Going on holiday in your eighties? Why not!

Getting older comes with many perks, more free time, no more dependents to look after… but it can also come with problems, you might not feel as fit and active as you did previously, and your confidence might be knocked because of this. Don’t worry though, we’re here to put your mind at rest – age shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying yourself, so here are some tips to help make your trip go smoothly.

Firstly, make sure you’re adequately healthy for the kind of holiday you want to take. Book an appointment with your GP or if you have a regular health visitor, speak to them first. They will be able to assuage any fears and offer tips on ways you can help with any pain or health problems you might anticipate. They will also be able to write any perscriptions that you might need to take with you should your holiday overlap with your next refill. This way you’ll also be able to confidently disclose any potential issues to your insurance provider which will eliminate any nasty surprises should you fall ill.

Next, you need to decide where you want to go, how long for and what you intend to do when you’re there. Be realistic about what you feel you can and can’t do and plan accordingly. Our accommodation and attraction pages will be able to give you some idea of what is available all over the country. Perhaps you can go somewhere you’ve never been before? Or revisit somewhere that has happy memories for you.

Do you use a walker or a mobility aid? That’s fine! Lots of top attraction and accommodation providers have worked hard to make sure they are as accessible as possible, this includes ground floor rooms, level access and lifts as well as accessible bathrooms and lower admission prices for those with disabilities or who are senior citizens. If you’re travelling by public transport, make sure to book assistance on trains where available and ask for taxis that are adapted for wheelchairs or walkers. It is also a good idea to check with your travel insurance provider that the policy covers loss or damage to your mobility aids.

You’re entitled to discounts, use them!
Once you reach retirement age, you’ll be eligible for a free bus pass allowing you to use the bus network all over the country, but if you want to go on holiday to somewhere a bit further afield, make sure to get yourself a senior citizens railcard which will get you discounts on train travel, as well as alert conductors and station staff that you might need additional assistance.

And don’t forget, record all your new memories!
Having a lovely, relaxing (or energetic!) time is what is most important on your holiday, but don’t forget to take some time to reflect and record your adventures. If you don’t feel confident using a smart phone, you can grab disposable cameras at gift shops and polaroid style cameras are popular at the moment, so you don’t need to learn anything new or high tech!

Want some ideas of places you can go in the UK? Take a look at our accommodation and things to do pages!