For empty nesters who have since retired and now spend their days pursuing their hobbies or passions, the monotony of daily routines can sometimes lead to them feeling isolated. But an occasional break from your usual day-to-day can essentially reduce stress, ease anxiety and stimulate the mind to keep it sharp, agile and active in old age. Needless to say, learning about different cultures, trying out new cuisines and meeting people from diverse backgrounds are all things that can enrich one’s life in his or her golden years. And though traveling is a terrific way to enjoy the freedoms of retirement, it may prove to be difficult or challenging for some seniors who require wheelchairs or mobility scooter to get around. This means that if you have limited mobility, you’ll need to make plans well in advance to ensure your vacation is safe, comfortable and convenient for you. Be mobile on your trip with our mobility rental options!

Best Vacation Spots for Seniors

Curious to know where the best places to visit for senior citizens are? Wondering which country is best for senior citizens to travel to or which states are the most senior friendly? When it comes to the best vacations for seniors, accessibility is high on the list of priorities. These are just some of the best vacation spots for seniors to visit without having to worry about mobility challenges getting in the way.

Top 5 Destinations in the U.S.

#1 Las Vegas, Nevada

Hailed as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas has been intentionally designed with inclusivity in mind so that visitors of all ages and abilities can partake in the excitement. From extra wide doorways at entrances of casinos, wheelchair ramps at popular venues and strategically-placed elevators in hotels to designated seating areas for seniors at shows and concerts, Vegas really does have it ALL. You’ll have no problem whatsoever navigating walkways throughout the city, taking elevators up to your room or finding seating at all of the hottest bars, buffets or eateries.

#2 Miami, Florida

Think relaxing on the beach or enjoying the water is out of the question because you use a wheelchair, walker or scooter to get around? Well … it’s most certainly not. You’ll be pleased to know that Miami’s beaches are handicap accessible thanks to them having beach wheelchairs and mobility aids known as Mobi-Mats available for guests with disabilities or mobility issues. Pack your swimsuit and head on over to the Magic City to take a dip, work on your tan and live your best life.

#3 Fort Meyers, Florida

Miami not your style? There are other coastal cities that are just as accessible! Nestled along Florida's Gulf Coast, Fort Meyers is a quaint city that has accessible beaches, warm tropical weather and a welcoming community where seniors feel welcomed. If you need a break from the sand, sun and surf, check out the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a publicly-funded wetland ecosystem that has wheelchair-friendly trails, a butterfly garden, free guided tours and more.

#4 San Francisco, California

Considered one of the most accessible places in the world, San Francisco is a city you can feel comfortable navigating in a wheelchair or aboard a mobility scooter. Featuring flat sidewalks, ramps, accessible bathrooms and elevators where appropriate, attractions such as Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art are conveniently accommodating to individuals with disabilities or limited mobility.

#5 Denver, Colorado

Feeling adventurous and looking to enjoy some fresh mountain air? We recommend the Mile High City, an inclusive destination that combines accessibility and adventure. That’s because many of the attractions, parks and venues throughout Denver make it a top-ranked handicap-friendly cities to visit. Featuring wide pathways, smooth sidewalks and gentle ramps, Denver Botanic Gardens is one of those local attractions perfect for individuals who require mobility assistance.

Top 5 International Destinations

#6 London, UK

The city of London has gone above and beyond to ensure everyone, regardless of their physical capabilities, can experience its unique history and culture. You can tour the Tower of London, check out The British Museum, experience the London Eye or reveal in the beauty of botanic wonders at Kew Gardens in a wheelchair or on a mobility scooter with ease. Even those famous black cabs of theirs are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and/or scooters, making London one of our top vacation places for seniors.

#7 Paris, France

For seniors with limited mobility, Paris is one of the best places to visit in all of Europe. This is because attractions such as the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées and Notre-Dame Cathedral have all been adapted in strategic ways to accommodate visitors who use wheelchairs, walkers or mobility scooters to get around. Outdoor spaces such as the Tuileries Gardens, the Luxembourg Gardens and Parc Monceau also have flat pathways and accessible restrooms that make exploring in a wheelchair or on a scooter a piece of cake.

#8 Barcelona, Spain

This Catalonian gem has adapted its most popular attractions to be accessible to all visitors, including the Park Güell and the iconic Sagrada Família. With most of the venues in the area offering priority seating and special accommodations for guests with mobility challenges, it’s a fantastic place to visit or vacation to. Not to mention, Spain’s climate further enhances its appeal to older retirees with health concerns. Moreover, its world-famous beaches are also accessible thanks to paved pathways and the availability of beach wheelchairs.

#9 Helsinki, Finland

Attractions such as the Helsinki Cathedral, the Ateneum Art Museum and the renowned Finnish National Opera and Ballet are fully accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or on mobility scooters. Many parks and public spaces in the area are also accessible by a wheelchair, walker or scooter thanks to the thoughtful implementation of inclusive infrastructure. And getting around the city couldn’t be easier due to the availability of accessible taxis and handicap-friendly public transportation.

#10 Singapore

Dubbed the "Lion City," Singapore is another destination ranked high on our list of vacation spots of seniors. This is because Singapore's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its wheelchair-friendly infrastructure. Whether you're using a wheelchair, walker or mobility scooter, you'll be able to make your away around safely and easily. Even the bustling Changi Airport provides specialized assistance services, barrier-free facilities and thoughtfully designed rest areas for you to take advantage of.

MORE Senior-Friendly Destinations

Other places that didn't make our list of the top 10 best vacations for seniors with limited mobility but that deserve an honorable mention include Washington D.C., Atlanta, New York, Boston, Chicago, Sydney, Melbourne, Amsterdam, Montréal, Rome and Denmark. Similar to Vegas but more laid-back, Reno is another travel destination we recommend for seniors who use wheelchairs or scooters to get themselves where they need to be. Many senior travelers actually prefer Reno because it's smaller, it’s cleaner and it’s much less populated than Las Vegas. It also has a lower crime rate, making it a safer choice for elderly gamblers concerned about safety.

Don’t Rule Out Walt Disney World!

It goes without saying that Disney World is a travel destination perfect for seniors who are just big kids at heart. Ask any Disney lover with mobility issues why he or she frequents the theme park and they’ll likely tell you it’s because of the park's accessible layout and handicap-friendly accommodations. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, you'll find that the park is easy to navigate in a wheelchair, walker or mobility scooter due to the integration of accessible entrances, accessible seating, smooth pathways and ramps where required. 

What Seniors Should Pack for Vacation

1. Copies of Important Documents: There’s nothing that ruins a vacation quite like lost or delayed luggage. This is why we advise you keep photocopies of your documents with you at all times. Make sure you have some kind of backup, digital or otherwise, to prove your identity, check into your hotel room or redeem your tickets in the case you were to lose your luggage.
    
2. Medications and First Aid Kit: Make sure you pack all of your prescribed medications and a list of dosages just in case. Don't forget to also pack over-the-counter essentials such as pain relievers, antacids, vitamins and supplements. Depending on where you’re traveling to, you may not be able to easily obtain a prescription refill or purchase items you need to stay healthy on your trip. It’s a good idea to just stay prepared for literally everything when traveling.
    
3. Weather-Appropriate Clothing: It's also important to pack for the climate of the place you'll be visiting. Not sure how the weather is this time of year where you’re going? We encourage you to look it up before packing your luggage. Light and breathable fabrics are ideal for warm or tropical climates, while insulating materials are suitable for cooler destinations such as Alaska. If you’re traveling somewhere with unpredictable weather that varies day to day, you should at least pack clothing that can be layered in order to adapt to changing weather conditions.
    
4. Mobility Requirements: If you have mobility challenges, make sure to consider your equipment needs to ensure comfort and safety during your trip. While you can carry your own cane, walker, or wheelchair, renting these items from Cloud of Goods can be a more hassle free and convenient option. We offer a wide variety of mobility aids, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, portable ramps and medical assistive devices, which can be delivered directly to your destination. 

Budgeting for Vacation: Tips to Save $$$

Now that we've taken a closer look at some of the world’s best vacation places for seniors to visit and what all you’ll need to pack, let's get into how elderly persons can save some big bucks when traveling.

• Take Advantage of Senior Deals and Discounts

Always, always, always (and we mean always) ask if there’s a senior discount available when booking flights, reserving hotel rooms, making dinner reservations, purchasing show tickets or scheduling activities. You’d be surprised just how many hospitality groups, restaurants, venues and attractions offer discounts to seniors. If you happen to be a member of AARP and/or AAA, you can save even more on everything from meals and excursions to car rentals and train tickets.

• Book with a Senior-Friendly Travel Agent

Whether traveling domestically or abroad, working with a senior-friendly travel agent is a fantastic way to guarantee all of your unique needs are met. That’s because these specialized agents know exactly which hotels are most accessible, which rooms to book for certain physical accommodations and which experiences are most senior-friendly. But they also know of exclusive deals, offers and/or discounts available for seniors traveling on a budget.

• Plan Your Travels in Off-Peak Seasons

Retirees who have more flexible schedules can save a considerable amount of money on their travel experiences by traveling in off-peak times of the year when the kids are in school and people are at work. This is because with fewer tourists around spending money, many accommodations and attractions will often lower their prices to attract those who want to avoid the big crowds and long lines.

• Join a Travel Club for Senior Citizens

Lots of hotels, airlines, restaurants, attractions and venues also offer group discounts, which is why many elderly travelers choose to join travel groups with their peers. Not only do you save money with group discounts, you also get to travel with like-minded people your own age who have the same kind of expectations and physical requirements as you.

Roam and Relax at Your Own Pace

Asking yourself should 70 year olds travel? We’ve found that one’s ability to travel ultimately comes down to the level of comfort and safety he or she is able to maintain when venturing away from home. If you are dealing with mobility challenges of any sort or assisted living we can’t stress enough how much the destination you pick matters. Nevertheless, the way you equip yourself also plays a role.

Carefree Travels Here You Come!

With our budget-friendly mobility rentals, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable, safe, convenient and hassle-free vacation despite the mobility challenges you’re dealing with. These days, in a world that’s becoming more inclusive year over year, there’s no reason to let mobility issues slow you down or prevent you from exploring the places you’ve been dreaming of. Now’s your chance to make the most of your retirement.
 

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, we have all the equipment rentals you need to make your trip one you couldn’t possibly ever forget. Cloud of Goods is available 24/7 round the clock. Simply visit our website to check availability and make your reservation. Need assistance? Reach out via email at info@cloudofgoods.com or give us a call at 407-545-3103. We're here to cater to all your rental needs, ensuring your journey is smooth and stress-free!