Jetting off on a family vacation might be the high point of the summer, but the prep work is another story. The result is more than worth it, but coordinating timelines, flight itineraries, lodging, dining and more can feel like a full-time job during the months before.
It’s even more complicated if you’re planning to bring an older adult along. You’ll need to account for all their unique needs in advance, without leaning on any of the resources you typically use at home.
That doesn’t mean there are no resources available; they just look a little different than you’re used to. In fact, Orlando is absolutely full of options to make senior vacation planning easier. Here are our favorites.
Resources for Senior Vacation Planning in Orlando, FL
Orlando has no shortage of resources to help with senior vacation planning. From beach reads and healthy snacks to trustworthy professional petsitters, everything you need to prepare for your family vacation is right here in your backyard.
- Pack Some Snacks
If you’ve ever gotten hungry at an airport, you probably know what comes next: Grouchiness, fatigue and poor judgment. Being hungry makes everything else harder, so it’s the last thing you need while you’re rushing to catch a layover flight. Luckily, in-terminal restaurants and roadside convenience stores are there to give you the boost you need to keep going.
However, older adults have a limited energy supply and many of them face a number of barriers that limit their dining options. That’s why it’s so important to pack travel snacks for your loved one before you get on the road.
One of the best spots to stock up is at a health food store. They offer a wide variety of portable, snackable and shelf-stable foods in bulk, so you can pick and choose to create a snack mix your loved one will like…and can actually eat. Health food stores are also sensitive to dietary restrictions, so they make sure to disclose each and every ingredient very clearly.
- Find Reading Material
Sure, family vacations are about connecting with each other, but there are always moments of downtime. Books make a fantastic travel companion, helping us pass the time during long plane flights or kick back once we’ve reached our destination.
Many seniors prefer to just pick up a beach read at the airport. That’s completely fine, but avid readers might need more options. If your loved one is a dedicated bookworm, they’re a lot more likely to find something they’re excited about at a local bookstore.
That’s why it’s a great idea to bring your loved one to visit the bookstore to get two or three books they’re excited about. Try not to do this until the day before you leave, though—they might not be able to resist reading the whole thing at home.
- Book a Room for Fido
When your brain is stuffed to the brim with hotel bookings, it’s easy to forget that your family members aren’t the only ones who will need lodging: Their pets will as well. Quite understandably, older adults tend to have trouble relaxing and enjoying their vacations unless they’re completely certain that their furry friends are in good hands.
With a few weeks’ notice, it’s often simple enough to ask a friend or neighbor in town to care for your loved one’s pet while they’re away. However, that’s not always an option. Calendars don’t always line up conveniently, especially if you’re taking a trip longer than a few days, and sometimes people need to cancel unexpectedly. That’s when it’s time to turn to a local pet boarding service.
Modern boarding services are often like giving pets a vacation of their own. These companies are typically run by dedicated animal lovers excited to give pets the best of care, helping them unwind and rest easy while out of town.
Get Help With Senior Vacation Planning in Orlando, FL
Senior vacation planning can be challenging, but the good news is that you’re not alone. There are plenty of options right here in Orlando to make it easier, from snacks and books to fill bellies and pass the time to comfortable boarding services to pamper your loved one’s pooch.
Need a little more help getting your family vacation ready? FirstLight Home Care of Orlando is here for you. Our generous caregivers can make sure your loved one’s needs are met, letting you focus on making this the best family vacation yet.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Contact us today.
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