Safe Ways To Travel This Summer

Traveling is a great way to learn more, see more, and spend more time with family. No matter your age, being able to travel should be a blessing filled with fun and excitement. When traveling with seniors, it is important to further your research, and apply extra accommodations so everyone in the family enjoys the trip. Here are a few tips on how to travel safely and a few places you can go. 

How to plan a safe trip for seniors 

Choose the right disability options 

When booking your flight, some airlines allow you to pick disability options at the time of booking, while others have you contact the airline to request the options separately. Either way knowing that your family member will have the accommodations necessary like having a wheelchair accessible will put you and your family at ease. This also applies to places you might go and activities you have planned.

Plan your activities mildly 

You might have to take it slower when traveling with a senior. Of course everyone is different but giving your loved one a time to rest and relax is very important. You might go to things like amusement parks, museums, and more but just make sure you also plan times in the day for more relaxation so everyone has a good time. 

Make sure to bring any needed medications

Carry necessary medications on a carry-on bag to avoid anything getting damaged or lost. To make sure your medications get through customs easier make sure to label all prescriptions and over the counter medicines.

Make sure to stay hydrated and healthy! 

If you are planning to travel this summer make sure to keep yourself hydrated and healthy. Drink plenty of water especially when traveling by plane. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink! It is a great way to make sure you are energized and ready to have a great vacation. Like always, make sure you are also regularly washing your hands or using alcohol based hand sanitizer especially after spending time in crowded places or public transportation. 

Close getaways 

Here are some top rated east coast vacations you and your family can take that are affordable, fun, and educational!

Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod is a perfect weekend getaway with beaches, nature walks, and tons of history to learn about. On the eatern shore of Cape Cod is the Cape Cod National Seashore a protected wildlife area. Here you can go on guided nature tours, snorkeling, hiking, swimming, and bird watching. Another fun attraction is the Whydah Pirate Museum a museum of artifacts recovered from the 18th century. There are also beautiful beaches and shopping areas so everyone in the family will be satisfied. 

Saint Augustine, FL

Saint Augustine is an historic city in the northeast coast of florida. It was founded by spanish settlers in 1565 and was believed to be the home of the fountain of youth. Here you can go to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, visit historic sites such as archaeological digs, spanish military buildings, and more. A popular exhibit is the Castillo de San Marcos,  a fort that was built in the 16th century. There also fun things for both adults and kids like going to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, where you can visit different wildlife, zip line over the zoo, and go to their wildlife shows!

Old Orchard Beach, ME

The Old Orchard Beach runs seven miles along the Atlantic Ocean and has the popular attraction Palace Playland, a fun waterfront amusement park featuring 28 rides, Maine’s largest arcade. For even family fun you can enjoy a stroll down the Old Orchard Pier where you can find delicious food, entertainment and shopping.

Outer Banks, NC

This a very historic and beautiful area of North Carolina. Home to beaches stretching 200 miles along the Atlantic Coast and historic scenery. Enjoying the Outer Banks Scenic Byway it is a combination of 138 driving miles and 25 ferry miles and crosses several islands like Bodie Island, Hatteras Island, and Ocracoke Island as well as travels through 21 villages, historic lighthouses and more. For more of an educational trip stop by Roanoke Island where you can find a history museum that features the Underground Railroad, the Outer Banks History Center, and the Fort Raleigh National Historic Site. 

Rehoboth Beach, DE

Delaware has tons of family fun places. Particularly Rehoboth beach. This is one of the most popular beaches in Delaware featuring the boardwalk with tons of activities such as amusement parks, shops, and restaurants. Funland Amusement Park is a great place to bring the kids, they have rides, and tons of carnival games. Cape Henlopen State Park is a less crowded option for a beach day with all the amenities you would need for a successful beach trip such as, beach equipment rentals, bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards. 

Additional points of interest:

• Austin Texas – Austin has tons of great places to visit for the whole family. You can go to the Austin Aquarium, go on a hike at the Lady Bird Lake Trail, swim at the Barton Springs Pool and more.
• Reno Nevada – Reno is full of attractions for the family. Located in Northern Nevada, you’ll find The Nevada Museum of Art, kayak in the Truckee River, and tons of other outdoor and cultural attractions. 
• Cleveland Ohio – Cleveland is a great place to have an educational visit. You can visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, enjoy guided walking tours, and eat at tons of amazing restaurants.  

Spring Hills 

At Spring Hills we want you to enjoy your summer in a safe way. Taking these extra steps will help guarantee safe travels and a Live Happy summer. Learn more about what it takes for seniors to be healthy this summer.