Even the fittest of us can become less mobile as we age and looking at travel destinations full of energetic young people and families swimming, skiing or taking part in various outdoor pursuits can sometimes make is feel our travelling days are over. But age and mobility don't have to be a barrier to travelling and continuing to enjoy some of the delights this world has to offer. Instead, it simply means you need to choose your destinations more carefully.
For seniors wanting to travel with a carer, or if you are caring for an elderly parent and want to help them continue to enjoy the pursuits they enjoyed when they were younger, then there are plenty of good options that don't involve a cruise designed for older people. After all it is mixing with younger generations that keeps us feeling young. I, for one, don't want to spend all my time with people my own age!
Here 3 of the very best places that you are sure to enjoy, even if you are not as quick or mobile as you once were. All of them are just a short journey from the UK but offer something entirely different to enjoy that a break in your home country. They all have good public transport and all have a range of accommodation that is accessible for those with impaired mobility but also suitable for a live-in carer such as a 2-bedroom suite in a hotel or self-catering accommodation. They are also places that have plenty to enjoy for younger carers who might be accompanying you and, even with limited mobility, offer opportunities to keep fit for seniors.
Barcelona
Barcelona Is full of so many amazing sites that it is sure to please even the most discerning traveller. The work of Gaudi is everywhere and it is an impressively accessible city with level-access public transport – even a wheelchair user’s beach! Some historic landmarks – such as the Sagrada Famillia – have limited accessibility due to steep wheelchair ramps but you will still be able to enjoy Park Gueli, one of Gaudi’s landscaped gardens. And there are plenty of other accessible places and activities that will show you some of the lesser-known attractions of the Catalan capital.
How about watching a Flamenco show, for instance, or taking a trip to the nearby Penedes wine-region to learn more about the making of Cava (Spain’s version of champagne) and, of course, enjoy a Cava tasting. Limited mobility and age is no barrier to enjoying live music so attend a concert on Gaudi’s Casa Batllo terrace?
Berlin
Another city boasting a good, and accessible, public transport system it also has plenty of museums and other attractions to keep you occupied. Berlin has put a lot of effort into accessibility and many attractions are easy to navigate even with limited mobility. Don’t miss the famous Brandenburg Gate which was built in 1791 based on Athens’ Acropolis and used to be a dividing point between West and East Berlin.
Another must-see is Museum Island which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It comprises 5 separate museums: Pergamon Museum, Bode-Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie and Altes Museum. So there’s something for every taste including artwork from Byzantium and Ancient Egypt.
Malta
The capital of Malta, Valletta, is a small, perfectly formed city and a world heritage site although, as a medieval city, there are cobblestones in some places. However, many Malta hotels cater very well for people with limited mobility and some wonderful hotels include spas that are easily accessible in a wheelchair. And with 7,000 years of history to explore it’s a trip to stimulate both mind and body.
Enjoy the Baroque architecture and cosmopolitan feel of Valetta, see where the Knights of St John defended Christianity then spend time relaxing in a spa surrounded by the Mediterranean sea – what could be better?
Article written by Jo
(Photo by eric_e_hayward via Flickr)
Here 3 of the very best places that you are sure to enjoy, even if you are not as quick or mobile as you once were. All of them are just a short journey from the UK but offer something entirely different to enjoy that a break in your home country. They all have good public transport and all have a range of accommodation that is accessible for those with impaired mobility but also suitable for a live-in carer such as a 2-bedroom suite in a hotel or self-catering accommodation. They are also places that have plenty to enjoy for younger carers who might be accompanying you and, even with limited mobility, offer opportunities to keep fit for seniors.
Barcelona
Barcelona Is full of so many amazing sites that it is sure to please even the most discerning traveller. The work of Gaudi is everywhere and it is an impressively accessible city with level-access public transport – even a wheelchair user’s beach! Some historic landmarks – such as the Sagrada Famillia – have limited accessibility due to steep wheelchair ramps but you will still be able to enjoy Park Gueli, one of Gaudi’s landscaped gardens. And there are plenty of other accessible places and activities that will show you some of the lesser-known attractions of the Catalan capital.
How about watching a Flamenco show, for instance, or taking a trip to the nearby Penedes wine-region to learn more about the making of Cava (Spain’s version of champagne) and, of course, enjoy a Cava tasting. Limited mobility and age is no barrier to enjoying live music so attend a concert on Gaudi’s Casa Batllo terrace?
Berlin
Another city boasting a good, and accessible, public transport system it also has plenty of museums and other attractions to keep you occupied. Berlin has put a lot of effort into accessibility and many attractions are easy to navigate even with limited mobility. Don’t miss the famous Brandenburg Gate which was built in 1791 based on Athens’ Acropolis and used to be a dividing point between West and East Berlin.
Another must-see is Museum Island which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It comprises 5 separate museums: Pergamon Museum, Bode-Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie and Altes Museum. So there’s something for every taste including artwork from Byzantium and Ancient Egypt.
Malta
The capital of Malta, Valletta, is a small, perfectly formed city and a world heritage site although, as a medieval city, there are cobblestones in some places. However, many Malta hotels cater very well for people with limited mobility and some wonderful hotels include spas that are easily accessible in a wheelchair. And with 7,000 years of history to explore it’s a trip to stimulate both mind and body.
Enjoy the Baroque architecture and cosmopolitan feel of Valetta, see where the Knights of St John defended Christianity then spend time relaxing in a spa surrounded by the Mediterranean sea – what could be better?
Article written by Jo
(Photo by eric_e_hayward via Flickr)
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