Everyone seems to have an idea of all the places they want to visit once they retire. But as we age, it can become more difficult to get around. Some of us may struggle with stairs or walking for long periods of time. Some of us may need a cane, walker, or wheelchair to assist with mobility. These mobility challenges can make travel to all those places you dreamed about before retirement seem intimidating, or completely out of reach. Luckily, this is not the case. There are a myriad of travel destinations that offer great vacations for seniors with mobility issues, and several exciting ways to get there.
The seemingly obvious choice for vacations for senior citizens with limited mobility is a cruise. Cruises these days go almost anywhere, and while cruise ships are large they are extremely accessible. Elevators assure you that you never need to worry about a flight of stairs. Everything is contained so you never need to leave the ship if you don’t want to. And staff can be found right around the corner to assist in any way necessary. If cruising the ocean isn’t your thing, you can find river cruises both in the United States and abroad. The options are endless.
A cruise is not your only choice, though, if you are looking for trips for seniors with limited mobility. Several popular tourist destinations are more accessible than you might think. You could visit the magnificent Niagara Falls. You can see everything there is to see from the deck of the Maid of the Mist or on a trolley tour. You can even visit the Cave of the Winds via elevator, with no stairs or extraneous walking required.
Another great destination for seniors with limited mobility is Washington D.C. The city offers shuttles to its various sites. The Lincoln Memorial is particularly accessible, with bathrooms and water fountains on ground level. Additionally, Park Rangers, who can be found near every historical site, are often very accommodating and happy to assist anyone who may have trouble with mobility.
If you would prefer to leave the trip planning to someone else, you can find specially designed tours for seniors with limited mobility. Nearly every travel and vacation company on the internet offers tours specifically for seniors, with a slower pace and less walking than the average tour. You can see gorgeous sites throughout the United States and Europe without concern about keeping up or slowing down the rest of the group.
Finally, for excellent firsthand knowledge about world travel with limited mobility, visit the blog Curb Free with Cory Lee. Cory is a world traveler who has visited six of the seven continents all from his wheelchair. His blog not only shares his inspiring stories, but also offers helpful information about wheelchair accessibility in all the places he has visited. His blog features articles like How to Get Around Philadelphia Pennsylvania in a Wheelchair and The Ultimate Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Barcelona, Spain.
Don’t let the thought of traveling with limited mobility intimidate you or keep you confined to your hometown. Whether you need a walker, wheelchair, or just need to take your time, the perfect vacation for you is out there. Live out those retirement dreams and see the world!