Senior Transportation

Senior transportation presents unique challenges. You may no longer be able to drive, or have less stamina for the lines and luggage hauling that go with trains and planes. Fortunately, the travel industry is aware of these challenges and offers ways to make senior transportation easier. Some kinds of senior transportation are easier than others, and we’ll take a look at some of the options available.

Also, if you’re smart about making the most of one of the biggest advantages of senior travel – having an open schedule that allows you to plan your senior trip at off-peak times – you can make plans that will make your traveling easier by avoiding the crowds of peak travel.

Cruises and Tours

Cruises and tours are one of the best ways to solve the challenges of senior transportation. A cruise offers the opportunity to have a long relaxing vacation, and even visits to a number of exotic locations, with a minimum of the hassles that go with travel – dragging luggage around, security checks, long lines. Once onboard, you can unpack your bags, settle in and enjoy the freedom of being in a floating hotel – or, in many cases, a floating city.

There are cruises to suit every taste. If the relaxation and luxuries of a floating city aren’t enough, comfortable yet adventurous cruises might take you to the glaciers of Alaska or even Antarctica, all from the comfort of your mobile cabin. If your interests are more cultural, there are cruises that let you visit many fascinating ports while leaving your heavy belongings in the safety of your cabin – and may also provide easy transportation to and from the ship.

Senior tours can also remove many of the hurdles that make senior citizen transportation difficult. A well organized tour can pick you up at the airport, and make travel to and from your hotel easy and convenient. There are tours for every interest, from vineyards to museums, and which plan things at a pace geared toward senior citizen transportation.

Air Travel

There a number of strategies that make air travel a good senior transportation option. Many airlines, along with senior travel deals, offer the option to register your age in advance, making electronic check in a convenient process. If mobility is a challenge for you, family members with a government ID can take you in a wheelchair to your gate. Many airports also save you long walks with wheelchair or electric cart service.

Other senior needs can also be met more easily if you plan ahead. Keep all your medications in your check in luggage and clearly mark your checked baggage with bright ribbon or tags to make it easier to locate at the terminal. If you’re traveling independently, make sure you research transport from the airport to your final destination ahead of time. Investing in a sturdy but light roller suitcase will also make travel much easier.

Trains and Buses

Trains and buses can also be a great senior transportation option, especially as an alternative to driving. Most terminals are easily accessed by public transportation and well serviced by cabs. Once you’re on board, there’s no need to worry about directions or, if you’re traveling abroad, about reading signs in an unfamiliar language. Just sit back, and enjoy watching the landscape roll by.

Buses are usually less comfortable than trains, but also less expensive. And if you do your research, you can find bus lines that cater to more choosy travelers.

While the train may cost more, the advantages can be worth the price. Many trains have electrical outlets and even wireless service, which gives you many entertainment options while traveling. You’ll also have the freedom to walk around, or visit the dining car.

With both trains and buses you won’t face the security check lines that go with air travel, which can save you time and effort that, on balance, make the longer travel time on the ground worthwhile.

Again, with all these options, make sure you make the most of off-peak travel times, one of the big advantages of senior travel. A quiet terminal or destination can make senior transportation much easier.