By |
Now that you’re retired, you feel the urge to travel. The United States is a huge country, crossing four time zones, and there is much to see. Sprawling metropolises blanket both coasts and there are many landmarks in between.
Alert1 has curated a list of the best sights to see in 2016. These travel spots have been selected with the needs and wants of seniors in mind. They are safe, easy to access, and offer unparalleled natural beauty and exciting activities.
As you travel, remember to pack your mobile medical alert. Alert1’s PAX mobile fall detection uses industry-leading GPS and fall detection technology for ultimate peace of mind. In case of emergency, the PAX mobile alert pendant can automatically sense a fall and contact help immediately, no matter where you are. Stay safe when you're on the move!
Here are Alert1’s top travel destinations for seniors for 2016.
Orlando, Florida
It’s no wonder that this city is named “The Theme Park Capital of the World.” From Walt Disney World Resort to Universal Orlando Resort to SeaWorld Orlando to Legoland Florida, there is no limit of fun activities for both children and seniors. While the grandchildren are riding Space Mountain, you can take a guided tour of the Magic Kingdom. Many theme parks offer perks for seniors. These include ticket discounts, group tours, rentable wheelchairs, and priority disability access.
Want to skip the long lines of theme parks? Museums, gardens, and shopping around Downtown Orlando offer hours of fun for seniors.
The best time to visit Orlando is between January and April. This season offers pleasant weather and the best hotel and airfare prices. The peak of tourism season is in the summertime. But that’s when the air is hot, sticky, and prices spike due to summer break for schools across America. With a little research, you can make Orlando your next great vacation. You and your grandchildren can have a once-in-a-lifetime trip together.
Oahu, Hawaii
Oahu may be the perfect getaway for seniors. Hawaii’s third-largest island is home to the state capital of Honolulu and the white-sand Waikiki beach. The island offers the bulk of Hawaii’s greatest sites. This includes Pearl Harbor, the Polynesian Cultural Center, world-class beaches, eateries, and nature parks. Here’s a suggested itinerary for an unrivaled Hawaiian vacation:
Check in to a beachside hotel. If it’s your first trip to Hawaii, you’ll want to be close to the points of interest, but not be overwhelmed by partygoers or loud activity. In your golden years, you’ll want to reduce the amount of stress and noise as much as possible. This way, you'll stay physically and mentally healthy. The world-famous Waikiki coastline offers many hotels in quiet locations that are accessible to the spectacular points of interest on the Honolulu coast. Check out hotels like Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort or the Halekulani.
Take day trips out to one point of interest a day. Pearl Harbor is an emotional experience dedicated to the lives taken on the “date that will live in infamy,” and to the heroes and survivors of World War II. Pearl Harbor is accessible for handicapped visitors. This includes access to Pearl Harbor’s movie theater and museum galleries, with benches spread throughout if you need to rest. The two historic memorials of Pearl Harbor, the USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri, are also accessible by wheelchair.
Absorb the local culture and visit the Polynesian Cultural Center with its 42 acres of activities and sights highlighting Polynesian culture. All major areas of the Polynesian Cultural Center are accessible by wheelchair.
Take the vacation slow. There’s so much to do in Oahu, you don’t want to be overwhelmed by the amount of sights to see and activities to do. Limit yourself to one point of interest per day, and take the evening off to relax on the beach and eat. Wind down with a drink. Lie down on a hammock. Take a nap. Aloha!
Niagara Falls
Nestled on the border between Canada and the United States, a trip to Niagara Falls is a bucket list item for many. There is no greater feeling than seeing and hearing the roar of 150,000 gallons of water plunge down hundreds of feet. This travel destination is accessible. Trollies, elevators, rentable wheelchairs, and scooters can get your from place to place. There are two sides of the falls—the New York, USA versus the Ontario, Canada side. There both pros and cons to visiting either side:
United States
- The United States protects their side with a state park. Protected by the state, the Niagara Falls State Park was designed with an emphasis on nature and beauty. This means the New York side is a smaller town, less commercialized, and has a lot more nature as opposed to the Canada side. As America’s oldest state park, this means that there are plenty of historical sites. Miles of protected trails are waiting to be discovered.
- There are many tours offered and regulated by the state. This includes the world-famous Maid of the Mist tour. This tour takes you down on a boat that will traverse near the falls. Not only can you see and hear the raging currents, but feel it as well. The United States’ side has an observational tower with unobstructed views of the cascades away from the crowds. Bird-watching is a popular pastime from the observational tower—remember to bring your binoculars!
- Your medical alert system will keep you safe. If you own PAX mobile fall detection, you will be protected within the United States’ borders. This means you stay protected and will have peace of mind when vacationing. PAX uses GPS, cellular technology, and fall detection sensors to keep you safe and independent.
Canada
- You have a better view of the falls. Although the waterfalls on the American side are taller, you have a better vantage point from the Canadian side. There are three waterfalls in the Niagara Falls region: the Bridal Veil Falls, the American Falls, and the world-famous Horseshoe Falls. If you cross the Canadian border, you’ll have a clean sweeping view of all three falls. Perfect for that panoramic photo with the family.
- More commerce and more shopping. Whether you prefer it or not, the Canada does not protect their side of Niagara with a state park. This means less nature, but more opportunities for touristy gifts and chain-restaurant dining. If you want to purchase a memento, you can likely find it in Canada.
Pack your bags!
It’s never too late to begin traveling. As you enjoy your golden years, the opportunities to travel the country are boundless. Embrace the unexplored. Do something you’ve never done before. Capture memories to cherish forever. Bring the family along to share the experience. And stay safe with a mobile alert system. Cure that wanderlust as you age in place—adventure is out there!