10 Best US Family Vacations for Senior Citizens with Mobility Issues

Considering some family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues? You’ve come to the right place!

I should know! I’m Kristin and I’ve been traveling with mobility issues for years. So I’m an expert in the challenges and opportunities that come with wheelchair travel.

Family and multigenerational travel are on the rise, and with good reason, as it allows families to connect and make memories together.

However, when one of those family members is a grandparent with mobility issues, it can make planning a family vacation trickier.

Here are the ten best family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues in the United States to help inspire your next family trip as well as some tips to help make
planning easier.

The best part? It’s all based on my own personal research and experience as a wheelchair user traveling with a family. Sharing is caring right?!

10 Best US Family Vacations for Senior Citizens with Mobility Issues: Quick List

These US vacations for senior citizens with limited mobility offer a range of accessible attractions and accommodations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone in the family.

1. Niagara Falls
2. Boston, Massachusetts
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
4. Acadia National Park
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
6. Yellowstone National Park
7. Theodore Roosevelt National Park
8. Smoky Mountain National Park
9. Hawaiian Islands
10. Alaskan Cruise

Quick Trip Family Vacations for Senior Citizens with Mobility Issues

Vacations for senior citizens with limited mobility are often tailored to provide accessible accommodations and assistive services to ensure their comfort and enjoyment.

Sometimes you can’t get everyone together for a weeklong (or more) vacation and may only have a long weekend for a short getaway.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues that can be done as shorter trips.

Niagara Falls

One of the United States most iconic waterfalls, Niagara Falls borders Upstate New
York and Canada.

This bucket-list-worthy destination offers something fun for the whole family. It also offers great accessibility.

Vacations for handicapped seniors are popular options that offer accessible and enjoyable experiences for individuals with physical disabilities or limitations.

Niagara Falls State Park offers plenty of trails to accessible overlooks of the falls (of
which there are three in total).

Boat rides on the Maid of the Mist to get you up close to these majestic waterfalls, and an aquarium. And that’s only on the New York side!

If you venture to Canada, you can journey behind the falls, go up to new heights in the Skylon Tower and even see white water rapids.

All of these activities I mentioned are great for wheelchair users and senior citizens with mobility issues.

Nearby the state park, you can also take a partially accessible tour of Fort Niagara in
NY.

During the summer, they offer reenactments and dress up in period clothes. It is a
great way to experience a sense of history firsthand.

When on the Canadian side, you can also visit a butterfly conservatory or experience
the areas only adapted golfing.

In adaptive golfing, a special cart is used that assists the golfer to stand so they can tee off and putt.

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

Travel for seniors with mobility issues can be made more accessible through the availability of wheelchair-friendly accommodations.

That’s why Niagara Falls is so great. There are many different hotels to choose from, some of which offer views of the falls.

If you would prefer to camp, however, New York has some great state parks near the falls that offer accessible camping sites for your adapted RV or trailer.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a city that is filled with history and fun. Although large, it can be easily
navigated by utilizing the city’s hop-on hop-off bus which stops near all of the major
attractions.

Most of these buses have lifts available so that the use of steps is not necessary.

Arrangements for a lift bus are required to be made in advance by contacting the trolley company.

There are weight and dimension restrictions in place, so make sure to visit the website’s accessibility page to see if your device meets these criteria.

If the use of the lift is required, some stops may not be available as a flat and level surface is needed for the use of the lift.

If someone has some mobility, collapsible wheelchairs can be stored underneath the trolley and stops will be unrestricted.

Activities seem limitless when visiting Boston! Try some of these on your family vacation for senior citizens with limited mobility:

☑️ Tour the site where the Boston Tea Party took place
☑️ Check out a baseball game
☑️ Look for bullet holes in historic buildings along the Freedom Trail
☑️ Visit the Boston Observatory Skydeck
☑️ Go on a whale watching tour
☑️ Eat at one of the amazing seafood restaurants

Some attractions may have limited accessibility due to their historic nature. Along the
Freedom Trail, be mindful of cobblestones which may make it difficult for people with
mobility issues.

Although sidewalks may be uneven, they are the best way to avoid these cobblestones.

Boston has hilly sections which may drain the energy of people using walkers or canes, so take that into account when planning how much you do in a day.

If you have your own vehicle and a little more time, Plymouth is an easy day trip from
Boston.

Here you can check out Plymouth Rock and take a tour of the Mayflower. The top deck is accessible, but the other decks require stairs.

You can even visit the living museum, which showcases the life of the Pilgrims and Native Americans in the formative years of the United States.

Where to Stay in Boston

Since Boston is so big, look at where the attractions you want to see are located (as
well as stops for the hop on hop off trolley).

Be sure to choose a hotel that is centrally located to that which interests your family. There are plenty of hotels to choose from.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

While many families could easily spend a week at this fantastic beach destination, it is
also great for a quick weekend getaway as well.

Whether you want a relaxing beach retreat or have more of an active trip, Myrtle Beach fits both bills. It’s a great choice if you’re seeking vacations with limited walking.

You can attend a show at the famous House of Blues, Alabama Theater, or the Carolina Opry.

If you want more of a dinner theater experience, consider going to Medieval
Times to watch some jousting.

All of these venues have designated seating for wheelchair users and people with mobility problems.

Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing offer opportunities for shopping as well as interesting attractions such as a mirror maze, and Ripley’s Aquarium.

The aquarium allows people of all abilities to explore the wildlife under the sea and features a tunnel where you can surround yourself with sea turtles, sharks and other colorful fish.

For an extra fee, you can book a meet and greet with a playful penguin.

If you want to get away from the touristy spots near Myrtle Beach, you can head over to nearby Brookgreen Gardens to enjoy a peaceful stroll through artful sculptures mixed with manicured gardens.

This is quite a large place so make sure to pace yourself, and consider using a mobility device. Pathways are paved and mostly flat and your entrance tickets are good for 7 days.

If you are looking to just relax on the beach, Myrtle Beach has accessible entrances at
designated locations.

In addition, there are free beach wheelchairs you can use for seniors with mobility issues (or anyone) that may have difficulty navigating the sand.

Pro Tip: For a less crowded experience, take a quick trip to Ocean Isle Beach just over the border in North Carolina.

This island beach has accessible entrances, mobi mats with make traversing the loose sand easier for people with mobility issues, and free beach wheelchairs available to sign out through the police department.

Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach

Be careful to ensure that if you need an accessible room to confirm the room’s features as many hotels along Myrtle Beach claim to be accessible but do not truly offer accessible features.

This is a touristy area, so hotel rooms and possibly the occasional condo will be what you have to choose from.

As an alternative, you could stay about an hour north of Myrtle Beach on Ocean Island
Beach where you could rent a house on the beach.

Although all of the houses are on stilts, there are some that have elevators and rooms set up for people with limited mobility.

Renting a house will allow the whole family to stay together and give you all the amenities of home. These houses can be rented by using such companies as Sloane and Cooke Realtors or VRBO.

National Park Family Vacations for Senior Citizens with Mobility Issues

National Parks make great family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues
because they make great attempts at being accessible and inclusive for all.

They also provide the opportunity to get out and explore nature while educating people on different unique aspects of each park.

All parks have junior ranger programs (initially designed for kids) but are fun for the whole family.

Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting multiple parks in a year, check out the annual passes that are available and may help save you money.

If you or a family member has a permanent disability and is a resident of the United States, you can qualify for an Access Pass.

These passes give you free admission to all the national parks (and other national sites) free of charge for life.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is a huge area near Bar Harbor, Maine which attracts more than
3.5 million visitors each year.

It has scenic views, tons of hiking available, wildlife viewing opportunities, and Instagram-worthy lighthouses. Some trails are even accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users!

Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring this special place.

While here, make sure to hear the roar of Thunder Hole, catch a sunset at the summit of Cadillac Mountain, take a stroll around Jordan’s Pond, and eat some delicious seafood.

Pro Tip: Stop inside the café at Jordan’s Pond for a famous popover!

While walking (or rolling) around the park, make sure to look out for the stone bridges. Each one is different and beautiful in its own way.

The park is filled with old carriage roads, as the wealthy loved to take their visitors around to see the incredible scenery.

Even today, you can choose to explore the park with a carriage ride. Some of the carriages can accommodate people with mobility issues.

It is a truly unique and special way to explore Acadia National Park.

During the summer months, when Humpback Whales come to the area, you can take a boat tour to see these majestic creatures. Tours leave from Bar Harbor and most boats can accommodate people of all abilities.

While in town, be sure to admire the stately houses where the rich once vacationed. They were the summer homes of the Kennedys and Rockefellers.

Although summer is the most popular time to visit Acadia National Park, it is a gem to
visit in any season.

Just be aware that if you venture here in the other months, stores and services may be closed. The trade-off is that the park will be much less crowded.

Where to Stay in Acadia National Park

Most people make Bar Harbor their base for exploring the park and surrounding area.

This coastal town offers quaint B & B’s, and a few hotel chains such as the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn.

If you want to stay together as a family, check out VRBO to see if there are any accommodations available that would suit your family’s needs.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Located just outside of Denver, this high-altitude and gorgeous park offers families the opportunity to get up close to the Rocky Mountains while looking for wildlife.

Be on the lookout for moose, elk, deer, mountain goats, big-horned sheep, marmots, and pika as you explore all that this park has to offer.

Hiking trails are also available throughout the park and vary in difficulty. Be aware that
the high altitude of the park may affect you more than you anticipate and drain your
energy levels fast.

Pro Tip: Drink lots of water and monitor yourself for signs of altitude sickness.

If the family isn’t up to hiking, do not fear as much of the park can be enjoyed in the
comfort of your own vehicle as you navigate the scenic drives that run through the park.

You’ll pass through mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and other treasures during your
drive. Make sure to get an early start, as it’s easy to spend the full day here.

Once you’re done touring Rocky Mountain National Park, there are plenty of other
exciting things to do in the area.

You can check out a concert at the Red Rock Amphitheater or look for dinosaur bones on Dinosaur Ridge.

You can even take a train ride on the GeorgeTown Loop Railroad (where you can also try your luck panning for gold), and drive to the summit of Mount Evans.

👉 Or take a tour that does almost all those things in one day!

All are fantastic options for family fun. If you are really brave, you can even take a ghost tour of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park. You may recognize it as it was the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining”.

They also offer a delicious brunch here. You can also spend the night at the hotel… if you dare!

Where to Stay at Rocky Mountain National Park

If you’re not up for a haunting adventure at the Stanley Hotel, there are other places to stay in Estes Park, from cabin rentals to other hotels.

Many people make Estes Park their base for a night or two to be close to Rocky Mountain National Park.

The other option, of course, is to stay in Denver. This large city has plenty of options.
Whether you want to stay in a hotel or camp under the stars, both are available.

Since Denver is a large city, check to see what hotels and campgrounds are close to the attractions you want to check out.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular parks in the United States.

Everyone wants to come to see the Old Faithful geyser erupt, as well as the other
unique geothermal features.

The wildlife is also a big attraction as visitors search for moose, bison, wolves, grizzly bears, black bears, and more.

This national treasure of a park is huge and is best explored over multiple days.

You can check out bubbling mud pits, geysers, hot springs, prismatic pools with intense
colors, the grand canyon of Yellowstone and so much more.

Many of these popular spots are accessible by boardwalk making it easier for people with mobility problems.

Since the park is so large, it will be important to pace yourselves, so you don’t overdo it.

Renting mobility equipment for this trip may allow vacationing senior citizens with mobility issues to experience more and conserve energy.

While many pathways have boardwalks, they can still have steep sections and may contain stairs in some areas.

The nearby town of Cody, Wyoming also offers some interesting attractions. You may
want to catch a rodeo in the evenings during the summer or check out the Buffalo Bill
Center of the West Museum.

You can also step back in time and visit an old western town, which features Butch Cassidy’s hole-in-the-wall cabin at the Old Trail Town & Museum of the Old West.

If you wish to add another national park to your visit to Wyoming, you have two options.

You can head north to Montana to Glacier National Park (check to see if reservations
are required) or head south to Grand Teton National Park.

Either choice would be a great addition to an already incredible family vacation for senior citizens with mobility issues.

Where to Stay at Yellowstone National Park

Many people choose to stay within Yellowstone National Park so that they don’t waste
time driving to the park each day and waiting in line at the entrance gates.

👉 The Old Faithful Inn is one of the most popular choices for lodging.

There are also several campgrounds within the park, but not all offer electric or hookups.

Pro Tip: If you desire to stay within the park, make sure to make your reservations early! Lodging usually gets booked a year in advance.

Keep checking for cancellations though and you might get lucky, but this requires some flexibility with your dates of travel.

Another option is to find lodging in nearby Cody, Wyoming. Look for hotels or campgrounds but be mindful of the distance to the park.

If you plan on visiting more than one national park on this trip, you could find a hotel or campground that is in between the two parks you wish to visit.

However, this adds a lot of driving time to your already busy days. It is best in this case, to plan on moving to another accommodation during your stay.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

While the Badlands get all of the attention in nearby South Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is also a great place to spend family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues.

This park is divided into two units (the northern and southern) and each offers something special.

In the northern unit of the park (about an hour away from the southern unit), you’ll find fewer crowds and a scenic drive.

Along this route, you will see layers of colored sediment making up buttes and canyons. It is not uncommon to see bison and big-horned sheep in the area as well.

One unique feature of this area is the cannonball formations. These were formed by a
combination of the deposits of minerals in the soil and erosion.

There is a small parking lot at this location and informative signs which tell of their history so you can get an up-close look while you learn about this incredible formation.

On the other hand, the southern unit of the park draws more crowds as it is closer to the town of Medora.

This area also features beautifully colored buttes and has more diversity in its wildlife.

You can see bison, prairie dogs, sheep, and even wild mustangs during your scenic drive.

Many people choose to start early to see the sunrise or stay late for sunset in this part
of the park. Both sections have scenic overlooks so you can get a better look at the colors and scenery.

Where to Stay at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

The majority of people stay in the town of Medora near the southern unit of the park.
This town offers cute hotels and campgrounds making for easy access to the park.

Services will be limited, but there are restaurants, a small store for groceries, and one
gas station to meet the needs of tourists.

Smoky Mountain National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

Known for the blue mist that hangs around the valleys between the mountains
(providing the smoky look) this park is popular among visitors in both the summer and the fall.

It provides visitors with mountain views, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Plus, it is popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Scenic drives allow people to experience the park even if they can’t do many hikes.
Obey speed limits as wildlife can always be nearby.

There are also some accessible trails that would be good for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility alike.

One of the most well-visited lookouts (which requires a short hike to get there) is
Clingman’s Dome. A paved winding trail leads to the top of a tower to look out over the mountains.

Although paved, this trail can get steep at times and if someone is using a manual wheelchair, they will need assistance.

Nearby towns also offer a variety of things to do. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee for
example, has many of Ripley’s attractions as well as Dollywood.

Related Reading: 20 Cool Things to Do in the Tri-Cities, TN with kids

Branson, Tennessee offers the Titanic Museum which houses artifacts from the ship and tells the story of life on board as well as the events of that tragic night.

On the North Carolina side, Asheville allows tourists to explore the grounds and mansion of the famous Biltmore Estate. And Charlotte has some great activities, too! Including some fun ghost tours!

Learn about the family and see what life was like for them on these enormous but picturesque grounds. You can tour the gardens as well as the mansion and even grab a bite to eat in the café.

Where to Stay at Smoky Mountain National Park

For lots of hotel options, many people choose to stay in Pigeon Forge. However, there
are cabin rentals in the mountains that would make for a memorable and scenic stay.

Some of these cabins have been adapted for people with mobility issues.

Weeklong (or longer) Family Vacations for Seniors with Mobility Issues

If you’re looking for fantastic, bucket-list-worthy family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues, then these next few ideas are just for you!

Each of these places is best visited when you have a week or more available for your trip. All are also great accessible choices for the best vacations for seniors with limited mobility.

Hawaiian Islands

Vacations for seniors with limited mobility are becoming increasingly popular as travel agencies and accommodations are adapting to cater to their specific needs.

As part of the United States, Hawaii follows all the ADA laws and is a great destination
for families of all abilities.

Consisting of eight islands, four islands welcome visitors each year (Oahu, Maui, Big Island, and Kauai).

Traveling to any one of these beautiful islands will make for an incredible trip. Hawaii offers something for everyone in the family.

There are beaches to relax on, a plethora of wildlife, incredible volcanos, scenic drives with awe-inspiring overlooks, historical sites, and movie filming locations. The scenery is not bad either!

While each Hawaiian Island offers something unique and special, it can be difficult to
choose which one to visit.

Oahu has more of a city vibe and is home to Pearl Harbor while Maui has Haleakala National Park, the road to Hana, and is great for whale watching.

The road to Hana is very twisty, so be prepared if anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness.

👉 Get Dramamine for everyone! There’s even a chewable version available for kids.

The Big Island is known for Volcanoes National Park and amazing waterfalls and Kauai has a national wildlife refuge and Waimea Canyon (which is referred to as the Grand Canyon of the South Pacific).

Pro Tip: Ultimately, there is no wrong choice when it comes to deciding which island(s) to visit.

All islands offer accessible tours, accommodations, beautiful beaches, and mobility
equipment available to rent.

Rental cars are easy to acquire, and accessible vans are available for rent if someone in your family uses a wheelchair.

👉 I recommend using Discover Cars for renting a car on your trip!

There are even day tours to other islands if you want to stay on one island but explore some of what the others have to offer.

While any time of year is a good time to travel to Hawaii, whale season is from
December to April and temperatures are still enjoyable.

The only downside to visiting during this time is it is also the rainy season; however, showers can be brief and passing so they won’t ruin your whole day.

Where to Stay in the Hawaiian Islands

There are many hotel options and resorts on each of the islands. Major hotel chains will offer accessible rooms, some with beachfront locations.

Condos are also available and come in a variety of locations and options, some of which would be suitable for people with mobility issues.

Popular areas to stay include Waikiki (Oahu), Lahaina (Maui), Hilo (Big Island), and
Lihue (Kauai).

These areas may feel more touristy but there are plenty of other great
locations to stay on each of the islands if you want more of an authentic and local feel.

Alaskan Cruise

Alaska is a popular bucket list destination for many families, and why not, it has
glaciers, gorgeous mountains, plenty of wildlife, and opportunities to experience the local culture.

Alaska is a huge state, some of which has no roads. One of the most popular ways to visit this vast destination is by cruise ship.

Cruises offer an easy and affordable way to get from port to port and visit a variety of
places during a relatively short period of time.

Cruises are a great alternative to all-inclusive resorts for seniors with limited mobility because there are almost no all-inclusive resorts in the US.

It’s like a resort at sea, providing delicious meals, wonderful entertainment, and scenic cruising.

Related Reading:
Our 46 Favorite Must-Have Cruise Items + What to Leave at Home

In Alaska, cruise ships will take you past giant glaciers and allow you to explore cute towns. Like Ketchikan!

While in port, you can choose to explore on your own or take an organized
tour/excursion booked either through the cruise line or privately.

Activities can range from taking a helicopter and landing on a glacier, going to a sled dog camp and playing with puppies, gold panning, hiking to a glacier, whale watching, and so much more.

Many excursions can accommodate people with limited mobility and wheelchair users.

Cruises are great for families as there are kids clubs offering activities for their specific
age groups, and adult activities as well.

You can be as active or relaxed as you would like. In addition, cruise ships have great amenities for people with disabilities and those with mobility problems.

Cruise Options

There are several cabin options available as well, including family suites, connecting
rooms, and accessible rooms.

For those on a budget, inside cabins are the cheapest option, although if it’s within your price range, many people splurge on a balcony cabin so they can enjoy more of the Alaska scenery.

When deciding what cruise line to sail with, make sure to look at what itineraries they
have to offer (for example, not all itineraries sail into Glacier Bay National Park).

Also, consider what amenities the ships have and what kind of experience you are seeking.

Also, look at not only the port stops, but the amount of time spent in each port as this
will vary by cruise line.

Some ships will be large and offer a ton of activities (i.e. go karts, rock climbing walls,
surf simulators etc.) while other ships will be more medium-sized and have a more laid-back atmosphere.

The size of the ship may make a difference to people with mobility issues, especially if they are reluctant to use a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Cruise Length

If you have more than a week to plan family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues, you have a few options.

You can choose to do a back-to-back cruise which will give you more time to explore ports as you will most likely stop at each port twice.

Or you can take a repositioning cruise! These are one-way cruises that allow cruise companies to move their fleet around with passengers in tow. You can visit some truly unique destinations this way.

Another option is to do a combination of sea and land tours. These are often called a cruise tour.

Cruise tours for seniors with limited mobility are arranged through the cruise line and allow you to explore Alaska more than just along the coast.

Popular stops with a cruise tour include Denali National Park and Fairbanks. With this option, the cruise line arranges accommodations, transportation, and even options for activities.

Tips for Planning Family Vacations for Senior Citizens with Mobility Issues

Planning family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult. Here are some helpful tips for making your family vacation a success!

☑️ Have an Honest Discussion About Everyone’s Abilities

When planning for your next family trip, make sure to have an honest and frank
discussion on what each person in the group is capable of.

This will help you to plan activities that everyone can enjoy and know how to pace your family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues. While this talk may be uncomfortable, it is important.

Knowing the challenges someone faces can help ensure that everyone will have a fun
trip. In addition, it may also allow for some advanced planning on ways these mobility
issues can be minimized.

For example, if a lot of hiking is on the itinerary, consider the possibility of renting a mobility scooter or other assistive device so that your family member can join or so it can help them conserve more energy.

Mobility scooters are often able to disassemble and fit in the trunks of most vehicles
which make them easy to transport.

There are many adaptive equipment rentals are available throughout the United States at affordable prices.

Pro Tip: Google “mobility equipment rentals in (insert your destination here)” and you may be surprised how many results show up.

Of course, this also means that your discussion should include what types of help
or devices that family member is comfortable utilizing.

☑️ Plan Some Relaxation Time

When planning your family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues, make sure to include some downtime in your itinerary.

Having a mobility issue can mean that it takes more energy for them to do the same tasks that may be no problem for you.

By setting planned times to relax, it allows them to recuperate without having to ask for this opportunity or excuse themselves from other activities in which they may have wanted to participate.

Planning relaxation time can be done in a couple of different ways.

First, it could be a day at the beach or having a day that is light on activities. Second, it could be a planned day to sleep in and get a later start to the day.

When having the discussion about everyone’s abilities, make sure to ask how much
time it usually takes for each person to rest and what they would like that time to look
like.

Better yet, include them on making the itinerary so they can judge for themselves what they can handle and when they may need time to recoup.

☑️ Decide Whether to Take Adaptive Equipment with You or Rent it at Your Destination

One big decision you’ll have to make is whether to take with you on your family vacation for senior citizens with mobility issues someone’s personal adaptive equipment they use on a regular basis or rent similar equipment when you arrive.

Both have their pros and cons.

Traveling with adaptive equipment, especially if you are flying, runs the risk of it getting
lost or damaged in transit.

However, if someone has personalized equipment suited to their individual needs then rental equipment may not be the best option.

Pro Tip: Take this issue into consideration when choosing your destination.

Be aware that if you decide to fly with adaptive equipment that these are considered
medical devices and are not subject to baggage fees that airlines charge.

Sometimes, if there is room on a bigger plane, they can store walkers, canes and sometimes manual wheelchairs in the closet onboard if there is room.

This will help prevent damage to the device.

If this is not an option, then make sure to gate check your equipment and it will
be returned to you upon landing at the exit door of the plane.

☑️ Look into Travel Assistance Services

Some types of travel for handicapped seniors offer services for people with limited mobility that will make your trip easier.

Airlines, for example, have services where staff can meet you at check-in with a wheelchair so that walking in a large airport isn’t necessary.

This service also allows you to skip the line at security to avoid long waits. You should notify the airline in advance if you want to utilize this service.

Another option available is assistance with boarding and disembarking when you cruise.

All cruise lines have a service where they can provide a wheelchair to assist someone with mobility problems with getting on and off the cruise ship.

Pro Tip: This service can be arranged in advance by contacting the cruise line’s accessibility department.

If you will need the use of a mobility aid while on the cruise ship or in any of the ports,
you will need to either bring your own or rent one through companies such as Special
Needs at Sea or Scootaround.

Special Needs at Sea also provides rentals of other medical equipment such as oxygen, raised commode chairs to go over the toilet, and more.

☑️ Determine if an Accessible Room is Needed

No matter which type of vacation you are planning, discuss whether an adapted,
accessible room will be needed during the trip.

These rooms differ from traditional rooms in that there are wider doorways, grab bars near the toilet, and showers that have no thresholds and come with a fold-down seat.

They are rooms that are specially designed for wheelchair users.

If your family member has some mobility, then they may not need a fully accessible room. Instead, a traditional room may be able to be adapted to any needs they may have.

You can rent raised toilet seats to make getting up from the commode easier.

Shower chair rentals are also available if they can step over a low threshold for a walk-in shower but may need a seat to assist with any balance problems or to avoid falls.

When determining what type of room will be necessary, also consider what type (if any) mobility equipment will be used.

Note: Not all mobility scooters will fit through traditional door widths.

Get the measurements ahead of time so you know whether it will work. Hotels and cruise lines will not allow you to charge mobility scooters in the hallway for safety
reasons.

If you are cruising, depending on which cruise line you are sailing with, some offer
partially accessible rooms for people who have mobility issues but do not require
fully adapted rooms.

Pro Tip: If you will need an accessible or partially accessible room, make sure to book as soon as you have your travel dates and itinerary.

Holland America is one such line that offers this service. These rooms are usually located close to the elevators.

These rooms are limited and go fast. It is also a good idea to call the hotel after you book this room to verify that they know you will need an adapted room and can set one aside for you.

Also, verify the room’s features with staff before arriving.

Final Thoughts: Family Vacations for Senior Citizens with Mobility Issues

So there you have it! A comprehensive list of the best vacation spots for handicapped seniors that all make for great senior vacations for all family members.

There are also many locations worldwide that would make for great family vacations for senior citizens with mobility issues.

The locations listed in this post for the United States will make for a great place to start in helping you plan your next family vacation.

This list, in addition to the tips provided, will help to ensure you and your family have a fantastic trip filled with long-lasting memories and fun!