Everyone needs a vacation, no matter the age or ability level. Are you planning a vacation with a party that includes an aging relative with limited mobility? Yes? Then you need to check out the following tips and destinations to plan the best vacations for seniors with limited mobility.
Vacation Destinations for Seniors with Limited Mobility Issues
The following vacation ideas are great for older people living with mobility issues.
U.S. National Parks
Per the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), all national parks in the United States must ensure new park construction and alterations meet ADA accessibility guidelines as well as provide reasonable accommodations for disabled guests.
Popular destinations like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks, for example, all offer accessibility features like wheelchair-accessible transportation and restrooms, accessible rooms and lodging, rentable and free wheelchairs, on-site wheelchair ramps, and accessible trails.
Cruises
Many ocean and river cruise lines offer ADA-compliant services and features on their cruise ships. These features can include wheelchair-accessible cabins with on-site ramps, wide-swing doors with plenty of turning space, low sinks, roll-in showers, accessible pathways, and grab bars; step-free entrances and elevators; on-site medical staff and equipment; and assistance with transferring to accessible transportation on shore.
Popular ocean cruise companies that offer accessibility accommodations include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line. River cruise companies offering accessibility accommodations include American Cruise Lines.
San Diego
Wheelchair users can enjoy a pleasant day (or five) at a beach in San Diego County, California. This county boasts plenty of wheelchair-friendly beaches with available water-safe mobility devices and beach access mats, including Imperial Beach, Torrey Pines State Beach, and Ocean Beach Park.
Other accessible destinations in San Diego include the San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, and Balboa Park.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is absolutely full of history and attractions that people of all ages and ability levels can enjoy.
Popular accessible attractions include the Lincoln Memorial, National Zoo, United States Botanic Garden, National Gallery of Art, the Washington Monument, and National Air and Space Museum. Many places, including the White House, also offer wheelchair-accessible tours, making D.C. an incredibly inviting place for everyone.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a dream getaway for many people, and fortunately the Aloha State makes welcoming everyone—including guests with mobility issues—a personal mission. For example, many locations in the Hawai’ian Islands offer accessible public transportation options, including buses and shuttles.
Accessible attractions include Honolulu’s Waikiki Trolley tours, O’hua’s Kualoa Ranch bus tours and Polynesian Cultural Center, Maui’s Wailea Beach, and Kaua’i’s Waimea Canyon.
Florida Resorts
Florida is known for its large population of senior citizens; because of this, many locations in Florida are extremely accessible. Resorts especially are great vacation destinations because they provide fun experiences in a central location with readily available accommodations, including rentable mobility devices, wheelchair-friendly layouts, accessible pools, roll-in showers, and wellness programming.
Resorts in the Sunshine State that offer accessible rooms and other features include Little Palm Island Resort & Spa and Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort.
Barcelona
Many consider Barcelona, Spain, to be one of Europe’s most accessible cities. Part of this accessibility is due to its flat terrain, making it easy to traverse using mobility aids. Further, many parts of the city offer specific services and features made with disabled individuals in mind.
Some of the city’s most accessible attractions include the miles-long wheelchair-accessible beach promenade, Park Güell, Barcelona Cathedral, L’Aquà rium de Barcelona, and Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau.
New York City
New York City is one of the largest tourist destinations in not just the U.S., but the entire world—and it’s readily accessible to most people with disabilities. For starters, all New York City Transit buses are wheelchair accessible. Given that the buses have hundreds of routes to all 5 boroughs and run 24/7, this form of public transportation opens up many areas of the city for tourists using mobility aids.
Other accessible NYC attractions include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, Central Park, Bronx Zoo, Broadway theatres, and Staten Island Ferry tours.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world city that truly opens its doors to folks from all ways of life. To that end, the city boasts plenty of features and accommodations that welcome guests with special needs, such as accessible public transit, ADA-compliant ramps, and more.
Attractions with accessibility features include Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Caesars Palace, Neon Museum Las Vegas, and architecture tours.
San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, is an incredible destination for travelers with differing needs. Many attractions in the city don’t just have accessibility features; they’re specifically designed for people with special needs.
Must-see attractions include the ultra-accessible theme park, Morgan’s Wonderland, designed specifically for people with disabilities in mind; The Alamo; Six Flags Fiesta Texas; SeaWorld; Japanese Tea Garden; San Antonio Botanical Garden; and Witte Museum.
Planning a Vacation for an Older Adult with Limited Mobility
Consider the following travel tips for the best senior travel experience possible.
Before a Vacation
- Get the all-clear from your relative’s doctor. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so schedule a healthcare provider consultation to get the all-clear for travel.
- Call ahead to confirm accessibility features and let the staff at travel destinations (like your hotel or bed and breakfast) know what type of accessible accommodations you will require.
- If flying, let the airline know that you have a passenger that will require ADA-compliant mobility aids.
- Bring extra batteries, chargers, and adapters if your loved one uses electronic aids.
- Have all medications filled well ahead of time to avoid delays.
- Purchase travel insurance for medical emergencies if you believe that your loved one might need medical assistance.
- Research local emergency services and compile a list of contact numbers.
- Don’t forget comfortable shoes and compression socks.
- Create an itinerary and contact list to share with every member of your travel party.
- Prep a travel medical kit with any necessary medications and first aid supplies your party may require.
While on a Vacation
- Rent mobility scooters and other aids to reduce mobility challenges.
- Check in with your loved one to get feedback on what’s going well and what can be improved.
- Always apply sunscreen—even on cold and cloudy days.
- Keep all documents in a safe place on your person or a secure spot at your lodging accommodations.
- Check in with local public safety notices, such as heat advisories, to ensure your party’s safety and well-being.
- Browse local social media discussion boards to find hidden gems, like local activities and live performances.
After a Vacation
- Check in with your senior loved one. What went well? What could be improved? This information will guide you towards making improvements when choosing your next vacation spot.
- Leave reviews online. This information helps other people get a better idea of what locations are more accessible and accommodating.
Remember: the best vacations for seniors with limited mobility are ones that are spent with loved ones.
Disclaimers: Accommodations often need to be arranged in advance and can vary by location. Always call ahead to confirm any accommodations and adaptive equipment rentals.