Going on vacation is an exciting opportunity for many, but when you are a senior, it could be a much-awaited chance to get away. As seniors have more time on their hands and some may also have extra retirement savings, vacations for seniors are a popular topic among the older population.
If you have reached this point, you may be wondering what are the best vacations for seniors? Some with special concerns may also have to consider vacations for seniors with limited mobility and those who use mobility equipment. Luckily, there are a number of fantastic spots with seniors' needs in mind.
To help you get started, read on to discover some of the best vacations for seniors.
There are endless possibilities for seniors who are itching to book an escape, both locally and internationally. All it takes is deciding which spots suit your needs and considerations best.
Within the United States alone, there are local vacation spots and hidden gems for seniors who are not quite ready to venture out to far-flung areas.
This tropical escape is beautiful and perfect for slow days. You can take it easy day by day and explore Maui’s rich marine life at the Maui Ocean Center or go for a stroll while souvenir shopping at the Wailea Shops.
The Kapalua Plantation Course is also another famous attraction for seniors who play golf. Rest assured, you willA legal document that states how a person's property should be managed and distributed after death. leave Maui feeling recharged and rejuvenated — and with a sunkissed glow.
Miami is a very wheelchair-accessible city, with its beaches granting permanent access for individuals with disabilities. In addition to this, many of its attractions are also wheelchair-friendly, including the exciting Shark Valley Tram Tour.
Bayside Marketplace also gives you many options, from culinary delights of global cuisines to live music and shopping.
Santa Fe may be one of the less popular or thought of senior vacation spots, but it is severely underrated. It is the ideal place to visit for seniors interested in art because of its rich history and abundance of museums and galleries.
For a more interactive experience, you can also walk along Canyon Road and buy a few unique and handcrafted souvenirs to bring home. You can also listen to some musical delights at the famous Santa Fe Opera.
Sedona is a very accessible city from different parts of the United States. It is the ideal senior vacation spot for older adults who appreciate nature and the great outdoors. The fascinating rock formations are a sight to see, and you can embark on a Private Sedona Red Rock Tour that you can tailor to your needs.
You can also see Sedona from an aerial perspective with a Red Rock Balloon tour. And for an entirely different experience, you can attend a healing session with the renowned healer Todd Denny, M.S.W.
Williamsburg is another underrated location, but it is a good vacation spot for seniors who love to learn about history. You can stay at a colonial house, then spend some time soaking in the vibrance of the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. A lot of the activities in Williamsburg are also wheelchair-friendly, including the public transport in Colonial Williamsburg.
You can also experience history firsthand at the Governor’s Palace, with reconstructed buildings and live demonstrations of old practices.
If you are ready to step out of your comfort zone and head on over to an international vacation, you will have even more options to choose from.
Guam is a well-balanced destination for city dwellers and beach-goers. Like a smaller version of the United States, you can enjoy shopping and dining at Tumon. If you want to see some marine life, you can go dolphin watching, which is available year-round.
When you are ready for some peace and quiet, head on over to some of Guam’s beaches, like Ritidian, Tanguisson Beach Park, East Agana Bay Beach, or Mata’pang Beach Park.
If you have never been to Asia, Singapore is a great place to start as it is a melting pot of different cultures. You can pay a visit to the National Museum of Singapore, which is wheelchair accessible and full of Quiet Spots when you need to sit down for a break. Gardens by the Bay is another must-see, where you can relax while admiring the wildlife and lush greenery.
For a day of unwinding, spend some time at Sembawang Hot Spring Park, where you can soak in the water, have delicious food, and be amid nature. The entire city is connected via MRT, making it accessible and easy for seniors.
Tokyo may be known for its hustle and bustle, but it is also a very senior-friendly city in terms of its accessibility in public transport and commercial areas. You can visit Sugamo, which is a famous neighborhood and shopping area for older adults.
For a little bit of culture, you can also check out the Imperial Palace, filled with historical parks, fortresses, and more. The Sensō-Ji Temple, which is the most famous shrine in Tokyo, is enchanting and a must on your Tokyo bucket list. You can walk along the street and check out some locally-made goods as well.
For a trip that is purely about relaxation, Phuket is a place to go. Many older expats choose to retire here simply because of how laidback it is. Surin Beach, Paradise Beach, and Nai Thon are some of the most popular beaches for retirees in Phuket, and you can have your fill of sea and sand as you spend your days lounging about.
For a European sojourn, you can consider Berlin. The city has accessible public transport and is relatively flat, making it ideal for seniors with disabilities. You can catch a glimpse of history at the Charlottenburg Palace and Reichstag.
The Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the world and is definitely a must-see with countless plants, herbariums, and a beautiful pond.
Ready to plan that vacation? As a senior, you may have a bunch of concerns and considerations in mind. Read on for additional tips for seniors ready to embark on their vacation.
Timing is key for a good vacation, especially depending on where you choose to travel. Here are some suggestions:
Your packing list will be dependent on the weather of your chosen destination, but a core packing list of essentials should remain. Here are some musts for seniors to bring on vacation, regardless of where they go:
Still have a few concerns? Here are some of the frequently asked questions about senior travel!
To travel cheaply, seniors can look for travel discounts through organizations such as the AARP. Other organizations, tour packages, and cruises also have discounts for seniors, as do budget travel companies that compare rates. When choosing where to go, you can do some research on the destination’s off-seasons so that you know you will get better deals.
Costs for senior trips will vary depending on the destination, season, and length of your stay. On average, if you travel domestically, the cost per day for a four-night vacation is $144, excluding airfare. Should you go on an international trip, the cost per day may be $271 for a 12-night stay, excluding transportation or airfare.
Tips for traveling with seniors include thoughtful planning, preparing medical information and getting doctors’ clearance, securing important documents and insurance, calling airlines for special assistance, and making sure that their essentials are all packed.
You can travel with older parents to places like Maui, Miami, Santa Fe, Sedona, and Williamsburg. For international travel, you can go with your older parents to places like Guam, Singapore, Tokyo, Phuket, and Berlin.
Seniors can fly alone, especially when they get clearance from their primary health care provider. You can also prepare ahead of time by asking for airport and airline assistance.
Planning for a vacation for seniors may take some time, but it will be worth it when you finally get to go on your much-deserved break. For other vacation options, check out our post on senior travel tours. Contact Senior Strong today!
