Traveling as a senior citizen can look a bit differently than traveling as a young adult. Our needs are constantly changing as we age which means our list of travel essentials must also change. With that being said, this post on travel essentials for senior citizens is a comprehensive guide to make your travel packing process a bit easier.
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product or service links and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission. I only recommend products and services that I personally believe in. For more information, click here.
Now, I fully realize that I am not a senior citizen, so I enlisted the help of my mom. She was more than happy to collaborate with me on this guide as well as the FREE printable checklist for senior citizens at the bottom of this page. At her request, the font size on the FREE printable checklist is large and easy to see!
Travel Essentials for Senior Citizens: Mobility
One of the most important things you need to focus on is your mobility. The greater your comfort and ease of movement, the more enjoyable your travel experiences will be. With that being said, it is extremely important to give careful consideration to your clothes, shoes, mobility aids, and luggage.
Clothes
When selecting your travel wardrobe, it is essential to consider several factors. First, review the weather forecast for your destination to ensure your clothing is suitable. Additionally, ensure that the garments you select align with the activities you plan to engage in.
Furthermore, you’ll want to take into account your sensory system and current range of motion. While I could assert that pull-over cotton shirts are an ideal addition to your travel wardrobe, such a statement would be inaccurate if you find the texture of cotton uncomfortable or if your range of motion makes wearing pull-over shirts difficult.
With that being said, you should take advantage of adaptive clothing to optimize your travel wardrobe. Adaptive clothing offers a range of options that are both easy to put on and comfortable to wear. Some features include but are not limited to the following:
- Elastic waistbands
- Velcro closures
- Magnetic closures
- Hook and loop closures
- No zippers
- Tag less
- Tear away
- Open back or sides
PACKING TIP! When it comes to clothes, don’t forget to pack a lightweight sweater (even if it’s warm out). You may find airport terminals, reception areas, public use areas, waiting rooms, lounges, etcetera a bit chilly. You’ll really appreciate having a warm sleeve if you need it.
Shoes
When it comes to travel essentials for senior citizens, it doesn’t get any more important than shoes! The success of your journey significantly relies on selecting appropriate footwear that enables you to traverse various terrains. Make sure the shoes you opt for are easy to wear and offer the necessary comfort to support you throughout your travels.
Furthermore, you’ll want to take your individual health conditions into consideration. If you’re diabetic or have medical conditions that affect your feet, you may want to consider adaptive shoes. Features include but are not limited to the following:
- Sensory friendly footbeds
- Slip resistant technology
- Adjustable straps
- Removable footbeds
- Elastic bands
- Self-lacing technology
- Special linings
- Stretchable material
- Slip on options
- Collapsible heels
- Velcro closures
- Extra width
- Arch supports
- Shock absorbing soles
- Extra depth
Mobility Aids
There are many different types of mobility aids, each uniquely designed to help people get around with ease. You’ll want to make sure you choose travel-friendly mobility aids that accommodate your physical limitations. Some options include but are not limited to the following:
- Vision aids
- Glasses
- Contacts
- White canes
- Blind canes
- Electronic mobility aids for the blind
- Crutches
- Walking canes
- Foldable canes
- Seat canes
- Canes with lights
- Bariatric canes
- Walkers
- Foldable walkers
- Rolling walkers
- Rollator walkers with seats
- Knee walkers
- Wheelchairs
- Manual
- Electric
- Sports
- All-terrain
- Pediatric
- Bariatric
- Lumbar
- Airplane friendly
- Wheelchair cushions
Luggage
When it comes to travel essentials for senior citizens, you’ll want to carefully consider your luggage options. I highly recommend lightweight options with wheels. Just make sure the luggage you choose is also durable. Additionally, you’ll want to pack as light as possible. For more information on packing light, read my post Packing Light Strategies.
Travel Essentials for Senior Citizens: Medication
You’ll want to make sure you pack your medications, both over the counter and prescription. I suggest packing your prescription medications in their original bottles from the pharmacy and bringing written proof of each prescription with you.
However, I would also recommend tossing a small pill organizer in your luggage and using it in the same fashion you would at home. Pill organizers will help you remember to take your medications at the right time and in the right quantities.
Travel Essentials for Senior Citizens: Safety and Security
It’s more important now than ever to focus on safety and security while traveling. We no longer live in a world where we can leave our car doors unlocked while running into the grocery store. Likewise, we no longer live in a world where we can trust the seemingly “good Samaritan” that’s offering to help us with our luggage.
Some travel essentials for senior citizens that will help ensure your safety and security while traveling include but are not limited to the following:
- Travel companion
- Roadside assistance (if traveling by motor vehicle)
- Travel insurance
- Cell phone & charger
- RFID-blocking waist wallet
- RFID-blocking passport holder
- Personal alarm
- First aid kit
- Trackers (luggage, wallet, etcetera)
- Face mask (just in case)
- Flashlight or travel light
- Pain pen
- Medical alert card
- Extra travel snacks
- Extra water
- Medications (as previously mentioned)
- Hearing devices (if needed)
While this post is primarily about travel essentials for senior citizens that you can pack, I would like to offer some advice. Book accommodations that have a room safe and test the safe’s locking mechanism before putting anything in it! Use it to safeguard your passport, some extra cash (in the local currency), an extra credit card, copies of important documents, and etcetera.
Also, read my Basic Safety for all Travelers post! It’s full of useful information to help you optimize your travel safety plan.
Travel Essentials for Senior Citizens: Travel Documents
Travelers need an insane amount of documentation, so I wrote a blog post in hopes of alleviating some of the overwhelming stress involved in gathering all the necessary documents. The last thing you need is to find yourself in a time consuming, precarious situation without the proper paperwork. I urge you to read my post, The Plight of Travel Documentation, and consider adding it to your favorites for easy access.
As senior citizens, there are a few “additional documents” you should consider packing. Those documents include but are not limited to the following:
- Advanced Healthcare Directive
- Medicare Card
- Other insurance cards (if any)
- Prescription information
- Physician’s name & number
- Drug store name & number
- Medical report with allergies, conditions, etcetera
- Denomination of Choice
- Pastor’s name and number
- Itinerary (of course)
PLANNING TIP! During your planning process, feel free to check out my Resource Center. You can find links to useful travel resources near the bottom of the page.
Travel Essentials for Senior Citizens: Toiletries
When it comes to travel essentials for senior citizens, you do not want to forget your toiletries bag! Likewise, you don’t want to forget any “must haves” when packing your toiletries bag. In addition to the basic toiletries, there’s some additional toiletries you may need to pack.
Basic toiletries (travel size)
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Bodywash
- Razor
- Shaving cream (if needed)
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Hairbrush or comb
- Makeup kit (if you wear any)
- Manicure set
- Wipes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
Additional toiletries
- Adult diapers or pads (if needed)
- Peri care items
- Denture care items
- Dry skin lotion
Travel Essentials for Senior Citizens: Electronics
There’s a very short list of electronics that fall into the category of travel essentials for senior citizens!
- Cell phone & charger (as previously mentioned)
- Power bank (make sure it’s TSA approved if flying)
- Universal travel plug adapter (for international travel)
- eReader (if you like to read)
Travel Essentials for Senior Citizens: Miscellaneous
As always, there are some things that don’t really fall into any specific category, but you’ll still want to consider packing them. See the list below!
- Magnifying glass
- Sewing kit (travel size)
- Clothes saver
- Umbrella
- Sunshades
- RF detector
- Water bottle
I hope this list of travel essentials for senior citizens helps you pack well for your next adventure! Remember to utilize the complimentary FREE printable checklists of travel essentials for senior citizens provided below. Feel free to download and print them multiple times for your convenience. Wishing you many blessings and as always, Safe Travels!
This is such a great post! I saved it for future reference.
What a helpful post. My mom is 75 and has felt recently that her travel days are over, which has made us both sad. I’m going to share this with her and see if we can use some of these ideas to make travel more accessible to her. Thanks so much for all the great informantion.
This is a very precise list of travel items for senior citizens. It’s a cool idea and I love it! Thanks for sharing.
This is such a thoughtful and practical post! It’s so true that our travel needs evolve as we age, and having a tailored list of essentials can make all the difference for a smooth and enjoyable trip. I love that you’ve created a comprehensive guide specifically for senior citizens—this is incredibly helpful for those looking to stay comfortable and prepared while traveling. Thank you for putting together such a valuable resource, I’ll definitely be sharing this with loved ones!
Thank you for this post! My mom’s flying to visit me and my sister soon and this is so helpful!
Great article, you have not left anything out! It’s so important to compile lists when traveling of what to pack! Thanks for sharing!