Do you remember the family trips you took when you were a kid? A full tank of gas, snacks, and an itinerary was all it took to create lasting memories. Traveling with Mom and Dad now may not be as easy, but can be just as enjoyable. Instead of creating your own vacation from scratch, you may want to consult a travel agency for cruises and tours that take into account the needs of seniors.
Cruises are a good way to vacation because Mom and Dad can choose activities suiting their energy level best. Because of the variety of activities offered on cruises, you can also bring the kids – making the vacation a multi-generational family reunion. One of the benefits of cruise vacations is that there are as many fun activities to do on the ship as there are on dry land. Parents can choose to stay on the ship and relax or join the kids on organized tours away from the ship. After activities are done for the day, the family can enjoy the ship’s dining hall and share experiences.
Tours that specifically cater to older age groups have become more prolific as today’s seniors understand that retirement does not necessarily mean giving up adventure. Tours vary and can range from domestic and relaxing to international and adventurous. You may want to consider energy level, mobility, and personal preference when picking a tour for you and your parents. Try to accommodate their needs by choosing a tour with slower pacing and less strenuous activity. Choosing to go on a tour in mid-summer or mid-winter may not be wise as temperatures can affect health.
Location is also of importance – consider a location that has easy access to private and public transportation. Places where walking is the main form of transportation can be energy draining and less enjoyable. When choosing a location for a family tour, pick places with cultural depth and a calm atmosphere. Places with museums are great because they provide a lot of cultural value and your family can set the pace.
Keep in mind that Mom and Dad may need more time to get ready in the morning as well as falling asleep at night. Always keep tabs on their medications and organize these dosages before leaving home. An itinerary with plenty of time allotted for each activity is essential as it may take Mom and Dad longer to get from one location to another. Also make sure to plan a “day of rest” so that they can recharge for the rest of the trip.
For more senior traveling advice and ideas visit:
Elder Expeditions specializes in adventure tours for 50+ adults: http://www.elderexpeditions.com/
This website hosts educational and cultural immersion tours for seniors: http://www.roadscholar.org/
Great resource if you are looking for slow-paced, peaceful vacation: http://www.slowtrav.com/
A list of the best cruises for seniors: http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=112
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