This article takes a look at the 16 best vacations for seniors with limited mobility. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis on accessible tourism, you may go to 5 Best Vacations for Seniors with Limited Mobility.
Silver Tourism
According to Census data, Baby Boomers are the wealthiest generation of all cohorts, controlling an estimated 70% of disposable income in the USA. Over the next two decades, it is forecast that the generation will leave a staggering $30 trillion behind. If it happens, it is going to be the greatest transfer of wealth in history. However, given the current trends of baby boomer traveling; it is unlikely that such a significant transfer of wealth is going to happen at all. After all, this phase of life is often referred to as the "golden period" for a reason. It's only reasonable to anticipate that a significant portion of their accumulated wealth will be allocated to travel, leisure, and non-essential living expenses.
On average, this generational cohort is likely to take 4 to 5 leisure trips each year, spending an estimated $6,600 annually. These travelers love to visit Florida and the Caribbean, the top warm-weather spots on their travel list. Moreover, while the average spend of these travelers on a leisure trip per year is an estimated $6,000; many baby boomers can afford to spend the same on a single vacation as well. This higher spend on leisure travel stems from their financial stability and strength. Having no children to take care of and enough time on their hands; traveling seems like the perfect solution.
Based on travel data, it has also been found that 3 out of 10 boomers choose cruises when going on vacation trips. According to Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC), baby boomers are especially splurging on restaurants and cruises. While a spike in Social Security payments due to an 8.7% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) has been responsible for the increased spending, high-income households that are unaffected by such spikes seem to be spending more, too. In 2022, Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) reported a substantial increase in aggregated credit and debit card spending per household on travel. This category includes expenditures on airlines, lodging, cruises, and rental cars.
The data reveals a robust year-over-year (YoY) growth of 27%, surpassing the 2019 figures by a notable 9%. A senior economist at Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC), Tinsley; notes that these older consumers are spending more on hotels, cruises, and airfare now that the pandemic is over. Another reason the baby boomers increasingly prefer cruises over other vacation trips is the range of accessibility they offer. You pack and unpack once. There are amenities and conveniences available for passengers with limited mobility, onboard assistance, and even assistance for excursions.
Accessible Tourism
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, over 25.5 million Americans have self-reported travel-limiting disabilities. Out of this figure, 11.2 million are aged 65 years and above. Moreover, many of these Americans with mobility disabilities spend $58.2 billion on leisure trips. Despite representing a significant part of the travel industry, this market segment continues to be poorly served. MMGY Travel Assistance, a research firm focused on the travel and hospitality industry, has researched travelers with mobility disabilities. The results report that 96% of respondents have been facing accommodation-related problems during travel, 86% had flight problems, and 40% also reported having their mobility equipment lost or damaged by their airline.
Prioritizing accessibility can help those with mobility disabilities travel with ease, tapping a significant market segment along the way. Many organizations have already started creating a more accessible future for such travelers, including Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE), Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL), Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL). Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) has partnered with several companies working to increase access for underserved travelers. Companies include Becoming RentABLE, a company that finds accessible short-term rental properties; Be My Eyes, an app that connects people with sight impairments; and Wheel the World, an online resource for accessible travel experiences, amongst others.
"We're excited to leverage our expertise with Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) on how we can make the world accessible; that's our purpose as a company."
Similarly, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL); an American cruise firm and one of the best cruise stocks to buy according to Insider Monkey, has also been providing accessible cruises to its customers. AIDA Cruises, one of the brands under Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL), has adapted to the special needs and requirements of individuals with impairments. Customers can access barrier-free travel through advanced booking, with almost all areas of the cruise ship accessible to customers without barriers.
Hotels such as Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), an American multinational company that operates, franchises, and licenses lodging including hotel, residential, and timeshare properties, are also worthy of mention due to their commitment to accessibility. At Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), accessible stays are guaranteed through rooms with specific facilities, grab bars and walk-in showers, Braille signage, wheelchairs upon request, barrier-free access to common areas, restaurants, swimming pools, and much more.
Many all-inclusive resorts are also popping up along the way to cater to the booming demand for senior traveling. Some all-inclusive resorts for seniors with limited mobility include Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island, Bahamas; Riu Palace Riviera Maya, Mexico; and The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal, Costa Rica; to name a few.
16 Best Vacations for Seniors with Limited Mobility
Methodology
To compile the list of best vacations for seniors with limited mobility, we checked out tourism websites, travel forums, accessibility guides such as World on Wheels, and travel blogs. Next, we ranked them on overall accessibility, accommodations, and number of attractions, based on reviews on Trip Advisor.
Here are the best vacations for seniors with limited mobility:
16. Little Valley Mountain Resort, Tennessee
Insider Monkey Score: 13
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, the Little Valley Mountain Resort offers seniors the perfect way to enjoy their vacation in wheelchair-accessible cabin rentals. There are several accessible trails for wheelchair users, assistance services, and in-cabin amenities. Seniors can also enjoy the Smoky Mountains scenery from the comfort of their cabin porch.
15. Sonoma Valley, California
Insider Monkey Score: 13.5
Sonoma Valley, the birthplace of California’s famed wine industry, is another all-year popular tourist spot for seniors with limited mobility. Embracing sunlit valley vineyards, strikingly beautiful mountain vistas, and ancient oak trees; Sonoma is a dream destination worth exploring. While it may not seem like a vacation with limited walking, the truth is that Sonoma Valley is very much accessible. Many wineries in the valley are wheelchair accessible, with ramps, smooth pathways, and accessible restrooms. Many areas have undergone accessible trail improvements as well, such as Mount Tamalpais and China Camp.
14. Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Insider Monkey Score: 14
One of the most wheelchair-friendly and accessible parks in the USA is the Badlands National Park in South Dakota. 17% of its trails are wheelchair accessible. In particular, the Fossil Exhibit and Window Trails have accessible boardwalks, while the first section of the Door and Cliff Shelf Trails is also accessible to wheelchair users. There are two accessible campsites as well, complete with accessible restrooms and automated fee machines. Badlands National Park also accommodates wheelchairs in 92.3% of its restaurants.
13. Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch, Arizona
Insider Monkey Score: 14.5
Seniors who wish for a barrier-free vacation must check out the Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch. The secluded area is the perfect opportunity to explore nature, with accessible guest rooms and cabins featuring wide doorways, grab bars, roll-in showers, and similar features. Their riding program also offers accessible riding equipment so individuals can enjoy a completely accessible vacation. Even the swimming pool and hot tub have been built with wheelchair accessibility in mind.
12. Oahu, Hawaii
Insider Monkey Score: 15
One of the best vacations for seniors with limited mobility is Oahu, Hawaii. From exploring the stunning landscapes of Oahu to savoring scenic drives of Hanauma Bay Scenic Lookout, the Pali Highway, and the North Shore, there is simply too much to do here. Several beaches are wheelchair accessible such as Waikiki Beach; featuring accessible parking, beach mats for sand access, all-terrain wheelchair rentals, and others.
Visiting Pearl Harbor is a must, and the majestic floating USS Arizona Memorial is fully wheelchair-accessible as well. There are plenty more accessible places to check out in Oahu; such as a sea life park, zoo, Iolani palace, and various luaus. Some wheelchair-accessible places to eat in Oahu include Nico's Pier 38, and Restaurant 604, as well as others in Waikiki Beach.
11. The Hillwood Museum and Gardens, Washington
Insider Monkey Score: 15.5
While the entire Washington DC can be a splendid vacation for seniors with limited mobility, the Hillwood Museum and Gardens deserve a special place on our list because of several key features. For starters, the place is accessible for all; with ramps, designated pathways, and elevators for mobility ease. Assistance services are available to those who need them. The scenic gardens also have accessible viewing areas. Since Washington is famous for its accessibility, finding reasonable accommodation nearby will not be difficult for exploring the rest of the city.
10. Niagara Falls
Insider Monkey Score: 16
Another excellent choice of vacation for seniors with limited mobility is Niagara Falls. To experience the natural wonder in action, it is advised to take the incline railway which is fully wheelchair accessible and costs a few dollars only. Some accessible things to do here include trekking the white water walk, visiting the Butterfly Conservatory, and even going on a wine tour.
9. Tybee Island, Georgia
Insider Monkey Score: 16.5
Owing to Tybee Island’s serene coastal environment and accessible beaches, it can prove to be one of the best vacations for seniors with limited mobility. Several access points have mobi mats installed, such as at North Beach Mid Lot Cross Over, Second Avenue Cross Over, and 16th Street Cross Over. Fort Pulaski's ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliance and accessible trails, as well as the Tybee Island Marine Science Center's full accessibility, make it even more appealing for travelers. Georgia has plenty of other accessible destinations as well, such as scenic train rides, museums, amusement parks, etc.
8. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL)
Insider Monkey Score: 17
The Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL)'s Symphony of the Seas has been ranked by many disability-focused websites such as Special Needs at Sea as one of the best cruises for limited mobility seniors. The cruise provides complimentary wheelchair assistance at embarkation and disembarkation. It also features spacious corridors to accommodate 180-degree wheelchair turns, accessible cinemas and pools, and accessible decks and public rooms.
7. Disneyland and Disney World
Insider Monkey Score: 18
Both Disneyland and Walt Disney World prioritize accessibility, making them excellent vacation choices for seniors with limited mobility. The parks offer wheelchair-accessible entrances, ramps, and also designated viewing areas to enjoy the parades and shows. Disney resorts have also become accessible over the years, and there is dedicated staff to help such individuals with their needs. Seniors with mobility challenges can also use accessible technology such as audio descriptions and show captioning.
6. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Insider Monkey Score: 18
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is a stunning natural destination to enjoy. Featuring wheelchair ramps, accessible viewpoints, and wheelchair-accessible boardwalks; seniors have a lot to enjoy here with ease. The park offers scenic drives with accessible pullouts for seniors so that they can enjoy the geysers, hot springs, and even the wildlife with ease. Many of the park’s trails, fishing sites, and walkways are accessible. Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and Mammoth Hot Springs have accessible viewpoints and wheelchair ramps too.
