Travel Resources for Senior Travelers

With medical technology allowing for longer healthier lives, seniors are finding themselves looking for ways to enjoy an active older lifestyle. Many have money to spend and no major financial obligations, leaving them with many options for travel – from travel to exotic lands, to discovering the treasures next door. The International Council on Active Aging has resources that are geared toward promoting an active lifestyle in seniors. Seniors Travel Guide has links to a variety of travel opportunities for active seniors. Active Seniors may enjoy the walking tours that Walking the World offers. The tours are geared to people age 50 and older. Elder Travelers will match you with a senior host so lodging is free. If you prefer a less structured vacation you can locate housing for adults age 55+ at the Elder Hostel website. They also provide information on biking, walking, learning, and craft vacations. AARP and AAA offer great deals for travel for seniors.

For international travel try the Elder Treks and go to Ethiopia, the Gobi Desert, or some other exotic place. You may also want to invest in traveler’s insurance. Quote Wright offers a comparison of different travel insurance rates so that you can make an informed decision. The U.S. Department of State offers information on hospitals abroad that offer a standard of care that is up to U.S. standards. It also provides information on air ambulance companies and international traveler’s assistance. Hospital Web offers a more extensive list of hospitals abroad. You may want to check with your insurance company to find out if they cover your medical expenses abroad. Some medical insurance companies reimburse your cost. Global Dialysis offers information on dialysis centers in 127 countries around the world. Travel Oxygen is a company that provides oxygen for oxygen dependent travelers.

Some Seniors have special needs and sites like Accessible Journeys offers tours that are wheelchair accessible. The Independent Living Institute offers a vacation home exchange that is already set up for people with special needs. This allows for low-cost lodging with all the amenities for people with extreme disabilities. World on Wheels offers information on accessible travel all over the world. Disabled Accomodation Miami offers rentals of wheelchair accessible apartments.

As more seniors travel, there will be more opportunites geared directly to them.