7 Fun and Stress-Free Travel Plans for Solo Seniors During the Holidays

The holidays are a great time to take a trip, even if you are a senior who is planning to have solo travel.

Listed below are some ideas to help keep your trip fun and free of stress. With a little planning and forethought, it's possible to have a safe and enjoyable journey, no matter where the destination is.

1. Decide on the Mode of Transportation

Hiring an Uber driver is a good option if you're planning short trips. Uber is available in the Knoxville area, and they offer transport to and from other cities as well. 

Renting a vehicle is another alternative. This may be a good choice for seniors who prefer a larger vehicle, such as a minivan, or for those who own an older vehicle that may not be reliable for long trips.

You can also opt to travel by air. Just be aware that weather and holiday crowds can cause flight delays and cancellations.

2. Plan the Route Ahead of Time 

Whether you will rent a vehicle or you will use your own, it's a good idea to plan the route from beginning to end. Simply inputting a destination address into Google or Apple Maps isn't always the best, since their directions often lead travelers over less-than-ideal roads.

For those who are AAA insurance members, travel plans are available from any AAA agent. AAA can provide maps, as well as information about hotel accommodations and local attractions along the way.

3. Take a Companion

Many seniors like to travel, but don't necessarily have a friend or family member who can make the trip with them. Posting a notice at a local senior center or one's place of worship may be a way to connect with a fellow traveler. Going with a companion is a great way to share expenses and driving responsibilities. Having someone to converse with over coffee and at mealtime always helps make a trip more enjoyable. It's also better to travel in pairs for safety reasons, especially when traveling to another country or continent.

 4. Prep to Leave Home

Those who will be away from home for more than a few days may want to consider hiring someone to check on their home. A house sitter can retrieve one's mail, take out the garbage, make sure the furnace is working properly, and in general, make a house look lived in while a homeowner is gone.

Before making a trip, it's also a good idea to refill any medications to avoid the hassle of getting a prescription filled when away from home. 

5. Pack

The weather can be unpredictable during the winter months, so pack clothing for both warm and cool weather. Be sure to include comfortable footwear if walking distances will be part of the trip. 

Don't forget to bring a phone charger, prescription medication, healthy snacks like nuts and fruit, and beverages to drink along the way. For those who are taking their furry friend along, don't forget to pack his/her medication, food, water, and a few of their favorite toys.

6. Tell Someone About the Trip

If you're visiting a family member or friend, let them know the travel route and the expected arrival date and time. For those going on a sightseeing trip that doesn't involve visiting someone's home, it's even more important to let someone know the details of the trip. Periodically checking in with someone during your trip will help your loved ones feel at ease, knowing you're safe and having a good time.

7. Relax and Have Fun! 

It's been said, "It's the journey, not the destination". Taking a cue from this adage, the best part of traveling is to relax and have fun along the way. A trip can provide an opportunity to engage in new experiences and take in new sights, or visit well-known sites to make good memories. A well-planned trip needn't be rushed or stressful because the hard part, the planning, is already done. 

Senior Helpers of Knoxville

Let Senior Helpers make your vacation safe, fun, and memorable. Our helpful staff can help with vacation planning, packing, medication reminders, and more. For more information about Senior Helpers of Knoxville's helpful senior home care services, available in Knoxville, Maryville, Clinton, Loudon, Oak Ridge, and surrounding areas, please contact us.