This story is a part of a series in our Summer 2026 issue.
This summer, take your older parents on vacation
They took you on trips when you were little. Now it’s time to return the favour. Sheryl Bennett-Wilson writes about travelling with the older adults in our lives
Photo Credit Depositphotos_103291006_XL
When Sarah Bercier’s father was two weeks shy of turning 99, she and her sister and their husbands decided to go on a cruise… together.
“I’d never been on a cruise,” says Bercier, “neither had my father, Roy Allen, but we thought, ‘why not – it’ll be fun.’”
It did turn out to be a lot of fun. But when you’re travelling with a 99-year-old, there are many things to consider, especially when you are in the middle of an ocean with various ports of call stops.
Roy Allen was 99 years old when he went on his first cruise. Photo Courtesy Sarah Bercier
“First of all, we wanted to make sure that he enjoyed himself,” says Bercier. “So, we were always mindful of his needs so he could relax. And we took turns, as well as checking in with each other.” Bercier says it meant someone was with him all the time but spread across the four of them, it worked out. “We really enjoyed the excursions off the ship, but we were also super diligent about checking which ones would work for him,” says Bercier.
The excursion guides were good about providing information. “My dad can do a lot, but we had to be specific about his limitations,” adds Bercier. “For example, he can walk quite a distance, but loses his balance very easily when standing still.” They always found out where the washrooms were when they were in a new place, and on walking tours, they inquired about places to sit and take a break.
“The four of us were certainly prepared to miss out on something on the cruise if needed,” says Bercier, “but we never did. Dad is still pretty active, and we encouraged him to push his limits. He was the best judge to know when to say no.” They also participated in activities on the cruise they thought he would enjoy, like bingo, high tea, and educational presentations. And they enjoyed them too. Bercier says that they made sure they had appropriate insurance in place and that her father’s vaccines were all up to date.
She booked aisle seats on the flight to their cruise with extra legroom. “My dad loves swimming,” says Bercier, “so I made sure I packed lots of sunscreen for him. We thought of everything, so he didn’t have to. And this year, to celebrate his 100th birthday, he did the 5K walk at Ottawa Race Weekend.”
“Good planning is key,” adds Darlene Proulx, “especially when you go camping with an 87-year-old.”
Proulx’s father, Bert, enjoys their camping excursions in their motor home. “My dad has balance issues, COPD and macular degeneration,” says Proulx. “So, it’s even more of a challenge. That’s why I map everything out on a map app. I know all the places where we can stop and rest. And because my dad has a rigid eating schedule, planning is important.” She also checks out hotels along the route so if the camper breaks down, they know ones that can accommodate her dad. Insurance and medications are vitally important and Proulx always takes extra medications with her.
“We’re not travelling to the United States this year,” says Proulx. “But we have in the past and I always make sure I have those extra medications and the location of hospitals along our planned route. And make sure your insurance covers everything. Check those details.” Proulx says she does the packing for her dad, just to make sure he has the proper clothing. She got him a Medic Alert bracelet with all his health information on it, and she ensures that there are back-up batteries for his hearing aids.
“Despite his health issues,” says Proulx, “he really likes to get out and walk. And he’ll often go for 5K. Last year he went out on a trail near the campground and even though he knew the trail, he got turned around. Thankfully he had his phone with him, so he didn’t panic and I went and got him.” Proulx says she and her husband and her brother enjoy taking her dad camping with them and they have a lot of fun as a family. “Sure, it’s a bit harder with someone that senior,” says Proulx, “but thinking about what could happen and making sure you’ve got a good plan in place, it can be a good time for everyone.”
Bert Proulx, left, with train conductor Hazen in North Conway, New Hampshire. Photo Credit Darlene Proulx
So, what do the experts say about travelling with an older adult?
“Get insurance,” says Kristie Hall, travel consultant with Questie Travel. “Actually, travel insurance is advised no matter what your age. And it’s important for medical issues and trip cancellations.”
Kristie Hall. Photo Courtesy Questie Travel
Hall says that when you are travelling with seniors and depending on the type of travel, make sure that stops are built in. “Taking a land trip can be very different from a cruise,” says Hall. “If it’s a land trip, think about how many nights you are going to be in one place, as it can be really trying for a senior to keep unpacking and packing every night. They do need some down time.” She says having detailed instructions in place can help keep stress levels down. “I’ve heard from many seniors on how the unknowns can be stressful,” says Hall. “Knowing what’s prepaid in advance, how many meals are available, and that there are hotel transfers can be a relief.” Hall says that cruises are wonderful for a multi-generational trip, as there is usually something for everyone. But consider that some cruises ships might feel overwhelming. And if the trip is to an all-inclusive resort, consider how long it takes to walk to the beach or to the on-site restaurants – all possible challenges for an older adult.
“I work with many seniors and I’m very mindful of some of the issues,” says Hall. “Accessibility can be a consideration, like whether the beach hotel has an elevator and can you ask for special accommodations. By pre-planning, you can take away much of the unknown.”
Hall preplanned her own European trip for her children and parents and it took out much of the stress. “You can make sure that everyone has a great time,” says Hall. “And my best piece of advice would be to make sure any of your older adult traveller’s medications are in their carry-on and you’ve got extra.”
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Useful websites
questietravel.com/about-us
accesstravelclub.ca/
eapon.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Travel-Safety-Tips-for-Older-Adults_infographics-3.pdf
aacmiss.ca/vacation-travel-advice-for-older-adults/
Photo Credit Depositphotos_648369948_XL