Background information
Being a senior means that you are 65 years of age, or older. Maybe you retired from working recently. Now you are looking at what to do with the rest of your life and travel the world is a great option. You already made a bucket list?
Seniors are not all the same… Some are still jumping on the table while over 90, others need an afternoon nap and a lot of rest at 60. It may be the result of a lifestyle. Good health and energy is not a given, just like money… Not everyone can afford long vacations to far-away exotic destinations.
People seem to live longer. More and more people are seniors, societies are aging. Many still like to and can travel thanks to relatively good health and finances. Being an active, older person does absolutely NOT mean that you are almost dead. You can and should still do the things that you like and not watch television or play cards all day, every day.
Being older of course is not the same as being younger. You will be tired faster and may prefer activities at a slightly slower pace. Good health is not guaranteed forever. You may be used to nice food and comfort and especially on vacation you may like to continue that and enjoy your golden years. Because you have seen and experienced a lot in your life, you don’t need to see and do everything that comes your way.
How to travel? Where to go? What are the options?
First of all this may depend on who is travelling. Is it just one older person, or two? Is everyone healthy, without real physical challenges? Is a younger family member or friend coming along to keep you company, organise your tour and take care of you, if needed?
Self-organised, independent Travel using Public Transportation
There is absolutely nothing against travelling independently. Just like younger adults, seniors can plan their itinerary themselves, book flights, hotels and transportation online. Many seniors are very computer savvy and most of them have what younger adults don’t have: time!
Carrying heavy suit cases onto trains or buses, very early or very late departure dates may be a different thing all together and that completely depends on the traveller’s health and energy. Doing that a few days in a row is easy, but weeks or months is challenging. As an independent traveller you may be more exposed and more vulnerable than others (eg. theft).
Most of Africa is more suitable for organised group tours or private tours, because of a lack of reliable, safe public transportation. This is true for people of all ages, not only for older people.
Travelling independently also means, that there is nobody to assist in case of questions or emergencies. Whenever assistance is needed, the senior has to find it, in whatever language is spoken. It is a fact that seniors will have more health issues and this has to be seriously considered before packing that suitcase or backpack.
Tour with Private Car, Camper or Chauffeur
A private tour with a car or camper is a great option. Getting around is a lot easier and taking those suitcases along is no longer a hassle. A small automatic car is easy to drive especially in the country side.
In case of a camper, there is no need to take any luggage out for the duration of the trip. I have seen senior Australians who rented a large camper in Perth for 3 months to see their country and explore all provinces, driving 1000s of kilometres. Super! This is freedom pure with planned and unplanned stops plus the possibility to either cook meals or dine out.
However, renting a car or camper as a senior may prove difficult or costly, depending on the country. Some rental companies allow rentals only up to 60, 65 or 69 years of age. Some make it very expensive to rent as a senior due of the added insurance. Therefore, it may sound nice to get your own car and drive, but it is not always feasible.
Alternatively you can get a private tour that includes a car and a driver for the duration of the trip. The chauffeur has a car with insurance, knowns the way and fills up the tank. The senior does not have to bother about left-hand or right-hand traffic and just sits in the back and enjoys the ride. No age limits apply here. It all has advantages and disadvantages.
Sea Cruises and River Cruises, Luxury Expeditions
Traditionally seniors have been travelling on ships. Everyone, young and old, will have a good time with lots of things to see and do on-board as well as ashore. On a ship you’ll get the fresh air and the feeling of being a true sailor, at least once in your life.
River cruises, especially In Europe, will take 100-200 passengers to ports and do day-excursions along Rhine, Danube, Loire, Seine, Douro and other rivers. Relaxed while enjoying nice food, drinks and possibly a swim in the pool. On sea cruises and luxury expeditions with 200-5000 passengers you may visit the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Arctic near Greenland and Svalbard, or even Antarctic to see penguins in the wild. It can virtually be anywhere.
Cruises in general are especially suitable for physically disabled and wheelchair-bound people. Travelling can still be very pleasant and comfortable. On-board there usually are no issues with good accessibility on ship decks, in cabins and in the restaurants. Off-shore may pose some challenges, because cities may not be so accessible (cobblestones, steps, steep hills). Off-boarding river cruises can occasionally be impossible with a wheelchair.
Some organisations organise cruises just for the physically disabled.
Comfortable bus tours or Budget Overland tours
Bus tours come in all shapes and sizes, for different groups of travellers. Most tours are available to everyone, singles and couples, families, budget and luxury, old and young. There are tours for specific age groups, for example young adults with lots of action, and older travellers, at a slower pace. Especially outbound tours, leaving from home with fellow countrymen and women all speaking the same familiar language, may be most suitable for seniors.
Some organisations organise tours just for the physically disabled. Getting wheelchairs on a bus may not be possible on a standard bus tour.
It may be surprising, but even Overland Tours are available to people of all ages. Overlanding means travelling in a special, customised truck across multiple countries with a flexible itinerary. It means putting up a tent and sleeping on a mat as well as helping with food-shopping, cooking and cleaning. Occasionally the group may stop for an overnight stay where there are no facilities whatsoever, where showers have to wait a day and only outdoor toilets (a simple pit in the ground) exist.
These are obviously adventurous budget tours without luxury or air-conditioning. If an older person can still manage the travel and the discomfort, is willing to assist with daily routines without complaining, he/she is welcome to come along. Overland Travel with Oasis, Dragoman or Madventure can last 1 week, but also 10 months (“All of Africa”).
Temporary residence abroad or at sea
One final option for seniors to travel and see the world, is a temporary relocation. Many seniors at advanced age decide to move to another country for a few months or few years. Reasons can be diverse from a long-life wish, to a sudden feeling of adventure, to family origins for immigrants and religious meditation (eg. Ashrams in India). All have in common that it is now, or never. Especially after the partner passed away, or the children became independent, or the business was sold, this opportunity may arise.
Because seniors have no working obligations, but a lot of time at hand, even very long tours are imaginable. It took one or two failed starts, but the dream of a Life at Sea has finally become reality. Anyone can buy a cabin, suite or apartment on-board a special cruise ship that cruises around the world: all continents, year-round on a 3-year itinerary. The passengers pays a one-time fee for the accommodation plus a monthly fee for food and drinks, laundry, medical and internet. Prices depend on the quality of the ship. This cruise is of course only recommendable for those who cruised several times before and can really live on board. It certainly is another way to retire! Why sit in front of the fireplace and wait for someone to show up?
Reminders before you hit the road
Older people must, whether they like it or not, face reality more than younger travellers: 1) Everyone gets sick once in a while and needs medical assistance; 2) Our time on planet earth is limited. It can affect anyone of us anytime.
Before travelling insurance must be arranged to cover large medical bills and home repatriation, if needed. Depending on the destination and duration of absence, registration at the embassy or consulate may be wise. In worst case relatives should know where our final will and testament is. Older people should always carry contact Information of family or friends with them.
Prepare yourself properly. Find out about visa, money, weather and safety. Make sure and share where you are going. You should be able to enjoy your trip, without worrying your family and friends at home.
But most of all: enjoy all your next travels!