Senior Summer Vacation: Tips, Tricks And Useful Ideas

Who doesn’t like the summer holidays? This season is a time of the year beloved by everyone, young and old, and of course including seniors. 

After all, there’s no better reward after months of being shut inside in cold weather than the warm sun on your skin, and no excitement like the endless adventures you can have in this season. 

But still, for seniors, summer can be a bit tricky: planning a trip, looking out for delicious food or things to do that are both interesting and relaxing… There’s just too many things that come into play when preparing for your holidays. 

But fear not! This post is for all the senior vacation goers who’d like to spend their summer vacation in the most exciting and interesting ways. Pick up your favorite drink, and let’s look at a few fun things you can do as a senior during this exciting season!

Planning Your Travel

In order to have a great time during the holidays, one of your first priorities should be making sure you successfully plan the way you travel and the activities you want to engage in. That way, you’ll be able to minimize any stress and maximize your enjoyment.

The very first step is to select a place where you really want to go. At the end of the day, there is no school or work schedule that you have to work around, which is a luxury that only you will have. So, we want to make the most out of it! 

This means that this is your chance to pick up a place that was always on your bucket list. Here are some ideas for those of you in Canada:

• North York: Take a deep dive into this magnificent city and let the diverse culture peep out. You can, for example, visit the Aga Khan Museum and the Edward Gardens. Make sure you also try one of the many international restaurants here, and dive in their delicious world of taste. 
• Scarborough: Witness the breathtaking views of Lake Ontario along the Scarborough Bluffs, or spend a day at the Toronto Zoo—the third-largest zoo in the world. 
• Mississauga: Spending a day in Port Credit relaxing by the water or strolling in lovely Kariya Park can be a great option if you’re in this area. And if you’re more into art, you can stop by the Art Gallery of Mississauga or the Living Arts Centre, both great options to spend your morning there. 
• Etobicoke: Explore nature at Humber Bay Park or indulge in some retail therapy at Sherway Gardens. For those interested in history, Montgomery’s Inn offers a glimpse into Etobicoke’s past.
• Hamilton: Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens to enjoy the glory of the outdoors; or if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could try to do part of the hike to Dundas Peak for an epic view of the city. 
• Burlington: If you find yourself here, you can lay back by the waters of Lake Ontario in Spencer Smith Park or take a ride along the Waterfront Trail. Alternatively, tour the Royal Botanical Gardens, or shop at Mapleview Centre for a day.

Of course, you can always explore further away destinations, but Canada truly has a million things you could spend your time doing this summer.

Stay Safe & Healthy During Your Trip

When planning your senior summer vacation, you should always focus on your health and safety to have a wonderful time. This is critical, especially in areas with a lot of sun or that are not close to big cities. Luckily, you can prepare for many health concerns by researching the area before you go, talking to your doctor about any necessary vaccinations or medications, and packing a first aid kit just in case.

Here are some tips that might help you stay safe during your summer vacations:

• Carry a water bottle and select electrolyte-rich drinks. Staying hydrated is crucial on different occasions, such as while on a flight. Also, try not to consume alcohol or sugary beverages, as they dehydrate your body. 
• You must take care of yourself. Eat good food as often as possible, and always wash your hands to prevent getting sick. 
• Depending on where you’re traveling to, it can be smart to get vaccinations if needed. This will help you avoid any health complications and enjoy your trip without worrying about getting sick.
• Pack a first aid kit with essential items such as bandages, pain relievers, antihistamines. Also, pack all your medicines and make sure to carry them with you so that you get them handy in case of medical emergency. It’s better to be prepared than to panic.
• Compression stockings should be a part of your travel wear! Supportive in preventing deep-vein thrombosis, especially on long flights. Fidget your feet every now and then and walk around the plane if you can to help improve your circulation.

Staying Connected With Your Family

Another great idea when planning your senior summer vacation is to use social media and messaging apps to follow up with your loved ones and tell them about all the things that you are doing while you are away. 

So, how do you actually do this? There are a couple ways you can stay connected even while not at home. Step one would be simply writing on Facebook or simply posting photos on Instagram, which ensures that your family and friends remain with you in spirit as you document your adventure. 

If you want to take this a bit further, you can always video call your loved ones to have conversations where they get to enjoy the sights and sounds of your trip instantly over apps like Skype or Zoom. And WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram are best for quick updates and sending pictures.

And of course, if you’re a bit more old-fashioned, you can simply call them every once in a while to let them know you’re okay. While not everyone will choose to tap in, it is a nice idea that will help make your vacation even more enjoyable and will bring peace of mind to your family back home. Stay connected, and have a great summer vacation!

Read also. 7 Rules To Keep You Healthy In Your Home

Packing Essentials For Your Summer Vacation

When going away, it’s important to pack smartly if you want your summer vacation to be successful! Pick lightweight, versatile clothes that can withstand some unpredictable summer temps. Of course, depending on where you’re going, you’ll probably want to have different types of outfits.

Okay, let’s talk layers — a light jacket or sweater can save your life on a cooler evening or in case of a quick weather change. 

And assuming you want to be active during your holidays, you will be walking around a lot to explore, so make sure your shoes do not bring you any discomfort. Ditch the fancy shoes at home and bring a good walking or hiking shoe or a good pair of sandals. 

Where Should You Stay?

Now that you have packed a bag of summer essentials, it is time to consider what is the best place to choose for your summer vacation. There are a few tricks & tips you might want to keep in mind here.

• Whenever possible, choose locations with floor-level spaces so as not to make it awkward (stairs can be a stressor). 
• Many hotels have a discount for seniors, as do many vacation rentals – just ask and check if you can reduce the costs. 
• Location is everything. Choose a hotel near transit or the attractions you plan to visit, as convenience will probably be big during your trip.
• Avoid being scammed. If something seems too good to be true – it probably is!

Keep Your House in Order With Custodia

And to secure peace of mind during your vacation, you’ll want to know that your home is safe while you’re traveling. Nothing can ruin a summer holiday more than coming back home and finding everything dirty, messy or even broken.

That’s what we’re here for! Custodia can mind everything in your home while you are away. We are experts in senior-focused home management services, which is why we are the ideal option to help ensure your home stays in great shape while you’re enjoying your well – deserved holiday. 

No more worrying about lawns left uncut, windows left dirty and houses filled with dust after a few days on vacation. Our professional team will take care of everything – you only need to enjoy your vacation to the fullest. 

Travel, and leave your home maintenance worries to us. With Custodia, you can ensure that your house stays pristine, so you can truly take a break and recharge as you escape for the summer. Rest in the peace of knowing your home is being taken care of.