Traveling and vacationing is a great way to reduce stress, enjoy nature, and spend time with friends and loved ones, as well as a chance to disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with yourself. Traveling can often be expensive, and it isn’t always easy to hop on a plane to Italy when you feel like you need some time to recharge.

Some tips to ensure a safe and senior-friendly trip include: 

• Prioritize comfort and health: travel should be enjoyable, so be sure to bring things that will help make you as comfortable as possible on your journey. Ensure your hotel and accommodations provide adequate accessibility based on your needs (e.g., wheelchair ramps, shuttles or transportation, and nearby medical facilities if needed). Don’t be afraid to bring along mobility devices such as canes or walkers (most airlines allow you to bring them for no extra cost). Your comfort and safety should always be a priority, especially when it comes to traveling.
• Plan carefully: Ensure you have a thorough plan of where you’re going, how you’ll get there, and how you’ll traverse the area you’re visiting. Make sure your destination is accessible and senior-friendly. Traveling with a companion, whether that be a family member or a friend, can also provide support, and ease any travel anxiety. Consult with your doctor to ensure you’re cleared for travel and aware of any limitations you may have when it comes to traveling. 

Today we’ll be highlighting some excellent senior-friendly travel destinations local to Texas as well as some in the United States. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, here are some senior-friendly recommendations for you!

4 Senior-Friendly Destinations in Texas:

For local Texans (or people visiting), Texas is an excellent place to travel to and around. Its vast size makes it great for many options based on your preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a way to spend a Saturday, head on down to your nearest Bucc-ee’s, and there’s a day trip waiting for you right inside those automatic doors. Whether you want to spend some time in nature exploring the beauty of the Texas hill country or explore Bucc-ee’s for an afternoon, Texas has many senior-friendly options for you. 

San Antonio

San Antonio has many great tourist spots and places for people of all ages to visit and explore. With the many options available, here are a few notable attractions when visiting the San Antonio area:

1. San Antonio River Walk – beautiful Texas landmark with shops and restaurants and the iconic riverwalk boat tour.
2. The Alamo – a Texas monument full of history, artifacts, and a fun museum. Seniors are also offered a senior discount for perusing the Alamo exhibit. 

Houston

Houston is home to humid weather and a vibrant culture. As one of the largest cities in Texas, you won’t run out of things to do.  Here are a few notable attractions in the Houston area:

3. Space Center Houston – once again a great place to visit for all ages! You’ll feel like a kid again, wandering around and learning about space exploration. With interactive tours and exhibits, it’s an excellent indoor option for the hot Texas summers. 
4. Blue Bell Creamery – technically an hour outside of Houston in Brenham, but what’s a Texas trip without a required drive? This is an excellent option for any ice cream lovers out there to go and see the making and packaging of the infamous Blue Bell ice cream. Seniors also get a reduced entry fee. 

4 Senior-Friendly Cities in the United States:

1. Washington, DC – The U.S. capital has an abundance to offer visitors, including museums, beautiful architecture, and historic monuments. Traveling here would guarantee an educational and enjoyable trip.
2. Asheville, North Carolina – An excellent place to taste a bit of Southern charm and history. Known for its vibrant art scene, historic architecture, and stunning mountain views, Asheville is a lovely option for traveling. The Biltmore Museum is a popular choice, very picturesque, almost like you’re in a fairytale castle, and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
3. Sedona, Arizona – Known for its stunning red rock formations and easy-to-navigate hiking trails. Sedona offers beautiful drives and jeep tours that can accommodate varying activity levels. The city is easily accessible and offers many outdoor activities for you to take a fresh breath in nature. With various tour options (self-guided driving, railway, or helicopter), there are many options to explore the visual beauties this city has to offer.
4. San Francisco, California – Known for a variety of attractions, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and unique neighborhoods to explore, such as the Victorian houses on Steiner Street featured in television shows like Full House. The various accessible public transportation options, such as cable cars, make it easy to explore the city. 

Traveling doesn’t always need to be lavish, expensive, or far away; it can be right in your neighborhood or state. Your ability level and resources may limit your travel options and locations or require a bit more thought and consideration, but that doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy them any less. Everyone needs time to relax and get away from everyday stresses, and no matter your age, traveling can be a delightful experience with proper planning.

Written for Senior Industry Services by Lauren Hope Bartling