There is a quiet freedom that comes with travelling later in life. The children are grown. The work diary is no longer dictating your weekdays. You have the time, and with a little planning, the world is genuinely more accessible than it has ever been.
Whether you are considering a weekend in Kerry, a fortnight in Portugal, or something more adventurous, this guide covers the practical side of travel for adults in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. No patronising advice here, just the real considerations that make the difference between a stressful trip and a brilliant one.
TL;DR
- Travel insurance becomes essential over 60 and costs vary widely, so shop around and declare everything
- Pace your itinerary: fewer destinations explored properly beats a rushed checklist
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers emergency care in the EU but is not a substitute for travel insurance
- Accessibility is improving across Europe, with many destinations offering mobility-friendly tours and transport
- Irish resources like Active Retirement Ireland and Fáilte Ireland offer group travel and age-friendly tourism options
Travel Insurance: The Non-Negotiable
Let us start with the least glamorous but most important topic. Travel insurance after 60 is not optional. It is the single most important thing you will arrange for any trip.
A few things to know:
- Declare all pre-existing conditions. Yes, all of them. An undeclared condition can void your entire policy, and medical repatriation from southern Europe can cost upwards of €50,000.
- Premiums increase with age, but they vary enormously between providers. Age Action Ireland recommends comparing at least three quotes. Some Irish providers specialising in older travellers include Multitrip.com, Blue Insurance, and World Nomads.
- Your EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) covers necessary medical treatment in EU/EEA countries at the same cost as locals. Apply or renew through the HSE. But it does not cover repatriation, lost luggage, or cancellations, so it complements travel insurance rather than replacing it.
- Annual multi-trip policies can save money if you plan to travel more than twice a year. Some have upper age limits, so check before assuming.
Pacing: The Secret to Enjoying Every Day
The biggest mistake people make when planning a trip later in life is trying to do too much. A 25-year-old might survive six cities in ten days. You could probably survive it too, but why would you want to?
The research backs this up. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Travel Research found that travellers over 55 reported significantly higher satisfaction when they visited fewer destinations and spent longer in each place. Quality over quantity applies to travel as much as anything else.
Practical tips for pacing:
- Build in rest days. For every two or three active days, schedule one with nothing planned. You will be surprised how much you appreciate a slow morning at a local café.
- Avoid early-morning flights where possible. A 6am airport transfer is tiring at any age. Midday flights cost a little more but save a lot of energy.
- Choose accommodation with a kitchen. Eating out for every meal is exhausting and expensive. A simple breakfast in your apartment gives you a gentler start to the day.
- Consider trains over flights for European travel. The journey becomes part of the experience, and you avoid the stress of airport security and baggage carousels.
Accessibility: It Is Getting Better
Accessibility in travel has improved enormously, though it remains uneven. Some things to consider:
Airports: All major European airports offer assistance services. In Ireland, Dublin, Cork, Shannon, and Knock airports provide wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and accessible facilities. Request assistance when booking, not at the gate. The service is free, but advance notice ensures it runs smoothly.
Accommodation: Booking platforms like Booking.com now include accessibility filters (step-free access, grab rails, roll-in showers). Airbnb has an “Accessibility features” filter, though listings vary in accuracy, so it is worth contacting hosts directly.
Destinations with strong accessibility: The Nordic countries, the Netherlands, and parts of Spain (particularly Barcelona and the Canary Islands) have invested heavily in accessible tourism. In Ireland, Fáilte Ireland’s Age Friendly Tourism initiative highlights accessible attractions and routes.
Mobility aids and equipment: If you use a walking aid or wheelchair, most airlines accommodate them free of charge. For rental equipment at your destination, companies like Mobility Abroad and Special Needs Group operate across Europe.
Health Preparation
A little preparation before you travel makes everything easier on the ground:
- Medications: Carry prescriptions in their original packaging, bring a copy of your prescription (ideally with generic drug names), and pack enough for the trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. Keep medications in hand luggage, never in checked bags.
- GP check-in: If you are managing a chronic condition, a quick chat with your GP before travelling is sensible. They can advise on any destination-specific risks and provide a medical summary letter if needed.
- Vaccinations: For destinations outside Europe, check the HSE’s travel health recommendations. Some vaccines need to be given weeks in advance, so plan early.
- Sun protection: Skin becomes more vulnerable with age. A decent SPF, a hat, and staying out of the midday sun are basic but important, particularly in southern Europe and beyond.
Solo Travel: More Popular Than You Think
Solo travel among older adults has grown significantly. A 2025 ABTA survey found that 22% of travellers over 55 had taken a solo trip in the previous year, up from 14% in 2020.
If the idea appeals but feels daunting, start small. A weekend trip within Ireland, perhaps to a town you have never explored properly, builds confidence without the complexity of international logistics.
Group tours designed for solo travellers are another excellent option. Companies like Solos Holidays, Saga, and Irish-based operators like Topflight offer group packages where you join a small group of like-minded travellers. You get the social aspect without needing to organise everything yourself.
Active Retirement Ireland also organises group trips for members, which combine good company with reasonable pricing.
Technology That Helps
You do not need to be a tech expert, but a few tools make travel significantly easier:
- Google Maps offline: Download maps of your destination area before you leave. They work without mobile data and are invaluable for navigating on foot.
- Google Translate: The camera feature translates menus, signs, and labels in real time. Point your phone at a restaurant menu in Italian and see it in English instantly.
- WhatsApp: Free calls and messages over Wi-Fi. Stay in touch with family without worrying about roaming charges (though EU roaming is included in most Irish plans now).
- TripIt or a similar app: Forward your booking confirmations and it creates a single itinerary. One place for all your flight, hotel, and activity details.
Irish Resources Worth Knowing About
Several Irish organisations offer specific support for older travellers:
- Active Retirement Ireland (activeretirementireland.ie) — local groups, group travel, social activities
- Fáilte Ireland Age Friendly Tourism — accessible Irish attractions and routes
- Citizens Information (citizensinformation.ie) — advice on EHIC, travel rights, and entitlements
- HSE Travel Health — vaccination and health advice by destination
The Best Time to Go Is Now
There is a tendency to put off travel, to wait for the “right time.” But if you are in reasonable health and have the means, the right time is now. Your 60s and 70s can be some of the richest travel years of your life. You have the perspective to appreciate what you see, the patience to enjoy a slow pace, and the wisdom to know that the best trips are rarely about ticking off landmarks.
Start with something manageable. Plan carefully but not obsessively. And remember that the goal is not to see everything but to enjoy what you do see.
At Críonna Health, we believe that staying active, curious, and connected is at the heart of ageing well. Travel, in whatever form it takes, is one of the best ways to do exactly that.
📷 Photo by Maria Budanova on Unsplash
