Essential Tips for Traveling with an Aging Parent

Recently, my nearly 80-year-old mother and I embarked on a two-week journey through Greece and Turkey. Our days were filled with exploring ancient archaeological sites, wandering through historic cities, and navigating the logistics of international travel. The experience was extraordinary. We marveled at locations thousands of years old, savored incredible cuisine, immersed ourselves in vibrant cultures, and most importantly, spent meaningful time together.

However, traveling with an aging parent comes with unique challenges, particularly when visiting destinations that weren’t designed with accessibility in mind. Here are three crucial lessons we learned that will help you plan a smoother adventure with your older loved one.

Lesson 1: Minimize Travel Days and Plan Medication Management

The jetlag hit us hard! Both my mom and I were essentially non-functional for the first three days in the Greek Islands. Our journey began with three flights and two stops over 24 hours, and despite our extensive travel experience (including frequent cross-country and international trips), we were unprepared for how severely this would affect us.

Flying economy, I couldn’t sleep despite having a reclining seat and footrest, which meant I was awake for nearly 24 hours straight. This completely disrupted my circadian rhythm. The challenge was compounded by trying to maintain my medication schedule which includes, HRT cream, thyroid medication, and wearing my dental night guard, all difficult to manage without adequate counter space, reliable access to potable water, uncertain time zones, and meal services that didn’t align with my routine.

Surprisingly, my mother experienced the same level of jetlag despite flying first class, which led us to conclude that the number of flights and connections matters more than cabin comfort.

Key Takeaways:

• Start your journey at a destination closer to home when possible
• Map out medication timing and sleep schedules in advance
• Always carry water with you
• Bring spare items (like a clean dental guard) to avoid mid-flight cleaning hassles
• Consider direct flights or fewer connections, even if they cost more

Lesson 2: Build in Buffer Days for Recovery

The first three days of our trip were spent in Mykonos, using it as our homebase with planned day trips to Santorini and Delos. Unfortunately, rainy weather in Mykonos led me to incorrectly assume Santorini would be the same, so we skipped it. When we visited Delos a couple days later and found beautiful weather we realized that each island has its own microclimate and conditions.

In our jetlagged state, we made a poor decision that caused us to miss Santorini. Had we built in just one extra day in the Greek islands, we would have recovered enough and had the presence of mind to make it there. 

Key Takeaway:

• Always include buffer rest days immediately after arriving at a new destination, especially when traveling with an aging parent who may need extra recovery time

Lesson 3: Research Accessibility Thoroughly Before Booking

This was perhaps our biggest oversight. Delos offered a glimpse of what was to come throughout our trip, rocky terrain, uneven surfaces, and steps everywhere. The ancient city, which housed 35,000 citizens at its peak about 3,500 years ago, required climbing more than 100 steps to reach the top of Mount Cynthus for the best views.

My mother is remarkably active and healthy, but the constant terrain challenges took their toll. The Acropolis in Athens requires a steep climb. We only discovered after the fact that elevators existed to reach the top of it, information that would have been extremely helpful.

In the region of Cappadacio, the city of Göreme and its surrounding natural attractions (the underground city, Sultans Garden, Imagination Valley, and Pigeon Valley) all featured similar demanding terrain. While my mom participated in all the walking tours, she couldn’t maintain her usual brisk pace and occasionally had to sit out portions to avoid injury or getting stuck in difficult spots.

Even our accommodations presented unexpected obstacles with numerous flights of stairs including 15 steps to reach our room and 47 steps to reach its restaurant.

Key Takeaways:

• Ask detailed questions about terrain, number of steps, and surface conditions before booking
• Research ADA-compliant or accessible alternative routes to major attractions
• Confirm accessibility features at lodging before reserving
• Consider hiring private guides who can customize pace and routes
• Don’t assume accessibility information will be readily available. You may need to call or email directly

Final Thoughts

Despite these challenges, traveling with an aging parent can be fulfilling. I know this trip with my mom created memories we’ll cherish forever. Neither she nor I have any regrets about our adventure. But for the next time we now know that the key to success is thoughtful planning: choose routes that minimize initial travel time, build in adequate recovery periods, and thoroughly research accessibility at every destination and accommodation.

The bond strengthened and experiences shared while traveling with an aging parent are irreplaceable. With proper preparation, you can focus on what matters most, spending quality time together while exploring the world.

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This post was researched and drafted with the assistance of AI. All sources were reviewed and verified to the best of their ability by the editorial team.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We strongly encourage readers to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions or changes to their health and medical routines. Marigold Brands and The Marigold Woman cannot be held accountable for any inaccuracies or adverse outcomes related to the information presented. We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and individual experiences may vary. Sources and references are provided to support the content and enable readers to further explore topics and do not imply endorsement. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your health routine.