Seniors Embracing Tech to Keep Travel Affordable, Safe, and Fun

You spend years dreaming about what you’ll do when work slows down or retirement finally arrives. For many, travel sits right at the top of that list. Maybe it’s returning to a favorite beach, finally seeing Europe, or simply visiting family more often without juggling vacation days.

If you’re in your 60s or beyond, this might be your moment to explore. And if you’re in your 40s or 50s, you may be looking at your parents’ experiences—or imagining your own future trips—and realizing that travel takes on new meaning with age.

Travel is not as easy as it once was. What used to feel simple can start to come with questions: Will the flights be too long? How do I manage my health or mobility needs while away from home? And is technology really making things easier—or just more complicated?

The good news is that new tools, from AI trip planners to assistive devices, are transforming the way older adults travel. With a little preparation, you can still see the world—just in a way that’s smarter, safer, and less stressful.

Travel is experiencing a strong resurgence among older adults. In fact, 70 percent of Americans aged 50 and older are planning trips in 2025—up from 65 percent in 2024. International travel interest is also rising: 44 percent now plan a trip abroad, compared to 37 percent in 2024, according to AARP. Many recognize travel's profound impact on well-being, 95 percent agreeing it's good for mental health and 85 percent saying it benefits physical health.

Seniors Embrace Travel Technology—But Hesitations Remain

Technology is now woven into nearly every stage of travel, from booking tickets to navigating once you arrive. Older adults are proving that they’re not only willing but increasingly eager to adopt these tools. At the same time, many still feel uncertain about whether the effort is worth it, and security concerns remain strong.

A 2024 AARP study of travelers aged 50 and above found:

• Widespread comfort: 94% feel at least somewhat comfortable using technology.
• Planning & booking tools: During the research phase, 87 percent used hotel websites, 75 percent used airline sites, and 73 percent relied on booking mega-sites. Navigation apps were the most-used tools during travel (77%). Browsing third-party booking sites or apps can help you find better deals more efficiently and snag discounts to save up to 31 percent compared to bargain-hunting on individual business sites or apps. These marketplaces feature offerings from competing businesses, allowing you to compare prices from numerous vendors.

More importantly, you can book the required services — flight, accommodation, car, mobility device rental, tours, and more — in one location.

• Recognized benefits: 85 percent appreciate that tech saves money; 77 percent value time savings and assistance dealing with unexpected changes.
• Barriers: Overwhelmed users make up 38 percent; 13 percent think using the tech isn’t worth the hassle; concerns about fraud/security rise from 38 percent (planning) to 59 percent (on-trip).
• Want to learn more: About three-quarters are eager to learn new travel tech via tutorials, videos, or in-person help.

Notable Trends in Assistive and Smart Travel Tech

The technology available to today’s travelers goes far beyond booking flights or looking up maps. For older adults, it can mean more independence, less stress, and a safer experience. These are the tools and trends shaping how seniors approach travel today.

AI — Balancing Promise with Caution

Artificial intelligence is becoming a powerful planning tool, but it’s not without limitations. Seniors are increasingly curious about using AI to suggest destinations, plan itineraries, or even help find discounts. Still, trust is an issue—many want reassurance that information is up to date and accurate.

About nine in ten seniors are aware of AI. Eight in ten seniors know AI is used in travel. One-third already use or express interest in using AI for trip personalization; 45 percent expect it to save time or money—but only 36 percent trust it to deliver the most current, accurate info. Privacy and a lack of a human touch are common concerns.

According to the Washington Post, only 10 percent of those 65+ have used ChatGPT—but many use AI unknowingly via integrated services like Google’s Gemini.

Planning & Organization Tools

Managing all the moving parts of a trip can feel overwhelming. Apps that consolidate confirmations, track flight changes, and suggest activities can take much of the stress out of planning. Many are designed to be intuitive, making them accessible even to those less comfortable with technology.

Popular options include TripIt Pro for organizing details, Google Travel for recommendations, Hopper for finding the best booking times, and Rome2Rio for mapping multi-modal journeys. Microsoft Copilot can generate custom itineraries, while Apple and Google Maps remain essentials for both planning and navigation.

Mobility and Health Tech

Mobility and health concerns can often dictate whether a trip feels enjoyable or exhausting. Technology now plays a central role in reducing these barriers, allowing older travelers to stay more active and independent.

Smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 9 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 monitor heart rhythms, detect falls, and provide GPS tracking—features that can offer peace of mind to both travelers and their families. Lightweight rollators and travel-friendly scooters reduce fall risk and fatigue. Emerging innovations such as PulseRide—a robotic wheelchair system that adapts to your body’s exertion—promise to make mobility even more seamless in the years ahead.

Assistive devices may make movement and navigation less challenging, but be mindful of potential circulation issues. To minimize pain and discomfort, get your blood flowing by walking 30 minutes before boarding a plane, riding a train, or sitting on a mobility scooter for extended periods.

Navigation for Visually Impaired Travelers

Finding your way in a new city can be stressful for anyone, but for those with vision impairments, it presents an even greater challenge. Navigation technology has advanced rapidly to provide real-time guidance, improving confidence and independence.

Offline maps and portable Wi-Fi ensure reliable access even in remote areas. AI-powered wearable devices such as AIris can describe surroundings, recognize objects, and even read signs or menus aloud. Newer tools like NaviGPT combine obstacle detection with language feedback, making it possible to navigate safely with a single device.

Translation & Comfort Enhancements

Language barriers and long stretches of downtime are two common challenges of international travel. Modern devices are helping to reduce both.

Portable translators such as Pocketalk and Langogo make communication smoother in countries where English isn’t widely spoken, while apps like Google Translate now include offline language packs for when internet service is spotty. For comfort, noise-canceling headphones and portable chargers ensure you can stay entertained and connected even during unexpected delays.

Tech That Saves You Money

While technology makes travel easier, it also makes it more affordable. Older adults are finding creative ways to stretch their retirement dollars while still enjoying meaningful trips.

Flexibility remains the biggest money-saver. Apps that track price changes allow you to adjust travel dates for better deals. Loyalty programs and senior discounts can provide additional savings. For domestic travelers, the America the Beautiful Senior Pass offers lifetime national park access for just $80—one of the best bargains in travel. Financial planners suggest allocating 5–10 percent of your retirement budget to travel, depending on lifestyle, which typically equals around $5,000 a year.

Managing Health

Wearable devices, like the Apple Watch and Fitbit, constantly track your various health and fitness metrics, transmitting vital stats to your phone. They can monitor heart rate and rhythm, sleep quality, blood oxygen saturation, skin temperature, and more. These smart devices encourage you to pursue a healthier lifestyle by tracking the time spent in sunlight, calories burned, steps taken, and physical activity levels.

Forty-three percent of older adults take at least five prescriptions regularly, and forgetting to take them can aggravate chronic medical problems. CareZone, MyTherapy, Medisafe, and other medication management apps remind you to take meds on time.

Telehealth allows you to consult trusted health care professionals online as needed. Microsoft Translator, Google Translate, and other translation services make it easy to communicate your medical needs in different languages and receive optimal care wherever you go.

Be Prepared for Health Events While Traveling

Health events and accidents can happen to anyone, but the risk grows as you age. Even a minor issue like dehydration or a fall can quickly derail a trip, and chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease make preparedness even more important. Taking simple steps before you leave — and knowing what to do if something happens — can turn a potential crisis into a manageable inconvenience.

For international trips, it’s also wise to consider supplemental health insurance. Medicare doesn’t cover most overseas medical costs, and having protection in place can save you from unexpected financial strain.

Steps to Prepare Before You Go

The best defense is planning ahead. A few precautions can help you feel more confident wherever you travel:

• Bring extra medication — Pack more than you’ll need, ideally in original containers, and keep some in your carry-on in case luggage is delayed.
• Carry medical information — Have a printed list of prescriptions, allergies, and emergency contacts. Many travelers also wear a medical ID bracelet or use smartphone health apps.
• Check coverage — Medicare generally doesn’t cover medical costs abroad, so if you are traveling outside the United States, consider supplemental travel insurance with medical and evacuation benefits. If the health event becomes long-term, some Long-Term Care Insurance policies will provide international coverage, at least enough to get you stabilized before you travel back home.
• Talk to your doctor — Schedule a pre-trip checkup to confirm you’re cleared for travel, especially if you have heart or lung conditions.
• Identify care options — Use telehealth apps and translation tools to connect with providers in case you need local care.

What to Do if Something Happens

If you do face a health event on the road, staying calm and following a few key steps can make a major difference:

• Seek help quickly — Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Contact hotel staff, tour operators, or local emergency services if you need assistance.
• Use telehealth first — If the situation isn’t urgent, many providers can assess symptoms through video calls and recommend next steps.
• Stay hydrated and rested — Fatigue, dehydration, or heat-related illness are common triggers for older travelers. Sometimes, rest and fluids are the first remedy.
• Know emergency numbers — 911 won’t work everywhere, but it does work in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In Europe, for example, 112 is the standard emergency number. Save the local emergency number in your phone.
• Contact your insurer — Many travel health plans have hotlines to direct you to approved facilities and help arrange payments.

By preparing for the possibility of health events, you won’t have to travel in fear. Instead, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re ready to handle challenges and get back to enjoying the journey.

Bringing it All Together: A Smarter Travel Experience

Learning to use new technology can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to start slowly, build confidence, and focus on the tools that bring the most value to your trips.

Here are a few practical ways to ease into smarter travel:

• Start with one app or tool, such as a navigation or translation program, before layering on others.

• Download maps, entertainment, and language packs ahead of time so you’re prepared without Wi-Fi.

• Try new tech at home or with friends to reduce stress before using it abroad.

• Explore digital literacy programs like Senior Planet, which now includes classes on AI for travel.

Stay cautious with personal data, especially when using AI, and always double-check information.

Keep travel goals in mind—whether it’s relaxation, adventure, or family visits—so the tech supports your purpose, not the other way around.

Closing Thought

Travel in your later years doesn’t have to mean giving up adventure—it just means traveling differently. With the right mix of planning and assistive technology, you can continue to see the world in ways that feel safe, comfortable, and exciting. Age may change how you travel, but it doesn’t have to change the joy you get from it.