Helpful Hints and Caring Travel Tips for Elderly Parents This Holiday Season

Plan for Comfort Before You Go

Start early by talking about the trip together. Choose a realistic distance and plan around the times of day your parents have the most energy. Keep medications and essentials in a small, easily accessible bag, and make sure there’s enough water and snacks to stay hydrated.

A great read on thoughtful preparation for older travellers is available here if you’d like a few more ideas, but the heart of good travel is simply being prepared and staying flexible.

Bring Familiarity Along for the Ride

Whether it’s their favourite cardigan, a small cushion, or a playlist of music they love, familiar comforts can make travel feel like home on the move. Keeping to small routines, like a cup of tea at the usual time or quiet reading after lunch, can help keep everyone relaxed and happy.

TOTALCARE Living follows this same philosophy in our Lifestyle Living communities, where independence and care work hand in hand to create balance and peace of mind.

Quick Checklist for Smooth Holiday Travel

• ✅ Keep travel days short, plan rest breaks every 1–2 hours.
• 👜 Pack medication, ID, and emergency contacts in one small pouch.
• 🧣 Bring layers for warmth and comfort during unpredictable weather.
• 💧 Carry bottled water and light snacks for the road.
• 📞 Keep phones charged and ensure someone knows your route and timing.
• 🌤 Schedule calm, quiet evenings instead of late-night plans.

These small steps can make a big difference, allowing your loved ones to feel calm, confident, and cared for during the journey.

“Keep It Simple and Steady”

“When families travel, we always remind them to keep things simple and steady. A relaxed pace and familiar comforts make all the difference,” says Marinda, Care Director at TOTALCARE Living.

Our teams often guide families before their trips, offering helpful reminders on safe rest times, medical routines, and gentle daily planning. It’s this attention to detail that turns travel from stressful to smooth.

Travel Is About Connection, Not Perfection

The best moments often happen between destinations, a shared laugh, a scenic pause, or the comfort of simply being together. The goal isn’t to get there fast, it’s to travel kindly and enjoy each other’s company.

If you start noticing that longer trips are becoming tiring for your parents, our Living Options Explained page offers insight into Assisted Living and Health Care support that keep comfort and companionship at the centre of daily life.