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Travel Companions for Seniors – How to Find the Best Travel Partner for You

Many women over 60 love to travel, but don’t want to travel alone. If you’re looking for alternatives to traveling solo, perhaps you would do well to find a good travel partner.

Traveling can be a bit of a stress-test for a friendship – being in new surroundings with a different schedule, different food, and even different customs and languages can present challenges to your friendship if you’re not prepared. Some otherwise wonderful friends are not always the most ideal travel companions.

Before you embark on a long journey, it’s best to think ahead and talk in advance to make sure you and your travel partner are well suited to travel together.

Here are a few tips for how to communicate and plan to find the perfect travel partner:

Discuss Your Goals for the Trip

What do you most want to experience on this trip? Are you hoping for a relaxing visit to the beach, or a bustling sightseeing tour with an action-packed itinerary? Do you want to spend time alone, or stay together most of the time? Do you want to meet new people, or get to know each other better? Do you want to experience serenity or stimulation – do you want to retreat from civilization, or get caught up in the excitement of an urban center?

It’s best to have a sense of what kind of vacation experience you want to get, prior to embarking on the journey. Talk with your travel partner about your hopes and expectations. Even if you don’t agree on absolutely every aspect of the trip, make sure you have enough common ground and can support each other in finding your ideal vacation experiences along the way.

Choose a Good “Roommate”

It’s wonderful to have a travel partner to share the adventure with – but make sure you are compatible. Is your travel partner easy to get along with in close quarters, or do they have a lot of particular needs that make it difficult to share space together? Do you enjoy each other’s company? Can you have fun talking to each other for hours – and more importantly, perhaps, can you enjoy the silence together and share space without constantly having to entertain each other?

Talk About Your Budget

Traveling with a friend is a great way to save money on accommodation and meal expenses, but make sure that you both have the same idea of what you want this vacation to cost.

Will you be splitting the costs of the trip (hotels, restaurant meals, tours, etc.) or each paying your own way separately? Does one of you have more expensive needs than the other – will you both be happy in a no-frills hotel, or do you need a more deluxe set of accommodations?

Talking about these issues in advance can avoid any misunderstandings or hard feelings once you are on vacation.

Take a Short Trip Together First

It’s often best to take a test run with your new travel partner, to make sure you can be a good team on the road. Before you book a round-trip ticket to the far side of the world, consider taking a short weekend trip to stay at a nearby Bed and Breakfast.

Choosing the right travel partner can make your vacations even more enjoyable and often affordable. Just make sure to discuss some expectations upfront to make sure you both can get the vacation experience you were hoping for – without any misunderstandings or disappointments along the way.

Have you ever traveled with a friend? What did you learn from the experience that you can share with the rest of the community? Do you have any other senior travel tips to share? Please join the conversation.

Learn more about traveling and exploring new cultures. Watch my interview with the fabulous and inspirational Evelyn Hannon.

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I am looking for someone who want to travel china or japan

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Margaret Manning

Margaret Manning is the founder of Sixty and Me. She is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. Margaret is passionate about building dynamic and engaged communities that improve lives and change perceptions. Margaret can be contacted at [email protected]

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Finding a suitable companion to cruise with

Has been almost impossible, until now..

Cruise Companions Club is the place to find your companion to enjoy your next cruise with.

A dinner friend, a shore excursion buddy, an onboard activities partner, someone to share accommodation with - perhaps all of these, and more. it's all your choice., "cruising is still a bit hit and miss" special try it out, free, for 12 months  , all the features are included. no credit card details or payment required..

The button will take you to our members site.

Register, and find your new cruising companion.

How it works

1. join and create your profile, including your cruise preferences., 2. browse, search or let our system provide you with a list of compatible cruisers., 3. get to know each other using our inbuilt messaging and live chat..

Share accommodation, or not. Great times either way.

Singles, solos, couples and groups that prefer to cruise without sharing also have plenty of options to find a companion, or more, on our site., to save money, avoid the single supplement, and enjoy your cruise with a new friend, sharing is the best choice for you., find out more by watching our short explainer video..

As well as our free ' All Cruisers ' community blog, for your convenience and pleasure, members

Also have access to 8 'your people' forums , as seen below..

  All Cruisers  

          Seniors          

           lgbt+              .

    Disabled / Carers  

          Romance          

        18 to 35s        

     Faith / Religion    

         Uniformed       

          Parents         

New feature , find friends from previous cruises..

New friends

Great times

Cruise Companions Club (CCC), like most good things, was born out of a need. In this case, more than one need.

Cruisers have found themselves without an efficient or effective way to find someone to cruise with, either as friends, or to share accommodation with - avoiding the single supplement., once we developed the solution to this problem, we took.

SENIOR TRAVEL BUDDIES

Seniors going places together.

Find a travel companion to accompany you wherever your heart desires.

Why senior travel buddies.

Senior Travel Buddies matches singles and couples, aged 50+, with travel companions, similarly to matchmaking sites. Senior Travel Buddies helps you to:

• Connect with like-minded travel lovers
• Continue doing something you love: traveling
• Stay younger and more vital by being active
• See the places you dream about
• Travel in the style you prefer
• Be safer in your travels by having a buddy along

What services does Senior Travel Buddies provide you?

Once a member, customize your travel profile with preferences, such as travel buddy-gender, desired duration and location of trips, preferred activities while traveling, etc. Then use the Your Travel Buddy Matches option on the My Profile page to get you started finding the perfect travel companion. Also, read articles and blogs about:

• Traveling to specific locations
• Traveling safely
• Great volunteer opportunities
• Members’ personal travel adventures
• Inspiring travel experiences
• Packing for travel

How it Works

1. you register and subscribe ..

In addition to personal information, you provide information we use to find you a suitable travel buddy: where you like to go, what you like to do, the level of activity you’re comfortable with, etc. Be specific and complete the profile.

2. We process your registration.

We process your payment and you’re good to go.

3. You find someone to travel with!

Once you subscribe, you’re free to browse the trips proposed by other members and to get in touch with someone whose trip interests you. And you can post your dream trip request.

Celebrity Blog

• Choosing a Cruise
• Planning / Booking A Cruise
• Preparing For Your Cruise
• Special Occasions
• What To Expect On A Cruise
• Australia, New Zealand & the Pacific
• Central America
• East Coast & Bermuda
• Mexican Riviera
• South America & Antarctica
• Destinations

Senior Citizen Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

Last updated: February 6th, 2024

• Find a Cruise

Whether you’re young or young at heart, cruising at any age is one of the most exciting and enlightening ways to see the world. For older adults, aka those over 55 or “senior citizens,” cruises are a particularly carefree way to travel.

Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned cruiser, you may be a bit more discerning when it comes to what you’re looking for in a cruise vacation. Luckily, Celebrity Cruises checks all the boxes for senior cruises. We offer over 300 exciting cruise destinations and itineraries worldwide, a wide variety of luxury staterooms and cruise amenities, world-class dining venues, thrilling entertainment, and easy-to-navigate cruise ships.

Are there cruises for seniors?

While we don’t offer specific senior citizen cruises, older guests can be assured they’ll have an unforgettable cruise experience on any Celebrity ship wherever they choose to cruise around the world.

Cruising is an easy way to experience multiple destinations in one vacation while enjoying the amenities and activities offered on a luxury cruise ship.

Read: Multi-Country Cruises Around the World

It’s also an excellent opportunity to spend time with multiple family members, reconnecting and enjoying a shared experience. Celebrity makes it easy to plan family reunion cruises , as well as anniversaries and vow renewals, for small groups or large.

Celebrity Cruise ships offer a variety of staterooms, including accessible options for those who may have mobility, sight, or hearing needs, and on some ships, single occupancy staterooms for those cruising solo .

Onboard dining includes 24-hour room service, flexible reservation times for dinner, options for a variety of diets, and lighter fare at venues throughout the ship.

Whether you want to sit back and relax on a pool deck lounger or be on the go from early morning until late night, senior citizen cruises accommodate every level of interest and activity.

Take a leisurely or brisk walk or jog on deck, check out the variety of classes offered at the fitness center, or pamper yourself with spa appointments for everything from massages to facials and body wraps.

Read: 15 Ways to Stay Fit On a Cruise

At every one of our port destinations, you can book shore excursions to satisfy a variety of interests tailored to your preferred level of activity, such as private journeys arranged exclusively for you, small-group discovery tours, and destination highlights that take you to the must-see landmarks and iconic sights in each port.

Are there things to consider when booking senior citizen cruises?

There are a few things that will make cruising as a senior a safe, hassle-free, and enjoyable experience.

Start by looking at a ship’s accommodations and see if they fit your specific needs, desires, and interests.

The Retreat® is our all-inclusive luxury vacation experience perfect for guests looking for the best accommodations, amenities, and service.

For spa lovers, AquaClass staterooms feature spa-inspired amenities and are located close to our onboard spa. AquaClass guests receive unlimited access to the Sea Thermal Suite or the Persian Garden, depending on the ship.

Receive an extra personal touch with our Concierge Class staterooms , which include extra perks like personalized concierge service and an exclusive destination seminar.

Review the ship’s deck plans, which will show you stateroom categories, locations, and configurations, dining venues, amenities such as pools, sundecks, and hot tubs, designated adult-only areas, social gathering spaces, spa and fitness facilities, and more.

Reviewing the deck plan will allow you to choose the best stateroom that’s close to an elevator for less walking, or a stateroom in an area that’s closest to where you’ll spend the most time aboard, such as the pool deck, the spa and fitness area, or dining venues.

Are Celebrity ships good for seniors?

Celebrity Cruises was voted best premium cruise line for 11 years in a row for a reason. The luxurious accommodations, stylish design, innovative spaces, and world-class dining you’ll find onboard Celebrity Cruises is perfect for people of all ages—seniors included.

Celebrity’s excellent and well-rounded crew ensures that every guest, from the youngest to the oldest, is given the utmost consideration. Throughout your journey, you’ll receive personalized attention from our crew, from the time you board the ship up until the moment you bid farewell to your favorite bartender, dining room staff, and room attendant.

Are there accessible staterooms and venues on cruise ships?

Celebrity Cruises is committed to safe, comfortable, stress-free, and enjoyable travel for all our guests. To that end, we offer accessible staterooms on each of our ships.

Read: Accessible Travel Guide

Accessible staterooms are specially designed for cruisers with disabilities. Our accessible staterooms have carefully considered features such as wider doors with removed door sills for convenient wheelchair access.

Read: Cruises for Seniors With Disabilities

Select staterooms have a five-foot turning radius for ease in navigating and accessible verandas with wheelchair-accommodating balconies so you can enjoy the view.

Additional features like lowered clothes bars in the closet, roll-in showers with handheld showerheads, grab bars, and fold-down shower benches are standard in accessible rooms, as are lower sinks and vanities, higher toilets, and ramped thresholds in the bathroom.

An accessible stateroom can also be customized for guests with hearing or sight special needs. We offer teletypewriters (TTY), which are portable room kits with a visual-tactile alert system for door knocking, telephone ringing, alarm clock, and smoke detector, plus closed captioning in every television in our staterooms.

Accessible rooms are held for cruise travelers with disabilities until all other non-accessible staterooms in that category are fully booked. Since there are only a limited number of these rooms, it’s best to book early and fill out the required Special Needs Form.

Celebrity ships are also accessible with wide corridors, conveniently located elevators, and open and inviting public spaces.

You’ll also find lifts for one pool and one whirlpool on each ship, lowered slot machines and playing tables in the casino, and accessible public bathrooms. Gradual inclines lead into public rooms, and automatic doors are available on Solstice-class and Edge-series ships.

Celebrity’s commitment to accessibility extends to assistance with an airport to pier transfer when arranged in advance; assistance in boarding and departing the ship; and assistance in reaching areas of the ship that may not be accessible.

When it comes to shore excursions, there are a number of accessible tours in destinations across the globe.

On accessible tours, vans with wheelchair lifts are provided. Make sure to book in advance to ensure the availability of equipped vans.

What can seniors do on the ship?

One of the most exciting aspects of a senior citizen cruise experience is the infinite variety of activities for guests of every age.

From early morning to the late evening, there are engaging, educational, and entertaining things to do throughout the ship. Of course, there’s also the option to do nothing at all.

Start Your Day

Enjoy a leisurely morning coffee on your veranda by ordering from our 24-hour room service menu. Check out the day’s activities and offerings in Celebrity Today, the daily newsletter delivered to your room each evening during turndown service.

If you love the idea of a full-service breakfast to start off the day, head to the Main Restaurant. If you’re on the go, stop at one of the cafes for a cappuccino and freshly baked pastry, or grab a juice or smoothie at the Spa Cafe after a leisurely deck walk.

Like the variety of a breakfast buffet? Head to the Ocean View Cafe and have a breakfast feast, complete with a fabulous ocean view from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Tour the Ship

During a leisurely day at sea, get acquainted with your ship and discover its magnificent public spaces, lounges, and bars.

On one of our insider access ship tours, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at areas of the ship typically reserved for our crew. Explore the engine control room, see the main galley where meals are prepared, and visit the bridge where the captain charts the way to your destination.

Explore Eden

On Celebrity Edge or Apex, visit Eden, an immersive and interactive venue where you can indulge your senses from morning until night. This three-level transformational space is a cool, calming place to relax early in the day and breathe in the aroma of fresh herbs in the garden.

Take a Class

Brush up on your culinary skills at a hands-on cooking class, or become even more wine-savvy at a wine-and-food-pairing seminar hosted by our onboard master sommeliers.

Appreciate Art

Each Celebrity ship has its own amazing collection of contemporary art. Enjoy browsing the ship’s permanent art collection, attend an art lecture, or bid on works of art for sale at an onboard auction.

Spend Time Outdoors

At the adults-only* Solarium, unwind on a sundeck lounger with that book you’ve been meaning to read, or take a refreshing dip in the pool.

On our Solstice-class ships, head up to The Lawn Club for a game of bocce or croquet on real grass. Practice your putting, have a picnic lunch, or listen to a live concert.

On Edge or Apex, order a salad, flatbread pizza, or classic burger at the casual Rooftop Garden Grill, then stroll the greenery and natural art spaces of the Rooftop Garden. On select ships, you can also enjoy a game of pickleball on the sports court.

*Solarium kid’s hours available from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on select itineraries – Antarctica, Alaska, and the Baltics.  

Read: Things to Do Outdoors on a Cruise Ship

Book Shore Excursions and Destination Lectures

Attend scheduled lectures on your port destinations, which will give you a deeper appreciation for local culture, customs, and history. Stop by the Shore Excursions Desk to book activities in port.

Visit The Spa

Get pampered with one of the rejuvenating treatments available at our luxurious onboard spa. Treat yourself to a mani/pedi and hairstyling just because or in preparation for the ship’s Evening Chic night.

Schedule a facial and get skincare tips from The Spa’s professional aestheticians. Unwind with a soothing stone massage or body wrap.

Try aqua therapy treatments like herbal steam baths and Finnish saunas at the soothing Persian Gardens (complimentary for AquaClass guests).

On Edge or Apex ships, the SEA Thermal Suite (also complimentary for AquaClass guests), offers Hammam, a modern take on the Turkish Bath, a state-of-the-art collection of deep table massages, a Salt Room, and over 120 spa therapies and treatments. You can even schedule acupuncture or advanced treatments at MedSpa.

Indulge in Retail Therapy

Stroll the marble walkways of the European-inspired shopping arcade on board. Shop in luxury boutiques and find the perfect outfit for upcoming shore excursions, something “wow” for Evening Chic nights, a lovely piece of jewelry as a memento of your trip, or leather goods and other cruise gifts for your loved ones back home.

Get Connected

At the iLounge, Celebrity’s 24/7 computer lounge, use Apple computers, take technology classes, and learn tips and tricks from the Certified Apple Experts who staff the lounge.

Pose at the Photo Studio

Are you cruising with family or for a special occasion such as an anniversary, special birthday, or holiday? This is a great time to gather everyone and head to the ship’s photo studio for a family portrait taken by a professional photographer.

Our professional roving photographers also take plenty of candid photos of you and your family throughout your cruise, so make sure to check out the Photo Gallery to see snapshots of your favorite moments on board.

Dine in Style

Celebrity Cruises is renowned for its world-class cuisine, and our expert culinary teams make sure that each meal at every dining venue is sublime.

Read: How to Eat Healthy on a Cruise

The Main Restaurant serves a large menu of classic and modern specialties in a two-story setting that manages to be inviting and intimate at the same time.

In specialty restaurants, you’ll find a truly unique culinary experience that will delight your taste buds.

In Tuscan Grille , traditional Southern Italian dishes including fresh handmade pasta, USDA Prime steaks, and a regional Italian wine list are highlights of the menu.

Murano is our French-inspired dining venue with a number of signature dishes prepared tableside. For a true gastronomic treat, try the Five Senses food and wine pairing menu.

Le Petit Chef is a one-of-a-kind dining experience that combines great food and great fun. This 3-D experience is perfect for a festive multigenerational family dinner. Enjoy watching animated tiny chefs prepare your meal right on your plate, just as your server delivers the real food to your table.

Blu , the exclusive restaurant for AquaClass guests, serves a menu of fresh, bold flavors and a wine list of sustainable and biodynamic wines in a beautifully modern setting.

For guests of The Retreat, Luminae offers exclusive menu items not available at any other dining venue on the ship, and special dishes created by our Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, Chef Daniel Boulud.

Be Entertained

Evenings aboard Celebrity ships are lively and exciting, with Broadway-worthy shows in the theater, bands, jazz, and folk concerts at The Lawn Club, impromptu performances by our entertainers that can pop up anywhere, plus concerts, DJ music, cabaret entertainment, and silent disco.

What are the best cruise destinations for seniors?

When choosing the perfect itinerary for a senior citizen cruise vacation, consider the climates, destinations, and things to do that you’re most interested in.

Do you want to unwind on stunning Caribbean beaches? Experience the historic landmarks and ancient sites of the Old World? Looking to explore far-flung destinations like South America or Australia and New Zealand?

No matter where you sail, you’ll find shore excursions that cater to guests of all ages, activity levels, and interests.

Senior Citizen Cruises to Alaska

Alaska cruises are popular for travelers of all ages, especially senior cruisers and multigenerational families.

For smaller crowds, cruise during shoulder season months in April or May. Summer cruises to Alaska are great for a memory-making multigenerational vacation when the kids are out of school and parents can use up their vacation days.

Caribbean Cruises for Seniors

Swaying palms, enticing blue waters, and exquisite beaches are hallmarks of the Caribbean islands. Caribbean cruises sail year-round, so you’ll have a range of itineraries, departure ports, and itinerary lengths to choose from.

On an Ultimate Caribbean cruise itinerary, explore the beautiful islands of Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Maarten. Enjoy beach excursions, duty-free shopping, swimming and snorkeling, wonderfully fresh seafood, and the inviting local culture.

Cruise the Western Caribbean on a five-night itinerary sailing to the Florida Keys and Cozumel, Mexico, with two nights at sea to relax and luxuriate in all the excitement and activities your ship has to offer.

On an Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas cruise, explore the Old Fort at San Juan, Puerto Rico, shop for luxury goods in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, savor the French-influenced food in St. Maarten, and bask on the white sand beaches of Tortola and the Bahamas.

Norwegian Fjords

Always wanted to see the fjords of Norway? On a Norway cruise , sail to the stunning ports of Bergen, Alesund, Geiranger, and Stavanger.

In this beautiful country, you’ll see the old wharf, walk the cobblestoned town of Bryggen, sample traditional Norwegian food , visit the Geiranger Fjord with its dramatic waterfalls and towering mountainsides, and take an easy hike on Pulpit Rock in Stavanger, which rises over 1,800 feet above the sea.

Scandinavia

Travel to Scandinavia on a cruise with overnight stay in Copenhagen, where you can spend time at Tivoli Gardens, see the city from the waterside, and experience “hygge,” the concept of coziness, warmth, and comfort.

Other ports of call include Stockholm, Sweden and Tallinn, Estonia.

Read: Things to Do in Tallinn

The Galapagos

Senior cruisers looking for an eco-adventure are sure to find it on a seven-night all-inclusive cruise to the Galapagos Islands .

On Celebrity Flora, enjoy unparalleled luxury while exploring the incredible marine and land wildlife of the volcanic islands that make up the Galapagos.

Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Hawaii

If you have the pleasure of extended time to travel at your leisure, a perfect senior cruise is our 17-night cruise to Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Hawaii that embarks from Honolulu and disembarks in Sydney.

Cruise to Maui, then on to Bora Bora and French Polynesia—some of the best Pacific islands to visit . Cross the International Dateline, then sail on to Auckland, Bay of Islands, and finally to Sydney, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere.

Read: Best Things to Do in Bora Bora

Back-to-Back Cruises

One of the best ways to celebrate being a senior citizen is to book an extended vacation on a back-to-back cruise. Consider a back-to-back with an 11-day cruise from Vancouver , British Columbia to the Hawaiian Islands, then embark on the 17-night Honolulu and Tahiti cruise that disembarks in Sydney.

Use Flights by Celebrity to book all of your airline reservations to get to your embarkation point. With Flights by Celebrity, you can be assured by our Lowest Price Guarantee, use the airline points you’ve accrued, enjoy 24/7 assistance so you’ll never miss a cruise due to delayed or canceled flights, and have the option to book now and pay later.

Which shore excursions can seniors take?

One of the joys of senior citizen cruises is being able to explore all of the destinations you visit at your own pace. Learning about the culture, customs, history, and geography of those destinations is an easy way to enrich your vacation.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Wonders of the World during multigenerational trips and make memories that will stay with your family for a lifetime.

Once you’ve booked your cruise, you can browse shore excursions on our website and sort by interest, activity level, and accessibility.

See the ruins of Pompeii or go on a wine-tasting excursion in Tuscany.

Swim with gentle stingrays or experience the wonders under the sea without getting wet on a fascinating glass-bottom boat tour in the Caribbean.

Take a restorative dip in the hot spring baths at Castries, St. Lucia; Kagoshima, Japan; or Reykjavik, Iceland.

See exceptional wildlife in their natural habitat and the spectacular wilderness of Alaska during a gentle hike or boat tour of the Last Frontier.

Book Your Senior Citizen Cruise

If you’re ready to explore the world as a senior traveler, browse our cruise itineraries and book online, or call one of our vacation specialists today.

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Looking for a companion for your next cruise?

Perhaps a fellow: senior cruiser 18 to 35 cruiser, lgbt cruiser parent(s) cruising with children a carer, or fellow disabled person someone from your cultural, religious, employment or other background. all this and more is available at ​www.cruisecompanionsclub.com.

Finding Senior Travel Companions

Ariel Skelley / Getty Images

You're an avid traveler, fascinated by unknown places and new experiences. You know where you'd like to travel and have done some trip planning . There's just one stumbling block: You want to find a travel companion, someone who wishes to see the world and has a travel budget similar to yours.

If you're single and retired, it's not necessarily easy to find others to match your travel pace. Thankfully there are more resources now than ever before to connect adults who want to set off and explore together, whether it be a local day trip or a month-long backpacking experience.

Identify Your Vacation Goals and Travel Style

If you want to travel with at least one other person, you will need to spend some time thinking about your travel goals and travel style. If you don't know how you like to travel, you will not be able to explain your travel expectations to potential travel companions, so consider the many travel options trips include before beginning your search.

• Hotel rooms: Do you prefer luxury comfort, mid-range hotel accommodations, or bargain hostels?
• Dining: Do you want to experience Michelin star-level dining, local favorites, chain restaurants, or fast food? Would you prefer to cook your own food in a vacation cottage or efficiency suite?
• Transportation: Are you comfortable taking public transportation or do you prefer to drive your car or travel by taxicab? Are you willing to walk long distances?
• Sightseeing: Which travel activities suit you best? Museums, adventure and outdoor travel, historic sights, guided tours , spas, and shopping excursions are just some of the options you should consider.

It's important to know how you like to travel. Going on a trip with another person is an intimate experience, and you'll want to be sure that all travelers have the same expectations before taking off.

Word of Mouth

One of the best ways to find a like-minded travel companion is to tell everyone you know that you want to travel, but need someone to go with you to keep costs down. Ask friends and family to pass along your contact information if they meet someone who wants to travel and is trustworthy.

Senior Centers

Depending on where you live, your local senior center might be just the place to find a travel companion. Many senior centers offer both day trips and weekend adventures, but even if you don't find those destinations interesting, you can meet people who enjoy traveling at one of the center's other programs. Try an exercise class—you'll want to be as fit as possible for your next trip—or a cultural class, such as music appreciation. You might just bump into someone who could be a future travel companion.

Travel Groups

Travel groups come in all varieties. Sometimes these groups are called travel clubs or vacation clubs because they often have some type of membership requirement, which could include membership fees or dues. You may be able to find a travel group through your church, place of employment, public library, or school alumni association. Once you find a congenial group, you can take trips with the travel group or plan an independent trip with travel companions from that group.

If you are looking at travel groups to join, be sure you understand the difference between a travel group that charges a small amount ($5 to $10) per month for dues and a vacation club that requires a membership fee of several thousand dollars. In 2013, the Better Business Bureau's Dallas and North Texas office published an investigation into travel club selling practices, focusing on the vacation club scheme and the high membership fees some vacation clubs charge.

Online Groups & Meetups

Websites and online communities like Meetup.com , for example, allow members to search for, join, and even start groups dedicated to travel, dining, and almost anything else that interests them. For example, a meetup group called "50+ Singles Travel and Social Group" organizes day trips, social events, cruises , tours, and visits to special events in the Baltimore area.

Always exercise caution when revealing personal information to members of an online group. Never agree to meet an online acquaintance in a private place; always meet in public. Use good judgment and trust your instincts when deciding to participate in a group event. Meet a potential travel companion several times before agreeing to book a trip together.

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What’s a Senior Traveling Companion? Pros, Cons & How to Find One

Updated 08/28/2023

Published 09/16/2022

Amanda Lambert, MS, CMC, ALCP

Certified Care Manager, Aging Life Care Professional, and National Master Guardian Emeritus

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

People start thinking about their retirement bucket list and how to travel with companionship as they retire. The wrinkle in travel for seniors came when COVID-19 forced many older adults to re-think or cancel their plans. Even now, COVID and vaccination requirements can complicate the most well-laid plans. Older adults are the most vaccinated group in the US and feel more confident about traveling now.

Jump ahead to these sections:

What is a senior traveling companion, and what do they do, how much does a senior traveling companion cost, pros and cons of senior traveling companions, how to find a senior traveling companion for you or a loved one.

The senior travel industry is rebounding. Travel agencies that cater to older adults reported significant increases in bookings in 2021. As eager as older adults are to take to the roads and airways, safety, access to medical care if needed, and companionship are top of mind. People are living longer, and as the average age of a senior traveler increases, so does the desire for protection and guidance. Many seniors refuse to let their physical conditions prevent them from traveling. 

Senior traveling companion services are an excellent option for single or partnered older adults who want the security of another person or group to accompany them. In cases where someone requires hands-on assistance, a companion is a necessity. You may not have considered this option before, but after learning more about a senior traveling companion, you might decide this service is just the ticket to the grand vacation you have been dreaming of.

A senior traveling companion is someone who can be younger and accompany a senior on a trip as a professional planner, tour guide, or caregiver. Or a senior traveling companion is another older adult or group of adults who travel to the same destination together.  Each category of companion will have different tasks and motivations.

Travel buddy or companion

A travel buddy is paired with you for similar interests and destinations. A travel buddy or companion service will:

• Allow you to pair with a preferred travel companion. Some services are similar to dating sites where you can designate gender, duration, location of trips, etc.
• You can contact the people you think are compatible to discuss and decide whether to travel together.
• A travel buddy service is for singles, couples, and groups.
• Using a travel companion service is not necessary. You can use word of mouth, the local senior center, or a social media shout-out for a buddy to travel with.

Travel planner

Plenty of senior travel planners will plan your trip and find others to join. A travel planning service will be more expensive since they handle all travel details. A senior travel planner will:

• Offer a wide selection of cultural and adventure trips to suit any physical level. Many of these trips will be local and others international with varying lengths and expenses.
• A travel planner will plan every detail, from flight itineraries, hotels, rental car arrangements, daytime activities, and the number of people on the trip.
• Some travel planners will not only plan your trip but find a suitable companion for the one you want to take.
• Travel planners will investigate all vaccination requirements and ensure you comply with local health laws.

Senior travel clubs

Senior travel clubs are groups of seniors who pay membership fees to the club and get vacation packages at bulk rates. Travel clubs specialize in everything from active adventures to academic and cultural trips. Of note are reports of scam travel clubs, so vet any travel club carefully to ensure they are legitimate.

Medical and transit companion

Many older travelers have medical problems, cognitive impairment, or mobility issues. In these cases, a senior can hire someone to travel with them to assist with the trip and care needs. Assistance can consist of:

• Managing medications
• Helping with bathing and dressing
• Checking vital signs
• Find health services at your destination.
• Handling any durable medical equipment needs

The cost of a senior traveling companion depends entirely on the type of service you want and need. If you simply want to book through a tour agency that caters to seniors, you will pay your portion of the trip, and the other travelers will pay theirs. Most travel group plans offer a discount if you share a room. If you are going through a service to find traveling companions, there will be a membership fee to find compatible travel buddies.

For seniors who want to hire someone to accompany them on their travels, the cost will depend on the tasks required. ZipRecruiter esports that the average hourly pay for a travel companion in 2022 was $27.89 an hour. This hourly cost can be significantly higher if more assistance is needed, especially if a nurse accompanies you on a trip. You will also likely need to pay for all their trip costs, including airfare, meals, other transport, and tourist entrance fees.

Senior traveling companions can be a terrific option, but you will want to consider some additional details before taking the plunge. Let’s review some of the pros and cons of a traveling companion.

Pros of a senior traveling companion

• The primary reason people choose a traveling companion through an agency is the convenience of paying someone else to do all the planning, which puts less stress on you. A senior traveling companion program can handle as many or as few travel details as you want.
• The opportunity to meet new people and form friendships
• Another benefit of a senior traveling companion is the safety and security of having a companion with you at all times.  Also, an itinerary tailored to your comfort level where there are few surprises can provide a sense of security to many travelers. 
• The assurance that someone will take care of your care needs. 
• A senior traveling companion allows you to explore destinations and things to do in retirement that you may not have considered before.

Cons of a senior traveling companion

A traveling companion is not for everyone, and it may not be possible even for those who prefer a companion. You may not find anyone you feel comfortable with, or the cost is too high. 

• The cost of a senior traveling companion can be prohibitive, especially if you need and want a companion to take care of your medical needs. Even in programs where everyone pays their costs, the pricing will be higher than if you planned the trip yourself. The do-it-yourself programs where you pay a fee to find a compatible traveling companion and do all the planning yourself are probably the most affordable.
• The appeal of having everything organized for you is the very aspect of a traveling companion that some people don’t like. There could be a lack of travel flexibility. Many travelers prefer the unpredictability and spontaneous nature of unorganized travel. Finding themselves on a trip where they wish to change the itinerary is a downside for those folks.
• The whole idea of a senior traveling companion is to have company on a trip and have someone to share the experience. But there is always the possibility of incompatibility, and you won’t find out until you are on your way. Sharing a room with a senior traveling companion is usually less expensive, but you give up privacy.
• There is the possibility that you book an active travel trip that turns out to be too challenging. When you are with a group, you don’t have the option of scaling back the activity level.

Finding a senior traveling companion for you or your loved one could be lengthy, depending on what you are looking for. You may be surprised by all of the group travel options for seniors. If you or a loved one is looking for a companion that will provide more personal care as a senior travel companion, you will need to vet the company and the companion. Consider these questions:

• What experience does the companion have, and on what types of trips? 
• Can you provide references for the specific companion that will come on the trip?
• What are your safety protocols?
• Are your companions CPR and first aid certified?
• What insurance options are there through your company, and what does it cover?
• How do you communicate with other family members during the trip?

If you are looking for travel companies, reviewing choices online might be best. One feature to consider is if you are looking for an “active” vacation which could entail hiking, biking, and walking. Most legitimate companies will have a guide to the activity level for each trip so you don’t overextend your physical capabilities.  

Perhaps a river cruise or more extensive cruise is more up your alley. Or your interests may be more cultural or academic. Try and narrow your interests so you don’t waste time investigating companies that don’t offer what you want.

Other ideas for finding people locally to accompany you and others on trips are Meetup , senior centers, and Facebook. The other possibility is to reach out to friends who might have an interest in traveling together. If you find one or more people willing to travel and can agree on a place, a travel agent can make as many arrangements as you want.

A Senior Traveling Companion

A senior traveling companion can be a great way to access travel and adventure safely.  The key to a successful experience is to be open to a new travel companion while choosing your trip wisely. Accept that no trip or companion is perfect but that the journey will likely be one you will remember.  

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The 15 Best Cruise Options For Senior Citizens

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

Sailing on a journey of leisure and discovery, seniors seek cruise lines that offer vacations and unforgettable all-around experiences. With a focus on comfort, luxury, and tailored amenities, selecting the perfect cruise line becomes paramount. Discover the top ten cruise lines catering to the elderly, each offering a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and world-class service.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Popularly known as “the thinking person’s cruise line,” embarking on an expedition on the Viking Ocean Cruises offers seniors a blend of luxury and cultural immersion. With enriching shore excursions, spacious accommodations, and a strict no kids and no casinos policy, the cruise caters to mature travelers seeking refined experiences.

Royal Caribbean International

The Royal Caribbean International promises elders an adventure-filled journey with state-of-the-art amenities and diverse onboard activities. From Broadway-style shows to culinary delights, every moment onboard is a vibrant celebration of life.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line’s timeless elegance and personalized service create an atmosphere of sophistication for older guests. The sail line has heavily invested in onboard entertainment activities like pickleball, and the passengers can enjoy gourmet dining and live music performances, ensuring that indulgence awaits at every turn on their classic ships.

Oceania Cruises

For elders seeking a more intimate cruising experience, Oceania Cruises delivers with its smaller ships and destination-focused itineraries. With their extensive destination catalog that includes Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Antarctica, and more, one is not short of travel choices. Culinary connoisseurs are not left behind either, as the master chefs prepare a variety of gourmet cuisines.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises caters to seniors with comfortable accommodations and enriching onboard activities, including art auctions and educational seminars. In comparison to other excursions, Princess is one of the best when it comes to caring for the elderly and the disabled. All their vessels are fitted with plenty of wheelchair-accessible lifts and cabins, ensuring that everyone is catered for.

Crystal Cruises

When it comes to high-end cruising, no one does it better than Crystal Cruises. With its all-inclusive luxury, attention to detail, and high passenger-to-guest ratio, the liner is a favorite among seniors. As a high passenger-to-guest ratio and all-inclusive luxury liner, the liner pampers seniors with exceptional service and all-inclusive luxury. Every aspect of the journey exudes luxury and sophistication, from butler-serviced suites to world-class entertainment.

For any senior intrigued by traditionalist vibes, the Cunard is the cruise to board. The iconic ocean liners offer senior citizens a taste of maritime history coupled with modern comforts. Alongside elegant ballrooms, traditional afternoon tea, captivating lectures, and one of the largest libraries at sea, it’s an expedition steeped in tradition and refinement.

Silversea Cruises

With over 900 destinations worldwide, Silversea Cruises provides older folks with an intimate and luxurious sailing experience aboard their small, ultra-luxury ships. The ships accommodate scooters and wheelchairs, and all suites come with a dedicated butler who helps provide personalized service for the passengers.

Azamara, famously known for its immersive destination experiences and boutique-style ships, offers a peak travel experience for seniors. The voyage is cost-friendly, with the base fare covering all meals and beverages. What’s more, there are plenty of entertainment options, ranging from dance lessons, bingo, arts and crafts, and a White Night signature dinner event.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is undoubtedly the best cruise for elders who want to bring their grandchildren on a trip. The liner has an unmatched all-inclusive sail experience, with the airfare, meals, drinks, and excursion costs all covered in the base fare. Since most passengers are above 55 years old, Regent is also perfect for solo travelers.  

The post Top 10 Cruise Lines for Senior Travelers appeared first on Housely .

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