Esther C. Kane, C.D.S.Senior citizens and caregivers face many obstacles when it comes to getting out and about. With transportation, mobility, and cost being just a few of the issues, it can be difficult to find accessible and affordable trips. This is where senior day trips come in!
The best way to find out about senior day trips in your area is to ask your local senior center or community center. They will usually have a calendar of events that includes all the different activities and outings that are happening in the area. Additionally, many towns and cities have special programs for seniors that offer discounted rates on local attractions.
You can also get information about senior day trips by…
Talking to Your Friends and Neighbors
Do you have friends or neighbors who are also seniors? Ask them if they know of any good day trips for seniors in the area. Chances are, they may have some great ideas!
Looking Online
If you’re not sure where to start, try doing a simple Google search for “senior day trips near me.” This should give you a good starting point for finding some options in your area.
You can also Google “senior day trips near city state”. Just fill in what city and state you want to search for a trip.
Contact AARP Travel
You may not know this but the senior organization AARP offers senior travel tours. Some are even as short as half-day excursions! Hopefully you are a member of AARP so you can take advantage of these tours.
Local Community Website
I don’t know about your town, but my small town has a great website filled with events that are happening throughout the town. The county I live in does too.
You should be able to find some information on these types of local sites.
Local Colleges
If you live near a college, any kind of college, you can check on their website for events that they may be holding. It could be a seminar, lecture or music event.
If you’re looking to break up your daily routine every now and then, but don’t want to spend the time or expenditure on a big trip, consider any of these day trips.
What Are Senior Day Trips?
Senior day trips are specialized outings that take place during daytime hours and usually every day of the week.
They provide opportunities for meeting new friends, recreation, and education for older adults who may not be able to access these activities on their own.
There are all sorts of different senior trips for a day throughout the United States and around the world.
- Senior citizen bus tours
- One day cruises
- Attending a local attraction
- Walking tours
- Bike tours
- and many more
Take advantage of what your local area has to offer. Truth is, many people travel far and wide for an adventure but there are wonderful adventures right nearby!
What Types Of Day Trips Are Available For Seniors?
Day trips are a great way for a senior adult to get out of the house and explore new surroundings. They can also be a good opportunity to socialize with other seniors and get some exercise.
But don’t expect them to just be senior bus tours, there are many other options available for a day trip near you.
Look through our list here to find the right trip for you and your senior loved ones.
Here are some ideas that you can ponder on.
1. Take a walk or go for a hike. There are plenty of easy trails all over the country that are perfect for seniors. And if you’re not up for a hike, simply taking a walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise.
2. Go for a bike trip. My sister and her husband love to ride their bikes when they go out to their Sunday brunch. Bike riding can be a great day trip as long as your are headed to a destination to visit.
3. Visit a botanical garden or arboretum. These places are typically very peaceful and relaxing, and they offer a chance to see some beautiful plants and flowers. Many botanical gardens have special programs and events specifically for seniors.
4. Go fishing. Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy nature. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can usually rent it at the bait shop near the lake or pond where you plan to fish.
And if you don’t want to fish yourself, just watching someone else fish can be calming and enjoyable.
5. Attend a sports event or game. If you’re a fan of baseball, basketball, football, or any other sport, attending a live game is a great way to spend a day out of the house.
You can usually find discount tickets for seniors at the box office or online. Or, if there’s not a game going on, you can always visit the stadium or arena itself and take a tour.
If you can’t get to the stadium for any reason, why not visit a local sports bar to enjoy the game with other fans in the pub?
6. Take a cooking class. Learning how to cook new dishes is always fun, but it can also be practical if you’re trying to eat healthier as you get older.
Check your local community center or cooking school to see if they offer any classes specifically for seniors.
Some grocery stores (like Whole Foods) offer cooking classes too.
7. Go on a local food tour. I had never been on a food tour but some friends of mine out in California do one wherever they travel to. When I visited them, they took me on one in Oakland, California and it was an absolute blast!
Food tours have become one of my favorite trips to take.
The tour director will give you a history of the area you are in and the restaurants you visit.
To find one just go to Google and type in “food tours in city state”. Fill in the city and state you want to find a food tour in.
8. Take a scenic drive. Sometimes the best way to spend a day is behind the wheel of a car, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
Whether you live in the city or the country, there are bound to be some beautiful scenic drives nearby.
To find the ones near you just go to Google and type in “scenic drives near me.”
9. Visit a farmers market. Spending time outdoors is good for both your physical and mental health, so why not kill two birds with one stone by visiting a local farmers market?
You’ll get to enjoy fresh air and delicious food all at the same time. Bonus points if you can find a market that also has live music or other entertainment.
The Marietta Farmers Market here in Georgia is one of the best ones I’ve ever been to. It’s a hike to get to so it’s definitely a day trip for me, but a wonderful one for sure.
Of course, the Portland Oregon Farmer’s market is amazing!
10. Have lunch at a new restaurant. Trying new things is always exciting, so why not add a little adventure to your day by having lunch at a restaurant you’ve never been to before?
This is especially great if you have friends or family members who are willing to join you on your culinary journey.
Personally, I would have a little fun with it and act as a food critic. In other words, write about your experience there. Publish it in a blog, share on social media, send it in to a local newspaper and of course, share it with friends and family.
11. Attend a theater performance. Seeing a play or musical is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, especially if you’re a fan of the arts.
Check your local theater’s website or give them a call to see what’s currently playing and see if any of their shows interest you. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
12. Visit a museum. There’s nothing like exploring history firsthand, and museums are the perfect place to do just that.
Many museums offer free (or discounted) admission for seniors, so be sure to ask about that before you go. And if you get tired while walking around, most museums have benches where you can take a break and rest your feet.
13. Go on a casino trip. If gambling is more your style, then consider checking out local casino day trips. Most casinos have shuttle buses that will pick you up and drop you off at your home or hotel, so all you need to worry about is having fun and staying within your budget.
Just make sure to set aside some money for snacks and drinks !
14. Have a Beach Day. A day at the beach is a popular stop for many folks. It can be the perfect way to relax and soak up some vitamin D. And if you live in an area with public beaches, it’s also very budget-friendly.
Just pack your sunscreen, some sandwiches and drinks, grab your beach towel, and head out for a relaxing day by the water.
15. Have a Park Day. I myself enjoy parks much more than beaches so I love heading out to a local park, with a picnic and a good book!
These types of day trips are perfect for small groups of friends to enjoy some time together.
16. Visit A Different Ice Cream Shop. There are some wonderful and very different types of ice cream shops and bakeries opening up and visiting them can be a lot of fun.
Here’s a list of some of them:
- Humphry Slocombe in San Francisco, CA
- Fifty Licks in Portland, OR (I went there and it’s amazing)
- Lick Honest Ice Cream in Austin, TX
- La Lecheria in Santa Fe, NM
You can find even more by clicking here.
17. Historic Buildings. Many cities and town have an “old town” or historic buildings scattered in the area. To find them just go to Google and type in “historic buildings near me.“
18. Wine Tasting. Near me, in the Georgia mountains are several wineries and they are in beautiful settings, offer wine tasting and wonderful meals.
If you are fortunate enough to be near one in your area, take advantage. Even if you don’t drink wine, you can still enjoy the scenery and the food.
19. Senior Bus Trips. Of course I need to add this to the list. Bus trips are an enjoyable and easy way to enjoy a day trip for most everyone, not just older adults.
You can check out Glenn’s Motorcoach Tours. They have an excellent rating and have been in business since 1991.
20. Ghost Tours. These are often an evening trip, but can be a lot of fun. Take a tour of a “haunted” house or area.
How Much Do Day Trips Cost On Average?
The cost of any day trip depends on if you are doing something on your own or if you are booking a tour and other factors too.
If you are doing a day trip on your own the cost will include things like…
- Cost of transportation or gas for your car (if you are driving)
- Cost of meals
- Cost of tickets if you are going to a museum, etc.
If you are doing a senior day trip through a tour the cost will vary depending on the event or place that you are visiting.
I took a look at some local senior day trips by me and this is what I found through AgelessAdventures.net.
- A trip to Augusta, Georgia is $118.00 (includes lunch) per person
- A trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains is $125.00 per person
- A trip to see Cirque Du Soleil Kurios show is $129.00 per person
- A trip to the Alliance Theater for the show A Christmas Carol is $89.00 per person
As you can see, prices can vary greatly.
Toursofdistinction.net offers senior day trips from Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Their trips are listed as…
- Visiting the Spooky Salem at the Witch Museum is $111.00 per person
- Going to the New York Botanical Gardens is $129.00 per person
- Taking a train trip through the Berkshires is $125.00 per person
- A trip to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is $275.00 per person
What’s Normally Included In A Day Trip?
Many tour day trips include a meal, usually lunch. It just depends on the length of the trip.
For example: A bus tour to a museum may only be a 4 hour event. These types of trips would most likely not include a meal.
But of course, they would include the transportation to and from the museum or wherever the destination is.
Some day trips may even offer to pick you up. This usually occurs if there is a group of you at one location (such as a retirement community or assisted living facility, etc.)
How Do I Book A Day Trip?
If you’ve never booked a day trip before, it can be tricky to know where to start. So, let’s go through the steps on how to do just that.
If You Are Doing A Day Trip On Your Own
1. Choose a destination that is age- and ability-appropriate.
This is probably the most important step in planning a day trip for yourself or a loved one. You’ll want to choose a destination that is close enough so that travel time isn’t too long, and that has activities that are appropriate for your loved one’s age and ability level.
For example, if you or your loved one uses a wheelchair or walker, you’ll want to choose a destination that is wheelchair-accessible.
2. Call ahead to find out about accessibility and accommodations.
Once you’ve chosen a destination, call ahead to find out about any accessibility accommodations that may be available.
For example, many museums and historical sites offer reduced admission prices for seniors or complimentary admission for those with disabilities.
You should also find out about any accessible parking or restrooms that may be available.
3. Make sure the drive is comfortable.
If you are traveling in the car, make sure you are as comfortable as possible during the drive. This may mean bringing along pillows or blankets, stopping frequently for rest breaks, or playing soothing music during the ride.
4. Bring along snacks and drinks – and don’t forget the sunscreen!
No matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be gone, it’s always a good idea to bring along snacks and drinks—especially if you or your loved one has diabetes or another condition that requires frequent meals throughout the day.
And don’t forget the sunscreen! It’s important to protect one’s skin from harmful UV rays, even if it’s not super sunny outside.
5. Plan for activities that everyone can enjoy.
If you’re traveling with other family members or friends, it’s important to plan activities that everyone can enjoy—not just your elderly loved one.
This might mean choosing a destination with multiple attractions (like a amusement park or beach town) or finding an activity (like mini golf) that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
If You Are Doing A Day Trip Through A Tour
- This is a lot easier because all you have to do is contact the tour organizer.
- Once you’ve found the tour that you want to participate in you can simply either book your trip through the website or call them to book your trip.
- Make sure to ask them if there is any specific item or items that you should bring.
- And of course, if there will be walking involved, wear your most comfortable shoes.
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Reserve My Spot?
As a general rule, it’s best to reserve your spot on a senior day trip at least 2 weeks in advance. This gives the seniors’ center or trip provider enough time to plan for transportation, accommodations, and other logistics.
Plus, it gives you time to gather any necessary items (e.g. medications) and pack your bag.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you’re signing up for a last-minute trip or a trip with limited availability, you may need to reserve your spot closer to the departure date.
And if you’re signing up for a popular trip that always fills up quickly (like an annual fall foliage tour), it’s best to reserve your spot as early as possible—sometimes months in advance!
What Happens If I Don’t Make A Reservation In Advance?
If you don’t make a reservation in advance, there’s a good chance that you won’t be able to get the date and time that you want. This is because many day trips fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
As a result, if you don’t make a reservation early enough, you might end up being waitlisted or having to settle for an alternate date or time.
Of course, there’s always a chance that you’ll be able to get lucky and snag the date and time that you want without making a reservation.
However, it’s always better to play it safe and make sure that your spot is confirmed ahead of time.
That way, you can relax and enjoy your trip without having to worry about whether or not you’ll be able to get on the bus!
Why Should I Plan Ahead?
There are a couple of reasons why it’s important to plan ahead when booking a senior day trip.
The first reason is that it allows the company to get an accurate headcount of how many people will be attending the trip. This is important because it ensures that there will be enough space and resources for everyone who wants to come.
The second reason is that it allows the company to secure any reservations that may be required in advance.
This is especially important if you’re planning on visiting somewhere popular like Niagara Falls or Toronto. By reserving your spot early, you can avoid disappointment and make sure that everyone in your group can enjoy the trip.
Do Senior Day Trips Have An Age Restriction?
Of course, if you are doing a day trip on your own, anyone that you want can come with you. This is great for older adults who want to spend a day with their children and/or grandchildren.
But if you are taking a tour, such as a bus tour, you may be wondering if your younger children can come with you. This will depend on the tour company and specific tour itself.
But, generally speaking, senior day trips are not just for people of a certain age. These types of outings are open to anyone who wants to join in on the fun!
Seniors can definitely benefit from the structure and support that these trips provide, but they’re not the only ones who can enjoy them.
In fact, many younger adults find senior day trips to be a great way to connect with their elders and learn more about the world around them.
There are tons of different activities that can be enjoyed on senior day trips, ranging from educational lectures and visits to historic sites to more lighthearted outings like picnics and concerts in the park.
No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be a trip that’s perfect for you. And best of all, you won’t have to worry about feeling out of place – everyone is welcome, no matter what their age may be!
That said, there are definitely some exceptions to this rule.
Some tours may have not allow very young children to go.
Also, some casino trips may have an age limit of 21 or older.
Ultimately, it depends on the specific trip or activity that you will be participating in.
Other Possible Restrictions May Include:
Mobility would be the biggest factor affecting the type of trip you choose. If you are in a wheelchair you will need a tour that can provide the proper transportation service for you.
If you have limited mobility and cannot walk very far or at a normal pace, it may not be suitable for you to take a trip to a large museum or national park. It depends on the tour itself.
How Safe Are Senior Day Trips?
Many seniors enjoy getting out of the house and spending time with friends, but some worry about their safety when venturing out.
Here’s a look at how safe senior day trips really are and what you can do to reduce the risk of accidents or injuries.
The first thing to consider is how far you’ll be traveling. If you’re driving, make sure to plan your route ahead of time and take breaks every few hours to rest.
If you’ll be using public transportation, research the times and routes ahead of time so you’re not waiting around in an unfamiliar area.
It’s also a good idea to travel with a friend or family member, if possible.
Another thing to keep in mind is what you’ll be doing on your trip. If you’re going to be walking around a lot, wear comfortable shoes and clothing that won’t restrict your movement.
If you’re going to be sitting for long periods of time, choose a chair with good back support.
And if you’ll be standing in line, bring a folding chair or stool so you can take a break when needed.
This folding chair weights 3.5 pounds! Very lightweight and sturdy.
Finally, make sure to pack any medications you need and bring along a list of emergency contacts just in case. It’s also a good idea to let someone at home know your travel plans in case anything happens while you’re away.
Health Insurance: Your health insurance will help cover the cost of any medical care you may need while away from home. Travel insurance will help cover the cost of any lost or stolen belongings.
Forms of ID: Make sure you and/or loved ones on your trip are carrying all the necessary documents with them, such as ID cards and emergency contact information.
Walking Aids: Don’t forget your walking aids. Even if you only use them occasionally, bring them.
A fall can occur anywhere, at any time, and can often lead to serious injuries. This is particularly true for seniors, who are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis and other conditions that make them more susceptible to fractures.
Dehydration: Seniors are more likely to suffer from dehydration because they often take medications that can cause them to urinate more frequently.
They may also not feel thirsty as often as younger adults, which can lead them to become dehydrated without realizing it.
Dehydration can cause a host of problems, including dizziness, weakness, and confusion.
Heat Exhaustion: Along with dehydration, heat exhaustion is another risk associated with being outdoors in warm weather.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, and weakness.
If you start to experience any of these symptoms, find a cool place to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
You may also want to consider wearing loose-fitting clothing and a good sun hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.
Contracting an Illness: This can happen either through exposure to germs (in public places like restrooms or on public transportation) or by eating food that has been contaminated.
Either way, it’s important to take precautions to avoid getting sick while out and about. Always carry a travel size bottle of a hand sanitizer like this one.
Theft: Unfortunately, theft is always a risk when traveling, no matter where you go or how long you’re gone for.
Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings at all times, and don’t carry more cash than you need. When packing your bags for the day, only bring the essentials and leave valuables like jewelry at home.
It’s also a good idea to make copies of important documents like your passport or driver’s license in case they get lost or stolen while you’re away.
Take a look at some of these anti-theft bags that you can use on your trips.
Do I Need To Provide My Own Transportation To And From The Point Of Departure?
The answer is that it really depends on your specific situation. If you’re traveling solo, then you’ll likely need to find your own transportation.
However, if you’re traveling with a group, then chances are that someone in the group will be able to provide transportation for everyone.
When it comes to finding transportation to and from your point of departure, there are a few different options available to you. You can take public transportation, hail a taxi or rideshare like Uber, or drive yourself.
If you’re taking public transportation, then you’ll need to plan your route in advance and factor in additional time for potential delays.
Taking a taxi or rideshare may be more expensive than public transportation, but it can be more convenient, especially if you’re carrying luggage.
And finally, if you’re driving yourself, then you’ll need to factor in things like gas and parking.
For a comprehensive guide and tips for senior travel, go here next.
Final Thoughts
Senior day trips are a great way to get out of the house and socialize with other people. With so many different options available, there’s sure to be something for everyone!
The best way to find out about senior day trips near you is to ask your local seniors’ center or community center. Contact your friends and family and of course, check online.
