Do you dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower, feeling the warm sand of a faraway beach, or exploring ancient ruins? Getting older doesn’t mean you have to give up on those dream trips! Traveling can be a wonderful adventure, no matter your age.

Traveling as a senior, however, can sometimes come with a few extra challenges or things to consider. Maybe you’re worried about getting around easily, managing your medications, or just staying comfortable on a long trip. If so, you’re not alone.

The good news is that, with a little planning, you can make your travel dreams a reality. We’ve put together 10 travel tips for seniors that will help you plan a safe and comfortable trip.

Planning ahead is always a good idea, but it’s even more important for seniors. Booking early gives you more choices for accessibility and helps you avoid last-minute stress. The earlier you start, the sooner your journey will be!

Booking a trip in advance has lots of perks, including:

• More accessible rooms and seating: Booking early means you are more likely to get hotel rooms or airplane seats designed for people with mobility issues.
• More time to research: Booking early gives you plenty of time to research your destination, find the best deals, and read reviews from other travelers.
• Travel insurance options: Travel insurance is a must, especially for seniors. Take the time to shop around and find a policy that covers your specific needs.
• Potentially lower prices: Sometimes, booking early can save you money! The earlier you start planning, the more time you’ll have to track prices online.

Before you pack your bags, it’s important to chat with your doctor about your travel plans. Think of it as a pre-trip tune-up for your health! Your doctor can give you advice and make sure you’re ready for a safe, healthy trip.

Here are some things you might want to take care of before a trip:

• Up-to-date vaccinations: Your doctor can make sure you have all the necessary shots to protect you from diseases in the places you’re visiting.¹
• Prescriptions and refills: Make sure you have enough of your medications to last the entire trip. Your doctor can write you refills if needed.
• Medical letter: Ask your doctor for a letter that explains your medical conditions, lists your medications, and includes emergency contact information. This letter can be helpful if you need medical care while traveling.
• Travel-related health concerns: Your doctor can give you advice about things like motion sickness, altitude sickness,² and how to stay healthy while you’re on the go.

Talking to your doctor before you travel is a simple but important step that can help you stay healthy and safe on your trip. Schedule that appointment today and get ready to travel with peace of mind.

By keeping your luggage on the lighter side, you make it easier to manage when traveling. Carrying heavy bags while on the go can be tough on your back and joints. Packing light also means you’ll have fewer things to keep track of and will be less likely to lose something.

Here are some ways you can keep your luggage to a minimum:

• Make a packing list: Before you start packing, make a list of everything you think you’ll need. This will help you stay organized and avoid overpacking.
• Choose versatile clothing: Pick clothes that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits.
• Use packing cubes: Packing cubes are small, zippered bags that help you organize your belongings and compress your clothes.
• Travel-sized toiletries: Buy smaller versions of your favorite toiletries, or transfer them into smaller containers, so you don’t have to carry around full-sized products.

Think of travel insurance as a safety net for your trip. You hope you won’t need it, but it’s good to have it just in case. It can protect you from unexpected costs if something goes wrong before or during your travels.

Here are some reasons why travel insurance is so important for seniors:

• Pre-existing medical conditions: Many travel insurance policies can cover pre-existing medical conditions, which is especially important for older adults. If you have a flare-up of a condition while you’re traveling, your insurance can help pay for medical expenses.
• Emergency medical expenses: If you get sick or injured while traveling, travel insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatment or transportation to a hospital.
• Trip cancellation or interruption: If you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, travel insurance can help you get your money back.
• Lost or stolen luggage: Travel insurance can cover the cost of replacing your belongings if you lose your suitcases. 

Making sure your trip is accessible is very important for seniors. Accessibility means that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can get around and participate. If a place is accessible, that means it has things like ramps and elevators for people who use wheelchairs or have trouble walking. These locations will also have accessible restrooms that are larger and easier to use.

Here are some tips to make sure your trip is as accessible as possible:

·       Ask questions first: Before booking anything, call the airline, hotel, or places you want to visit. Ask if they have ramps, elevators, and special bathrooms.

·       Get good seats: When you book your flight or train, ask for seats that are easier to get to.

·       Rent mobility aids: If you need a wheelchair or scooter but won’t be bringing your own, see if you can rent one when you get to your destination.

·       Use helpful websites: Some websites and apps are designed to tell you which places are easy to get around when accessibility is a concern.

It’s easy to forget to eat well and drink enough water while you’re traveling, but it’s still important. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet will help you feel your best and enjoy your trip more.³ Think of it as fueling up your body for adventure!

To hit your dietary goals while on vacation, consider these tips:

·       Bring a water bottle with you and fill it up often.

·       Avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice.

·       Pack healthy snacks like fruits, veggies, and nuts.

·       Choose healthier options at restaurants.

·       Be careful about trying new foods that might upset your stomach.

Keeping track of your medications is extra important while traveling, because you won’t have access to your usual pharmacy. Make sure you take your medicines on time and bring enough so that you won’t run out.

Here are some tips to help you keep your medicines organized while you’re away from home:

·       Keep all medications in their original bottles.

·       Make a list of all your medicines and vitamins, including what time you should take them.

·       If you are flying, pack your medicine in a carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage.

·       Don’t forget to account for time zone changes. Talk to your doctor about how to adjust your medication schedule if you will be traveling to a different time zone.

Falls can happen easily when you’re in a new place, where the terrain or layout is unfamiliar. When you first get to your destination, take some time to scope out your surroundings. Take note of any ramps, stairs, or furniture that could get in your way when moving about.

Here are some other tips to prevent falls while you’re on vacation:

·       Wear shoes that fit well and have good grip on the soles.

·       Avoid wearing sandals, high heels, or other styles of shoe that you’re not familiar with.

·       Use handrails when available.

·       Take your time and don’t rush.

·       Use mobility aids like a cane or walker when needed.

It’s nice to keep in touch with family and friends while you’re traveling. It lets them know you’re safe and having fun! Plus, it’s comforting to hear familiar voices when you’re far from home.

Staying connected doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some suggestions:

·       Bring your phone. Your cell phone is the easiest way to stay in touch with loved ones. Don’t forget your charger and maybe even a portable power bank.

·       Use WiFi or get a data plan. Many hotels, cafes, and libraries offer free WiFi, so take advantage of it. If you’re traveling to another country, consider getting an international data plan for your phone. This will let you use the internet even when you’re not near WiFi.

·       Share your plans. Tell family and friends where you’re going and when you’ll be back and check in with them regularly. Not only is it a fun way to share your experience, but it also lets them know that you’re safe.

Don’t try to do too much during your trip. It’s important to listen to what your body is telling you. If you’re tired, take a break. If something hurts, stop doing it. Remember, this is a vacation—not a race to see how much you can fit into your calendar.

To get the most out of your trip while being mindful of your well-being, keep these tips in mind:

• Take breaks when you need them. Don’t schedule too many activities in one day. Leave some time for relaxing and naps, if needed. Be sure to sit down and rest your feet every so often.
• Get enough sleep each night. Aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep each night can help you feel refreshed and energized.⁴ Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as they can make it harder to fall asleep.
• Don’t push yourself too hard. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to activities if you’re not feeling up to it. Remember that it’s okay to slow down and enjoy the moment.

With a little preparation, you can have a fantastic travel experience—no matter your age. Just remember to plan ahead, communicate with your doctor, and listen to your body. Don’t let anything hold you back from exploring the world and creating lasting memories.

Current content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

• “Travelers’ Health,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel-vaccines.
• “Altitude Sickness,” Cleveland Clinic, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15111-altitude-sickness.
• “10 Reasons Why Hydration is Important,” National Council on Aging, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.ncoa.org/article/10-reasons-why-hydration-is-important.
• “Sleep and Older Adults,” National Institute on Aging, last accessed April 17, 2025, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/sleep-and-older-adults.