It’s decided—grandma and grandpa are going on a trip! While they love their cozy 12 Oaks community, the kids are excited to travel with them to the beach or a peaceful mountain cabin. Before booking tickets, remember that planning for seniors needs extra care.
Choosing activities, packing, and planning the itinerary all need extra care. Here’s the only guide you need to stress-free Thanksgiving travel for seniors.
How to Prepare for Thanksgiving Travel for Seniors
Thanksgiving travel for seniors needs thoughtful planning to keep things safe and enjoyable. From choosing travel options to checking health needs, these tips can help make travel smooth and stress-free:
1. Choose the best travel options
Pick direct flights or train rides with comfortable seating. Look for services that offer senior assistance, like priority boarding and extra support for mobility.
2. Book travel plans early
Get tickets, accommodations, and transport sorted out ahead of time. Booking early helps you find senior-friendly options and guarantees availability during the busy holiday season.
3. Check for accessible accommodations
Make sure your hotel or stay has features like ramps, elevators, and easy-to-navigate paths. If a wheelchair is needed, consider renting one, but check that your destination has flat roads, ramps, and minimal stairs.
4. Visit the doctor before traveling
Schedule a health check-up and get travel clearance if needed. Make sure prescriptions are filled and ask your doctor for any special travel advice.
5. Pack important documents
Keep IDs, medical records, insurance info, and emergency contacts in a handy place. Having these ready can make unexpected situations easier to handle.
6. Prepare medications and health essentials
Pack medications in your carry-on and organize them in a pill case. Bring items like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and any medical devices needed during the trip.
7. Pack for comfort
Bring a neck pillow, blanket, and comfortable shoes. Wear layered clothing for warmth and comfort throughout the trip.
We clue you in on the best shoes for seniors.
8. Share the travel plan with family
Let family members know the travel itinerary and any specific needs. This way, everyone stays informed and ready to help.
With the right planning, Thanksgiving travel can be enjoyable and stress-free for seniors. Choosing accessible places and packing health essentials, taking the time to plan means more focus on making memories with senior family members.
What to Pack for a Comfortable and Safe Trip
Essentials for Health and Comfort
Pack the basics like medications and any mobility aids grandma might need. Travel pillows and a cozy blanket can make a big difference for comfort. If you’re heading to busy places, dress her in bright colors so she’s easy to spot. Toss in some hand sanitizer and a travel-sized hand soap to keep things clean.
- Medications and pill organizers
- Mobility aids (e.g., cane, walker)
- Travel pillow and lightweight blanket
- Bright-colored clothing for easy visibility
- Hand sanitizer and travel-friendly hand soap
- Reusable water bottle
- Comfortable, non-slip shoes
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Small first aid kit
Important Travel Documents
Make sure IDs, medical records, insurance info, and emergency contacts are packed and easy to reach. Having these ready helps if any unexpected situations come up.
- ID cards (driver’s license, passport)
- Medical records and health information
- Insurance details (health and travel insurance)
- Emergency contact list
- Copies of prescriptions and doctor’s notes
- Travel itinerary and accommodation confirmations
- Copies of important documents stored digitally (e.g., phone or tablet)
Senior-Friendly Gadgets and Accessories
Noise-canceling headphones can help make the trip quieter and more relaxing. Bring a portable charger to keep devices powered up. These little extras can make traveling smoother and more enjoyable for seniors.
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Portable charger
- Tablet or e-reader
- Easy-to-use phone with larger buttons or screen
- GPS or location-tracking device
- Lightweight, easy-to-carry travel bag
- Adjustable travel cane with a built-in seat
- Pocket flashlight or reading light
How to Stay Safe While Traveling
Staying safe on a trip takes some planning and awareness. Here are easy tips to help seniors travel comfortably and stay secure:
1. Stay updated on health conditions
Traveling during flu season (December to January in the U.S.) means packing flu medicine, tissues, and hand sanitizer. Nothing ruins a trip faster than getting sick.
2. Keep emergency contacts handy
Write down and save emergency contacts digitally. Make sure travel buddies and family know the plan if something comes up.
3. Take breaks to rest
Plan rest stops or breaks during trips or long walks to help avoid tiredness and keep things enjoyable. If there’s a spot that’s tough for seniors to navigate, find a cozy café or mall nearby where they can relax while the kids burn off energy. Everyone wins!
4. Dress for comfort and safety
Wear clothes that fit the weather and are easy to move in. Comfortable, non-slip shoes can help prevent falls.
5. Stay hydrated and eat well
Carry a water bottle and some heart healthy snacks to keep energy up. Staying hydrated helps seniors stay alert and avoid fatigue.
6. Use secure, trusted transportation
Book reputable taxi services or rideshares for safe transportation for seniors. If using public transit, be aware of pickpockets and keep personal items secure.
7. Travel during off-peak times
Avoid crowds and stress by choosing off-peak travel times, which makes airports and tourist spots more manageable.
8. Keep medications close
Pack medications in your carry-on for easy access. Bring extra doses in case there are travel delays.
9. Stay aware of surroundings
Keep an eye on what’s around you and avoid distractions like looking at your phone while walking.
10. Keep your travel documents secure
You can replace clothes and water bottles, but losing important documents like passports or IDs can be a real headache, especially when you need them most. Unlike meds, which you might not use, travel documents are essential. Invest in secure body slings that fit under your clothes to keep your documents safe. You can find these at most travel stores.
A little extra planning goes a long way in keeping travel safe and stress-free. By staying alert, packing the right items, and planning rest breaks, seniors can enjoy the holiday season without worries. Safe travels!
12 Oaks: Supporting Seniors During the Holidays
12 Oaks Senior Living goes the extra mile to support residents during the holiday season, offering help with pre-trip arrangements and hosting special events for those staying in the community.
Many 12 Oaks communities sit in prime locations, making it easy for families to celebrate nearby without traveling far from grandma and grandpa’s new home. Residents enjoy a warm, caring environment where the season feels special and full of connection, whether staying local or traveling.
Want to learn more about how 12 Oaks can make the holidays special for your senior parents and grandparents? Contact us today to explore our services and events.
