How to Plan a Trip With Aging Parents

Your parents always wanted to take you abroad. Now you're both in a position to take yourselves on that dream vacation together at last. The unspoken reality is that this may be the last trip your parents will take, and wrenching emotions can and will be making the journey with you. Most important--be extremely flexible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Choose a mutually agreeable--and manageable--destination. While you may dream about hiking the Swiss Alps, a sea-level favorite like the Caribbean islands might be a better choice for people with physical limitations. Find a lovely place close to home so just getting there isn't overwhelming.
2. Consider any medical restrictions or dietary needs when choosing a region or destination. Get copies of all prescriptions, refill them and keep all drugs in their original containers.
3. Reserve direct flights. Take out travel insurance if you're booking a trip with nonrefundable tickets. See 408 Book Airline Tickets.
4. Reserve any special equipment your parents might need at your destination, such as a wheelchair or oxygen tank. Better yet, call the airlines and hotel in advance and tell them about your situation. Ask: How can I make the trip special for my folks? Upgrades by airlines and hotels are not unheard of.
5. Help them get ready for the trip. Stop their mail and find someone to care for their yard and pets. Shop for what they need.
6. Find out what room arrangements they prefer: Single parents might like sleeping in your room: couples might prefer an adjoining room. Ask for disabled-accessible bathrooms.
7. Persuade any parent with limited independence to let you reserve a wheelchair for them at the airport, even if they don't need one at home. Explain that the airport will be crowded, you'll be juggling bags, and an agent with a wheelchair will zip your party to the head of the security line.
8. Plan an itinerary with your parents help but understand that they may not be able to keep up--no matter how much they want to. Schedule down days after long travel days. Be willing to change plans at the drop of a hat if your parents get fatigued or overwhelmed.
9. Plan leisurely days with very little walking and lots of rest stops. Find ways to avoid standing in lines, such as purchasing museum tickets for reserved entries or show tickets during off times.
10. Take a backpack on every outing, containing medicines, tissues, sweaters, umbrella, purse and wallet--anything they might need during the day. See 422 Pack a Day Bag.
11. Invest in cabs, and find out where the next public bathroom is.

Tips & Warnings

• See 293 Organize a Home Medication Regime.
• Bring a night-light to help your parents get around easily in the hotel room.
• When booking rooms, packages or tours, ask about senior and AARP discounts.
• Check whether your health insurance plan covers travel abroad. See 440 Get Travel Insurance.
• Keep in mind that although the hotel you booked said it was within walking distance of downtown--it may not be walking distance for someone with limited mobility. Ask for specifics.
• Elderly people are often very comfortable in their daily routine and want to travel the way they used to but simply can't. You're dealing with someone who may be in denial. Be prepared for consequences.