With the holiday season comes plenty of travel opportunities, whether to see relatives or take that once-in-a-lifetime trip. And that travel bug doesn’t go away as we age. According to a recent report from the AARP, 85% of Americans 50 and older rank travel among the top three priorities for their discretionary income.
The holidays are an especially meaningful time to travel. Yet, seniors with limited mobility or other health barriers will benefit from some preparation before venturing out during one of the busiest travel seasons. You’ll want to plan ahead, assess accessibility at your destination, and pack strategically.
Here are seven travel tips for seniors to help make the most of a festive excursion.
1. Allow Extra Time for Travel
Delays are more common during the holiday season. Inclement weather, overbooked airlines, and the general hustle and bustle of the season frequently cause trips to take longer than planned.
Build these potential delays into your schedule. Book that flight for earlier in the day so you don’t have to scramble if the flight is delayed and arrives at your destination later than planned. You’ll also want to give yourself extra time to get through airport security.
Expect traffic delays on the road. If you build in some cushion for delays, you won’t risk missing important events.
2. Prepare Well if You’re Flying
Flying can be fun but can also be stressful, and the airport can be hectic during the bustle of the holidays. Planning ahead can help you avoid headaches and delays, whether trying to get through security or find your gate.
Luggage and TSA guidelines are especially critical, as mistakes in this area can cause significant slowdowns during check-in. Seniors may be surprised when their prosthetic sets off the security scanner or items like medication or oxygen tanks are flagged at the carry-on checkpoint. Know the rules beforehand — and come prepared with doctors’ notes if necessary to ensure a smooth entry.
Here are some additional airport travel trips for seniors to help you get from TSA to the tarmac safely:
- Make plans for drop off and pick up at the airport so you don’t have to scramble at the last minute.
- Ask about the airport’s wheelchair service if you need assistance getting to the gate and onto the plane.
- Find out about preboarding. Most airlines allow customers who need extra time to board in advance.
- Ensure your cell phone is charged, and bring a charging cable just in case.
3. Make Sure Your Lodging Is Accessible
When you’re away from home, you’re often subject to unfamiliar building layouts and setups. While most hotels are accommodating to guests with physical limitations or mobility issues, not all of them make accessibility a top priority.
Before booking your accommodations, review the location’s guidelines. If you need wheelchair access, be sure it’s available. Book a ground-floor room if elevators aren’t wheelchair friendly. Also, consider any stairs leading up to the property that could pose a challenge.
Even when you stay with a friend or family member, accessibility is still a concern. If it’s an unfamiliar home, ask about access to bedrooms and bathrooms. For example, stairs or deep tubs could pose an unexpected challenge.
In the main living areas, perhaps furniture can be rearranged for your visit if there are any obstructions. For exceptional cases when you’re planning to visit frequently, you may want to discuss options for upgrading accessibility, such as adding grab bars or even a stair lift.
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4. Keep Important Documents Handy
You’ll want to be prepared with the necessary documents for travel or emergency situations that may arise. First and foremost is your U.S. Passport or state identification. As of May 7, 2025, you will need a passport or REAL ID to fly, even when traveling between states.
Other critical documents for traveling seniors may include:
- Tickets/boarding passes
- Allergy alerts and other important medical information
- Medicare cards or other insurance documents
- Vaccination records
- Travel itinerary (in case you lose phone service)
Before you set out, share your travel plans with a friend or family member.
5. Pack Smart
Traveling with limited mobility is challenging enough without trying to tote multiple overstuffed bags. Lugging heavy bags only makes a stumble or a pulled muscle more likely. One of the best ways to simplify your holiday travel is to streamline your packing.
Only pack the essentials for the trip. If you’re taking a more extended vacation, consider using your host’s washer or looking for laundry options in your area so you can bring fewer clothes. Compact, rolling suitcases are designed to move swiftly.
While packing, think about how to organize everything to find what you need on the go. Label your medications and keep your essentials in a small day pack that you can take anywhere.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Holiday travels can be exciting and life-giving, but they can also be exhausting — especially if you have difficulty getting around. Be sure to prioritize your health and well-being throughout the trip.
Consider the following tips for healthy holiday travel:
- Stay hydrated: Older adults are at increased risk of dehydration, and the danger only increases when you’re more active while traveling. Keep a full water bottle handy to quench your thirst throughout the day.
- Bring healthy snacks: Eating out can be difficult if you have dietary restrictions. Don’t forget to pack plenty of healthy snacks like dried fruit, nuts, and protein bars for easy munching on the go.
- Stretch often: Traveling can be a mix of days stuck in cramped seats and others full of heavy walking. Too much sitting can increase your risk of blood clots, while extensive walking can cause joint issues or cramps. Plan plenty of stretching to keep your muscles loose and your blood flowing.
- Ask for help: Before you go, consult a physician if you have concerns or a chronic condition that may need extra care during your travels. And if you’re having trouble on your trip, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
7. Stay Off of Social Media Until You Return
While social media is a great way to share your adventures, publicly posting about your travels can sometimes catch the attention of those looking for easy opportunities. To keep your home safe, consider waiting until you’re back to share those vacation highlights.
Your online friends will still be eager to hear about your trip and see photos when you get back. Unless you can ensure strict privacy in your posts, waiting until you’re home to share is better.
Enjoy Your Holiday Travels This Season
There’s something magical about traveling during the holidays. It’s a special time of year! Taking a little extra time to plan and prepare for your trip with these travel tips for seniors will help you ensure everything goes smoothly. If mobility is a challenge for you, it’s especially important to prioritize accessibility.
And as always, if you are thinking about accessibility options when you return home-sweet-home, we’re here to help!
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