An ornate room in the Royal Palace in Madrid. Photos: Colleen Berg
Travel agent Cheryl Leitschuh helps clients plan meaningful, comfortable trips in their 60s, 70s and beyond.
“Travel is like a puzzle,” says Cheryl Leitschuh, a local travel agent. “You want to have all of the pieces come together so that you can have as smooth an experience as possible.” Leitschuh, who became a travel agent in 2018 after a long career as a business consultant, says she loves helping her clients—especially those in their golden years—create memorable adventures with minimal stress.
Over 55 herself, Leitschuh specializes in planning trips for seniors in what she calls the “slow-go” and “no-go” years when mobility and medical needs usually require some adjustments. She takes care of all of the logistics folks might need (from wheelchairs to oxygen tanks) and helps them choose destinations, lodging and transportation that fit their needs. We asked Leitschuh to share her senior-friendly travel tips for those “slow-go” and “no-go” years.
Slow-Go Travel
Folks in this category are typically in their later 60s or 70s, Leitschuh says. “You’re still mobile and adventurous but may need to pace yourself a little bit.” Look for destinations that offer a mild climate and rich cultural experiences without a lot of physical exertion. “European river cruises, Alaskan voyages or guided tours in places like Tuscany or the Canadian Rockies are great options,” Leitschuh says. She also notes that, these days, tours and trips designed specifically for older adults proliferate almost anywhere you’d want to go. They often prioritize shorter walking distances, built-in rest periods and accessible accommodations.
A group of travelers from Lakeville resident Colleen Berg’s spring trip to Portugal and Spain navigate the streets of Madrid.
What to pack? “Include supportive walking shoes, a lightweight travel cane if you need one, compression socks for long flights and layered clothing,” Leitschuh says. Bring a small daypack that can hold medications, sunglasses, a water bottle and other necessities.
Lakeville resident Colleen Berg worked with Leitschuh to plan a trip to Portugal and Spain last spring; she and her partner chose a group tour. “We love having a variety of activities available to us … and prefer the safety of a group,” Berg says. “This also lends itself to meeting new people from many places in the world.” Berg, who’s had recent knee and hip surgeries, says she always takes her mobility into account. “If [my group] can walk longer than I’m able, it is perfectly fine to order an Uber and meet them at our destination,” she says.
Before you go, “… Schedule a checkup with your doctor, and make sure you have enough prescription medication for the trip,” Leitschuh says. “Carry copies of your medical records and insurance info.” She recommends purchasing travel insurance, especially covering medical emergencies if you’re traveling abroad or on a cruise.
One last tip? Don’t forget to schedule in some downtime, Leitschuh says. “Being flexible and pacing yourself will help preserve your energy and enjoyment.”
No-Go Travel
The phrase “no-go” doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t travel at all—it means that, while at your destination, you want to minimize walking, exertion or excursions. Most “no-go” travelers are in their late 70s, 80s or even 90s, Leitschuh says, and can still find plenty of deeply fulfilling experiences.
Folks in this stage might want to explore destinations close to home, Leitschuh says. “A 10-hour flight overseas may be too exhausting, along with jet lag and time changes,” she says. U.S. river cruises can be a good fit.
Patricia and Dennis Gerwing of Lakeville on board Holland America’s MS Volendam during a fall cruise of New England. Photo: Jenny Nagy
Patricia and Dennis Gerwing of Lakeville, who are 86 and 84, traveled with their daughter, Jenny Nagy, on a New England cruise during the fall. Patricia uses a walker and wanted to limit stairs and long walks. Accessibility was the biggest challenge, the Gerwings say. They rented a wheelchair to use on the ship and on shore excursions. Leitschuh helped by making sure the Gerwings’ needs were accomadated at the airports, motels and ship throughout the booking process, they say.
Nagy adds, “My goal was to make the trip as enjoyable as possible for my parents.” Her highlight? “Spending uninterrupted time with them and knowing that I was making the trip more manageable for them. The scenery was beautiful too!”
If you feel strongly about traveling abroad, Leitschuh says, consider a destination with a reliable health care system and strong infrastructure should you need medical care. Her guidance for the “slow-goers” applies here too: Purchase travel insurance, check in with your physician and bring your prescriptions and records.
Family Fun
Although it can be rewarding to travel solo or with a partner, many seniors are also eager to plan trips with their children and grandchildren. “Multigenerational trips are sort of my specialty because there’s a wide range of needs,” Cheryl Leitschuh says.
Cheryl Leitschuh and her daughter Emily Campbell on a vacation together in the Bahamas. Photo: Cheryl Leitschuh
Grandma and grandpa might need a destination with limited walking, while young grandkids might want to try new excursions. “I tend to think cruises are best for that variety,” Leitschuh says. “They’re all-inclusive. With my son and his family, we went on an Alaskan cruise. There were lots of hiking and cultural experiences that the 12- and 14-year-olds really enjoyed and time to relax on the ship for the rest of us.”
Leitschuh stresses the importance of researching the cruise before booking. “Different cruise lines provide differing options,” she says. “It’s important to choose the right cruise line to meet the needs of the variety of ages in your travel group.”
Cruises or all-inclusive resorts (on land) also typically offer kids’ and teens’ clubs, so younger family members can meet up with peers for supervised fun while parents and grand-parents soak in the sun and some R and R.
Cheryl Leitschuh offers travel consultations by appointment
763.219.2070
Facebook: Cheryl Leitschuh – Cruise Planners
Instagram: @cherylleitschuh
