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Organising family holidays that cater to older and younger generations alike can be a truly enriching experience, offering fresh perspectives and a change of scenery for everyone, especially for parents in their later years. Planning ahead is crucial, particularly when considering the needs of 80-year-olds who may have mobility issues. Accessible tourism has come a long way, making it easier to find suitable excursions and accommodations.
Whichever destination you choose, be sure to plan ahead. Ensure that all excursions and attractions are suitable, particularly if your aging parents have mobility issues. Accessible tourism is bigger and better than it ever used to be, so with a little research and foresight it’s possible to arrange a holiday that all the family can enjoy and remember fondly.
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Key Takeaways
Preparation is paramount
Arrange a “fit to fly” GP appointment and book airport assistance at least 48 hours in advance. For road trips, build in frequent stops to prevent stiffness and allow for shared driving to manage fatigue.
Insurance and meds are vital
Always declare both mental and physical pre-existing conditions to ensure your travel insurance is valid. Carry a doctor’s letter for all prescriptions and pack extra medication to cover any unexpected travel delays.
Select the right setting
Choose destinations known for flat terrain and accessible “promenades,” such as Tenerife or the English Riviera. Check that your accommodation specifically offers ground-floor rooms, grab rails, or walk-in showers before you book.
Ask about accessibility
Don’t assume all “modern” resorts are fully accessible. Always confirm the presence of lifts, walk-in showers, and level access to dining areas directly with the provider before you pay a deposit.
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Key considerations before you travel
1. Health mobility assessment
Can your parents comfortably manage a flight, or are car journeys more suitable? Schedule an appointment with your parent’s GP or relevant specialist. They can provide a ‘fit to fly’ letter if needed. Some airlines require this, especially for certain medical conditions. GPs can offer tailored advice on potential risks and necessary precautions.
2. Demands on car travel
Long hours of sitting can lead to stiffness and muscle pain, but generally offers more flexibility. The main advantage is the ability to stop whenever needed for comfort breaks, stretching, meals, or just a change of scenery. This significantly reduces the pressure of fixed schedules. If you are driving, be mindful of your own fatigue levels on long journeys. Plan for shared driving on overnight stops.
It is also important to be aware that UK Blue Badges are not always automatically recognised in EU countries. While many countries do accept them, the rules, parking concessions, and enforcement can vary significantly between destinations and even between local authorities. Before travelling, check the accessibility and parking regulations for each country you plan to visit, and carry supporting documentation in case clarification is needed.
3. Airport Assistance
If flying, will they need assistance in and around the airport? It’s highly recommended to inform airlines of any mobility issues at the time of booking, or at least 48 hours in advance. Airlines can provide services like electric buggies, wheelchairs, and assistance with boarding and disembarking.
4. Accommodation Needs
Will specific room features be required at the holiday resort, such as ground floor rooms, grab rails, or walk-in showers? Ensure you confirm these with the accommodation provider in advance.
5. Medication
Obtain a letter from their doctor as proof of medical needs for any prescription medications, especially as some destinations have restrictions. Discuss how travel across different time zones might affect medication schedules and dosages with your parent’s GP. Ensure you have enough medication for the trip plus extra for emergencies, and a doctor’s letter confirming medical needs for customs.
6. Travel requirements
Always check the Government’s Foreign Travel Advice website for any current entry requirements or health guidelines for your chosen destination. Travel advice can be found on the Government’s Foreign Travel Advice website. Some countries now require digital health declarations or specific vaccinations (like Yellow Fever or Flu) for older travellers.
When budgeting for a holiday, remember to take into consideration travel insurance. Age and medical conditions can increase premiums considerably, and the insurers who offer the lowest prices may not actually agree to cover those with pre-existing conditions. There are specialist insurers in the market though. Don’t forget that you need to declare mental health conditions as well as physical issues to ensure your parent is properly covered. Also, check if your policy includes ‘Repatriation’. This ensures they can be flown home specifically with medical supervision if needed.
7. Mobility aids
If your parents use walking aids, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters, plan how these will be transported. Airlines need to be informed if you’re bringing your own mobility aid.
8. Mobility aids for travel
Walking sticks and canes
Provide extra support and balance. Some have multiple feet for increased stability or even built-in seats for resting
Walking frames (Zimmer frames or rollators)
Offer more support than sticks. Rollators (with wheels) are great for outdoors and longer distances, often including seats and storage. Tri-walkers are lighter and more maneuverable.
Wheelchairs
Available in self-propelled or transit models (for a carer to push). Ensure car hire includes a suitable vehicle if needed for a wheelchair or other mobility aids.
Mobility scooters
Useful for longer distances, with options for travel-friendly folding models.
9. Digital accessibility
Digital tools can make travelling significantly easier and help reduce uncertainty while out and about. Download apps such as AccessAble or Wheelmap to check toilet access, step-free entrances, lifts, parking, and venue accessibility information in real time while you are travelling. Navigation apps with accessibility filters can also help identify step-free routes, accessible public transport stations, and nearby facilities.
10. Additional considerations
To ensure a smooth journey for everyone, do not overlook essential “small wins.” First, keep the sun and heat in mind. Older travellers are significantly more susceptible to heatstroke in sunny locales like Andalusia or Cyprus, so prioritise consistent hydration and high-SPF protection. For a modern tech tis, consider tucking a small tracking device into checked luggage or mobility aids so the family can track their location in real-time during flights. Finally, always schedule a “rest day”, a dedicated buffer day at the start of the trip with zero planned activities. This gives ample time to recover from the physical toll of travel before the adventures begin.
Find out more about our holiday homecare support services
Where to go with older parents?
1. Devon (English Riviera: Torquay, Paignton, Brixham)
Why it’s suitable: Known for its mild climate, beautiful coastline, and a relaxed, slightly old-fashioned charm that appeals to seniors. Torquay, in particular, is very popular with retirees.
Accessibility: Many hotels are geared towards older guests, with lifts and accessible rooms. Promenades along the seafront are generally flat and good for gentle strolls or wheelchairs.
Activities: Scenic boat trips, accessible gardens (check specific venues), gentle coastal walks, and attractions like the Kents Cavern prehistoric caves (some accessibility, check in advance). Coach tours often feature this area, handling all transport.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
2. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Why it’s suitable: A charming historic seaside town with a unique character, famous for its Abbey ruins, Captain Cook connections, and excellent fish and chips.
Accessibility: The harbour area is relatively flat, and there are accessible routes to many shops and restaurants. Some of the older parts of town and the Abbey involve steps and inclines, but these can often be viewed from afar or accessed with careful planning (e.g., using a local taxi to get closer to the Abbey).
Activities: Enjoying the harbour atmosphere, boat trips, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (historic trains, check accessibility for carriages), and Browse independent shops.
3. The Cotswolds
Why it’s suitable: Quintessentially English, with picturesque villages, rolling hills, and a slower pace of life. Ideal for those who appreciate scenic beauty and gentle exploration.
Accessibility: While some villages have cobbled streets, many areas offer accessible paths and gardens. Look for villages known for being flatter (e.g., Broadway, parts of Bourton-on-the-Water). Many older travellers also benefit from memberships with the National Trust, which can be particularly valuable in the Cotswolds. A number of National Trust properties provide “Trampers” which is an all-terrain mobility scooters designed to help visitors explore larger gardens, estates, and uneven countryside paths more comfortably.
Activities: Visiting historic houses and gardens (many National Trust properties have good accessibility – check their website for specific details like “Changing Places” facilities or Tramper hire), enjoying afternoon tea, and gentle strolls through market towns. Coach tours are excellent for navigating between villages.
4. Norfolk (e.g., Great Yarmouth, Norfolk Broads)
Why it’s suitable: Offers a mix of traditional seaside towns and the unique tranquility of the Norfolk Broads.
Accessibility: Great Yarmouth has flat, wide pavements and ramps to the beach. The Norfolk Broads offer accessible boat trips (some boats are specifically adapted for wheelchairs).
Activities: Gentle boat trips on the Broads, enjoying the seaside, visiting historical sites, and wildlife watching.
5. The Lake District
Why it’s suitable: For those who appreciate stunning natural beauty without needing strenuous activity.
Accessibility: While the terrain can be challenging, specific areas and attractions are increasingly accessible. Look for “Miles without Stiles” routes, accessible boat cruises on the lakes (e.g., Windermere Lake Cruises, Ullswater Steamers have accessible vessels), and visitor centres with good facilities.
Activities: Lake cruises, visiting accessible gardens (e.g., Brockhole Lake District Visitor Centre), and exploring accessible parts of towns like Bowness-on-Windermere.
6. Bournemouth, Dorset
Why it’s suitable: Known for its long sandy beaches, beautiful gardens, and mild climate. It’s a popular choice for seniors.
Accessibility: The beaches offer accessible access points, and some even have adapted beach huts and free beach wheelchairs for hire. The town centre and gardens are generally flat and easy to navigate.
Activities: Relaxing on the beach, exploring the extensive gardens, taking a ride on the land train along the prom, and visiting attractions like the Oceanarium.
European holidays
Photo Credit: Britannica
How can Cavendish Homecare help?
At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing dementia homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and well-being, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.
If you would like to enquire about our homecare services, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com..
About the Author…
Misha Zemkova
Operations Lead
Misha plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of day-to-day operations across the business. With a background in supported living and a degree in Health and Social Care, she brings both experience and empathy to her role.