Travel Safely and Easily: Aids That Make Your Holiday Easier

Traveling is living – even when you're enjoying your retirement. Although your legs might not be what they used to be, and your medication list has grown, that doesn't have to stop your sense of adventure. With the right preparation and aids, you can still enjoy a safe and pleasant vacation, whether it's at a Danish summer house or under the sunny southern skies.

Danish seniors are a particularly travel-loving group. Statistics Denmark shows that those over 65 are the most likely to vacation within the country.^[1]

Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing week in a rented summer house by the North Sea, a train trip through Europe, or a flight to a warmer climate, traveling with reduced mobility or health conditions usually requires extra planning. In this guide, we've gathered helpful tips and selected the best aids to make your next trip easier and more comfortable.

Planning is key to a safe journey

Spontaneity might not always be the best travel companion when dealing with health issues or limited mobility. Thorough preparation, however, ensures peace of mind and lets you fully enjoy your holiday. Start by considering which form of travel best suits your energy levels and physical needs.

Next, researching accessibility at your destination is crucial. If you use a rollator or wheelchair, contacting the hotel or vacation rental in advance about access, elevators, thresholds, and bathroom layout is a good idea. While many places advertise as being accessible, it's always wise to confirm the specific details that matter to you.

The most popular mobility aids for travel

Traveling to and from your holiday destination, as well as any walking during your trip, can be tiring. Having the right equipment that supports you without being cumbersome is essential.

Many seniors worry whether they can bring their rollator onto flights. The answer is yes. Rollators are considered medical equipment and therefore do not count towards your regular baggage weight limit.^[3] Usually, you can keep them until you reach the gate, where staff will store them in the hold for you.

Foldable and lightweight wheelchairs – when you need extra support

Some need a bit more support, and that's where a lightweight transport wheelchair can be the perfect travel companion. Unlike large and heavy hospital wheelchairs, modern transport wheelchairs are compact, lightweight, and designed for easy mobility on the go.

A good transport wheelchair typically weighs between 10 and 15 kg and can be quickly folded to fit in a car trunk. Footrests are removable, and the backrest folds down to minimize bulk. Many travelers choose a lightweight wheelchair for the freedom it offers, allowing you to conserve energy for activities rather than just getting from one place to another.

At Seniorshop, we offer a range of lightweight, foldable transport wheelchairs designed specifically for travel. A popular choice is our Ultra lightweight and compact transport wheelchair, featuring ergonomic handles with brakes for the companion, removable footrests, and puncture-proof wheels. It folds quickly with two seat handles.

If you don't need a rollator but just a little extra support, a foldable cane is a fantastic travel companion. Our foldable canes can easily be stored in a bag or seat pocket when sitting, and quickly unfolded when needed. Available in many stylish colors and patterns, all models are height adjustable to fit you perfectly.

Comfort on your journey: Avoid swollen legs

When sitting still for long periods – whether on a plane, train, or in a car – there's a high risk of developing swollen and sore legs. For older travelers, there's also an increased risk of blood clots on long journeys.

The solution is simple: Travel socks (also known as flight socks or compression socks). These socks provide gentle, graduated compression to improve circulation and prevent blood from pooling in your legs.

At Seniorshop, you'll find a wide selection of travel socks for both men and women. We carry the quality brand Sockwell, offering breathable socks in attractive designs that don't look like the traditional, "boring" compression socks. Wear them from the morning of your travel day and feel the difference when you arrive with fresh, light legs.

Keep track of medication with a dosage box

It can be challenging to manage your medication daily, and even more so on vacation when routines change. This is why a dosage box (pill organizer) is essential in your suitcase.

With a dosage box, you don't need to bring multiple pill bottles or sort your medication multiple times a day. We recommend choosing a box with compartments for a whole week (7 or 8 days), with sections for morning, noon, evening, and night. Our popular Medidos boxes offer a sleek case resembling a small calendar or wallet.

Practical aids for the bathroom

Bathrooms in hotels and summer houses typically aren't equipped with the same aids you have at home, making toileting and bathing a challenge.

A portable toilet raiser is one of the most practical aids to bring on vacation. We recommend the Ezy-Fit toilet raiser with lid, which allows you to raise the toilet by either 5 or 10 cm. The ingenious Ezy-Fit attaches quickly with 36 strong suction cups – no tools required, and without removing the existing toilet seat. It's easy to take along in the car, ensuring you can sit and stand safely no matter where you vacation.

If your vacation includes a stay at a Danish summer house, you can also borrow larger aids (like a shower chair or care bed) from the municipality where the summer house is located.^[4] Just contact the municipal office before arrival.

Remember travel insurance – especially with chronic illness

One of the most important items on your checklist is travel insurance. A standard travel insurance policy typically covers only acute illness or injury during the trip.^[5]

If you suffer from a chronic illness and have seen a doctor, changed medications, or been hospitalized within the last two to six months before departure, you need a medical pre-assessment from your insurer.^[5] If you're over 70, some companies may also require that you take out a specific senior travel insurance policy.

With the right preparation and essential aids packed, the world is still your oyster. Have a great holiday!