For seniors able to travel short distances, a great way to spend summer vacation with them as caregivers is through day trips to their favorite locations. Possibly visit a special family vacation destination from childhood. Or maybe try a new spot for a particularly memorable experience.

From parks and museums to concert halls and casinos, there are summer day trip options that can accommodate about any taste. Before traveling, make sure to consult a healthcare professional to ensure a day trip is appropriate for you and your loved one. Consider the transportation you plan to take and whether the destination includes adequate healthcare, handicap-accessible facilities (if needed) and scheduled senior-friendly activities.

“Also important is the potential to make the trip extra-affordable with senior discounts and passes,” says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan. “There are many deals available for seniors and caregivers over 60 that many people don’t know about it.”

One such discount is the What is the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. The Senior Pass option is a $10 lifetime pass that provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies, with up to 100% of the proceeds being used to improve and enhance visitor recreation services. Learn more at http://store.usgs.gov/pass/senior.html.

If possible, tour trips in the summer can be a great way to spend safe, quality time by accompanying mom or dad on an excursion with transportation provided. The knowledge-sharing website about.com features a Tour Trip 101 page in its Senior Travel section that can be helpful for caregivers as they help navigate the tour trip option for seniors.

“Taking a tour can be a marvelous experience,” says the site. “You can meet new people and visit destinations near and far.”

Information is available at http://seniortravel.about.com/od/tourgroups/u/TourGroupsPath.htm on tour group pros and cons, types of tours, research and compare tour operators, bus and motorcoach travel 101, tour bus safety, and you can write a review of tour operator to help others.

Traveling by train for short trips can be a scenic way to bring back nostalgia with a parent in the summertime. Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and older are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most trains. For those who can get away longer than a day, Amtrak offers Rail Getaways, 2-4 day, single-city getaways combined into simple vacation packages inclusive of hotels, sightseeing and entertainment. Find out more at http://www.amtrakvacations.com.

“These unescorted getaways let you explore at your own pace without the hassle of planning the details,” says Amtrak.

Additional travel information for seniors and caregivers, including tips for the mobility challenged and what to know for emergency trips can be found on AARP’s website at http://travel.aarp.org/articles-tips/travel-tips.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.