levels and frequent bathroom breaks? You should consider traveling with other seniors to a single destination or a multi-destination trip. Many touring companies offer affordable prices and share the conveniences of traveling with their group. A large, air-conditioned bus with a restroom, a slower paced travel itinerary, and planned out meal stops can help you take advantage of things that might hold you back in the first place. This is also a great way to have fun with people your own age and make new friends to share memories with in the future!
4. Vacation in Place
When was the last time that you took the time to explore where you live? Are there any local state parks? How about museums? If you live in a big city, why not spend the week acting as a tourist in your own neck of the woods? This is a great option if you really cannot be away from a physician or the idea of a trip might financially be a struggle right now. Sometimes, just doing something different from our routine can be just as much as an adventure as traveling around the world!
If you are longing to go somewhere, feel free to also check out these 5 Top U.S. Destinations for Retirees. After you book your summer vacation, be sure to be on the lookout for our next article about senior travel safety advisements.