by Melissa D. Ing

Created on: August 18, 2008   Last Updated: January 28, 2012

Many seniors choose to travel in groups, taking the pressure off driving, sight seeing and providing companionship. Like anything else, selecting the right kind of senior tour for yourself or a loved one requires careful planning. Here are some tips of things to take into consideration.

Tip number 1. Make sure the trip is age appropriate

The term senior' has changed. The term freedom 55' no longer applies and many touring companies don't consider people seniors until the age of 65, or even 70. Do ask the travel tour company what the average age of their travellers are to avoid embarrassment. If you or a loved one is travelling as a single senior, investigate the single's tours. Many older people report finding their second soul mate on a travel trip!

Tip number 2. Check for hidden costs

No two tour companies are the same; so when you or your senior prepares to take a travel tour you need a full list of all costs involved. While many tours state that they are cost inclusive' there may be hidden costs such as gratuities, beverages that may not be included at meal times, and taxes. Many senior don't like to carry a lot of cash or credit cards so make sure you are fully aware of all costs ahead of time.

Tip number 3. Check the travel itinerary

While many senior's love the idea of a travel tour, many are hesitant about spending long hours on buses or plane's. Check how long the daily travel component is, and if a day of rest is given in between destinations. Another consideration is if the tour company can accommodate medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs or breathing apparatus if necessary.

If you or your senior has mobility restrictions, do ask what assistance is given by staff on the tour. Many travel tour companies catering to seniors have a nurse and several assistants to travel with them and assist with difficulties. Do make sure the tour bus operator has a list of any medication's the senior may be taking in the event of an emergency.

Tip number 4. Food and accommodation

Any good travel tour company will undoubtedly have senior's stay in hotels with restaurants and buffets. Ask ahead of time how many meals are provided and in what type of establishment. This is especially important for seniors on special diets or those with food allergies.

Any hotel or motel rest stop should have rooms that are easily accessible to seniors. Make sure ahead of time that the senior is not expected to climb flights of stairs to reach their motel room, and that an elevator and 24 hour staff assistance is available. Many hotels and motels often have non-smoking and wheelchair accessible rooms, but you must make sure the tour company operator requests one ahead of time.

Tip number 5. The fun component

Just because you or your loved one is a senior doesn't mean they don't expect to have a good time. Make sure the tour bus operator offers enough entertainment through plays, musical events, comedy shows, and trips to the casino's or whatever the choice may be. Any good tour operator along with scheduled events will leave a couple of free afternoons and evening's where seniors are free to do their own thing.

Tip number 6. The responsibility of the travel tour company

Senior's hold much of our wealth and have more free time than most of us. Anyone catering travel tours to our older members of society should do everything they can to make sure they have a good time while catering to any health restrictions along with protecting one of the most vulnerable groups in our society.

Now get packing senior's and have fun!

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