Going to visit a loved one, never travelled alone, off to explore…

Getting older or experiencing reduced mobility does not mean we cannot keep travelling and exploring new places. UK or abroad, there is a wide choice of accessible holidays and providers. So, after all the excitement of deciding you are going, now comes the planning – here are a few hints and tips to ensure a fun, safe and comfortable time.

1. Plan ahead

  • Get insurance! Travel insurance is essential for older travellers who are more at risk of falling ill or needing extra medication if travel is delayed.
  • Check if there are any customs/immigration regulations you need to comply with. The flight attendants will be able to answer questions and help you fill out forms.
  • Make sure your passport is up to date.
  • Check accessibility to the accommodation and ease of getting around your room. Book through your local travel agent and ensure you let them know your requirements. You can also contact the resort/hotel directly to confirm.
  • Allow extra time to get to the train station, airport, or connections. There are likely to be lots of other travellers and finding your way to the right platform or gate may take a little time. If you need extra assistance or wheelchair access, call ahead to ensure you arrive at the right entrance.
  • Keep hydrated and have a few handy snacks. Nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars and boiled sweets are all great choices. Make sure they are secured in a small container and do not exceed operator restrictions on volume.
  • Think about how much you need to take. Your hand luggage should include all the essentials you need for the duration of your travel – consider a spare pair of glasses too.
  • You want to ensure a place you plan to visit is accessible for you. AccessAble provides detailed access guides telling you all about a venue’s access, the route you will use to get in, and what is available inside. The directory includes shops, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, railway stations, hotels, colleges, universities, hospitals and more across the UK and Ireland.
  • There is a wide choice of accessible holidays and providers in the UK and abroad. If you are looking for a trip that will cater for all your needs, be that space for wheelchair manoeuvres, a flat-floor wet room, care whilst you’re away, or ease of access for travellers with limited mobility, visit Silver Travel Advisor.

2. Take care of yourself while on holiday

You have arrived and have lots you want to see and do – or maybe not! Allow yourself a couple of days to adjust. Jet lag can be hard on your body and disrupt sleep patterns.

  • Keep hydrated. If you are unsure about the local water supply, drink bottled water and use it when brushing your teeth.
  • Try not to let others’ demands affect what you want to do – a jam-packed itinerary may leave you needing another holiday when you get home!
  • Watch what you eat. As we get older, our tummies can become more sensitive. Be mindful of heavy or spicy foods and any potential conflicts with medication.
  • Stay safe on your feet. Exploring for the day wearing comfortable shoes is sensible and will help you stay steady.
  • Travel light. Only take what you need with you and leave the rest safe where you are staying. Remember, a smartphone can take excellent photos nowadays.

3. A few extra safety precautions

  • Keep medicines handy. Have a couple of days’ worth in your hand luggage so they will always be with you in case of delays.
  • If travelling across time zones it can be easy to lose track of medication timings, so using named day sets will help you maintain your routine.
  • Print and share your travel plans, keeping a copy with you. Let the people you are visiting know your schedule, and perhaps also a friend or neighbour at home should they need to contact you in an emergency.
  • Have a copy of your passport, travel visa, insurance and any relevant medical notes in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage gets mislaid.
  • Choose an aisle seat so you can stretch your legs and easily get up and move around without disturbing others. If you are travelling with someone, consider aisle seats opposite each other to keep close but maintain mobility.
  • Stand and stretch often! One of the most critical risks for senior travellers is DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – it can cause serious illness or even death during or after a long flight simply from sitting still for too long. On long flights it’s vital to wriggle, stretch, stand and move about whenever you can.

A travel company can help you to organise your accessible accommodation, flights, transfers, equipment hire and more. If you have decided to book direct, check with your airline as services do vary. Priority boarding, accessible seating, wheelchair provision – it is important to ask how they can help with your particular needs. Here are some helpful links:

Bon voyage!

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