Travelling with elderly parents can be one of the most rewarding experiences a family can share. It offers adult children the opportunity to create new memories with the people who raised them, introduce them to places they may never have visited, and sometimes fulfil a long-held travel dream.

However, travelling with an ageing parent is different from travelling with friends or younger family members.
A holiday that looks simple on paper can become stressful if mobility, medication, diet, fatigue or accessibility needs are overlooked.
For families planning a trip with their parents, whether it is a short domestic getaway, a visit to relatives abroad or an international holiday, thoughtful preparation can make all the difference.

Before you book that flight, here are 10 important things to consider.

Include Them In The Planning
Ask where they would like to go. Find out what they want to see. Let them choose a restaurant or activity. Give them room to make decisions whenever possible.
And don’t turn the entire holiday into a medical supervision exercise.
Yes, be attentive. Yes, be prepared. But also laugh together, take photographs, eat good food and enjoy the destination.
The holiday is about spending time together, not completing a checklist.

Start With Their Health, Not the Destination
Age alone does not determine whether someone can travel comfortably. What matters is their overall health, mobility, stamina and any specific medical needs they may have.
If your parent has an existing health condition or has recently undergone medical treatment, it is wise to speak with their doctor before making travel arrangements. Find out whether there are any restrictions on flying, long journeys, high altitudes, extreme temperatures or strenuous activities.

Choose the Destination With Their Comfort in Mind
The dream destination may not necessarily be the right destination.
Consider the weather, distance from the airport, availability of medical facilities, terrain, transportation and accessibility before choosing a destination.
For example, a city with steep streets, limited public transportation or attractions that require hours of walking may be challenging for a parent with mobility issues.
Sometimes, the best holiday is not the most adventurous one. It is simply the one where everyone can relax.

Think Carefully About the Flight
When booking, consider the duration of the journey, number of stopovers and connection times. A slightly more expensive direct flight may be worth it if it eliminates the physical strain of multiple connections.
If a connecting flight is unavoidable, avoid extremely tight connection times. Give your parent enough time to use the restroom, eat, rest and move between gates without feeling rushed.
If your parent requires assistance at the airport, request it in advance rather than waiting until you arrive.

Don’t Ignore Mobility Needs
If your parent uses a walking stick, wheelchair or other mobility aid, find out how it can be transported and what assistance is available at the airport and destination.
Even parents who do not normally use wheelchairs may benefit from airport wheelchair assistance simply because of the distances involved.
There is no shame in making travel easier.

Make Medication a Priority
Medication should never be an afterthought when travelling with an elderly parent.
Prepare enough medication for the entire journey and, where possible, carry extra supplies in case of unexpected delays.
Keep essential medication in your hand luggage rather than placing everything in checked baggage.
It is also useful to keep a simple list of the medications your parent takes, including their names, dosages and prescribed schedules.
If you are travelling internationally, check whether there are restrictions on carrying particular medications into your destination country.

Choose Accommodation That Makes Life Easier
Before booking, find out whether the hotel has lifts, accessible rooms, walk-in showers, handrails, comfortable beds and easy access to restaurants and other facilities.
If your parent struggles with stairs, request a ground-floor room or a room close to the lift, depending on the hotel’s layout.
Also consider the location. A hotel in the middle of nowhere may look peaceful online but could become inconvenient if you need to travel long distances for food, medication or medical care.

Don’t Overpack the Itinerary
You do not need to visit five attractions in one day simply because your travel guide says you can.
Allow time for breakfast, rest, medication, naps and unexpected delays. Schedule fewer activities and give your parent the freedom to participate only when they feel comfortable.

Pay Attention to Food and Hydration
Changes in diet can affect older travellers more than they affect younger people.
If your parent follows a particular diet because of age or a medical condition, make sure suitable meals will be available at your destination.
Carry appropriate snacks for the journey where permitted, and remember to stay hydrated.
Do not assume your parent will always tell you when they are hungry, thirsty or uncomfortable. Check in regularly.

Prepare for Emergencies
Nobody wants to think about something going wrong during a holiday, but preparation can prevent a minor problem from becoming a major crisis.
Keep copies of important documents, travel insurance details, emergency contacts and relevant medical information.
Before leaving Nigeria, find out where the nearest hospital or reputable medical facility is located at your destination.