Adventure is out there! Let's go!

This month, just as the holiday travel season comes around, we’ve enlisted our friend Trinity from The Jones Travel Co to help you consider how some vacation R&R can provide some much needed relief, both for family caregivers, and for our loved ones with impaired or mild memory loss.

Traveling After Memory

Loss: A Travel Agent’s Perspective

One of the questions I’ve been asked lately is whether it’s possible—or even realistic—to travel with a loved one after they’ve experienced memory loss due to dementia or a stroke. My answer is always yes, but with the right planning. Travel may look a little different, but it can still be incredibly meaningful and rewarding. As a travel agent, here’s the advice I share with families to help make these trips safe, simple, and enjoyable.

Keep It Simple

The best tip I can offer is to simplify. Fewer transfers, fewer connections, fewer moving parts. Direct flights and straightforward itineraries take a lot of stress off both the traveler and the caregiver. Instead of jam-packing days with activities, focus on one or two highlights and let the rest of the time unfold at a relaxed pace.

Choose Calming, Predictable Destinations

When traveling with memory loss, the destination matters as much as the logistics. Look for places that are easy to navigate, not overly crowded, and have good medical care available nearby. Sometimes the most enjoyable trips are those with a slower pace, beautiful scenery, and simple pleasures.

Build in Rest

It’s natural to want to see everything, but fatigue can make confusion worse. I encourage my clients to plan for plenty of downtime—whether that’s quiet afternoons at the hotel, scenic drives instead of walking tours, or longer stays in each location so there’s less packing and unpacking.

Accessibility and Safety First

I always pre-screen hotels for accessibility and safety. That means looking for things like elevators, central locations, on-site dining, and calm environments. I also recommend medical ID bracelets, keeping an emergency contact card in the local language if traveling abroad, and of course, travel insurance that covers medical care and pre-existing conditions.

My Top Destination Recommendations

Here in the US: 

• Asheville, North Carolina – Scenic mountains, a slower pace, and easy-to-enjoy activities like the Biltmore Estate.

• Sedona, Arizona – Stunning red rock landscapes, wellness experiences, and peaceful surroundings.

• Mackinac Island, Michigan – A car-free, charming destination that feels like stepping back in time.

• Charleston, South Carolina – Walkable, historic, and full of Southern charm without being overwhelming.

• San Diego, California – A mild climate year-round, gentle beaches, and plenty of easy day trips.

Internationally:

• Ireland – Friendly, English-speaking, and full of countryside drives and cozy towns.

• Portugal – Beautiful coastal villages, affordable, and compact enough to keep things simple.

• Scotland – Train travel makes it easy, and the scenery is breathtaking without needing a packed schedule.

• Canada (Nova Scotia or Quebec City) – Short flights, cultural flavor, and familiar comforts.

• New Zealand (South Island) – Peaceful, scenic, and well-equipped with excellent healthcare.

Travel after memory loss isn’t about checking off every attraction. It’s about creating moments of joy, connection, and peace. With the right planning, simpler itineraries, calm destinations, and safety measures in place, families can continue to make beautiful memories together. 

We so appreciate Trinity’s thoughtful tips for families planning a vacation. Even with the best of plans, some families will still need extra help for more advanced memory loss, and that’s when a Cura professional can come alongside.

Call 615-522-5265 to learn how Cura can provide assistance with the added hygiene, mobility, and logistical demands that come when traveling with memory loss.