After years of disruptions, travel is once again a priority for many Australians, and a family holiday is the perfect way to reconnect with loved ones. Multigenerational travel can be incredibly rewarding, creating shared memories that last a lifetime.
To ensure the trip is enjoyable for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, careful planning and a bit of flexibility are key.
1. Plan Ahead, but Stay Flexible
Thorough planning helps manage expectations and reduces stress for everyone.
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Pace Yourselves: When creating your itinerary, consider everyone's daily routines for sleep, meals, and medication. Resist the temptation to pack your schedule too full. Build in plenty of downtime for rest and relaxation.
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Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Travel rarely goes exactly to plan. Delays and changes can happen. Adopting a positive and flexible mindset will help you navigate any challenges with ease.
2. Keep Health in Mind
Health should be a top priority when travelling with seniors.
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Visit the Doctor: Before the trip, schedule a visit with the doctor to discuss any travel-related health concerns and ensure all vaccinations are up to date.
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Pack Medication Wisely: Make sure you have enough medication for the entire trip, plus extra to cover any potential delays. Ask the doctor for a letter detailing the medications and the conditions they are for, especially if travelling internationally.
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Get Travel Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Ensure your policy covers any pre-existing medical conditions.
3. Research Accessibility in Advance
Don't let mobility issues limit your plans — just plan for them.
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Ask About Recent Changes: If you haven't seen your loved one in a while, ask if their mobility levels have changed. Do they now use a walking stick? Do they need frequent breaks?
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Contact Venues Ahead of Time: Call hotels, attractions, and restaurants to inquire about accessibility. Ask about ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Websites like Travability can also provide information on accessible destinations.
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Consider a Travel-Friendly Mobility Aid: A mobility aid can make a huge difference in comfort and enjoyment. Lightweight, foldable wheelchairs or walkers are designed for travel and can be easily packed in a car or checked on a plane. A portable mobility scooter can also be an excellent choice for exploring new places without getting fatigued.
4. Balance Time Together and Time Apart
A family holiday is about connection, but that doesn't mean you have to do everything together 24/7.
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Plan for Different Interests: Acknowledge that everyone has different priorities. The kids might want the theme park, while grandpa might prefer the history museum. Plan some activities separately to keep everyone happy.
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Create Moments for Connection: Make sure to schedule simple, quality time together. Play card games in the evening, cook a meal together, or just relax and chat. These are often the most precious moments.
Make your next family adventure easier and more comfortable. Medihub offers a range of lightweight, foldable mobility aids perfect for travel.