Travel As We Age for Singles & Couples Resources
Our Active Aging Series is all about giving seniors and their families reliable information to help them stay safe, informed, and confident as they age in place. On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, we were grateful to welcome three knowledgeable presenters who guided us through different ways to travel comfortably and confidently as we age.
Here are some key takeaways from each presentation.
Exploring the World: Solo and Couples Travel
Presented by Alison Phillips – Network Travel
Alison inspired attendees to see travel as something that is still very possible and meaningful at any stage of life. She shared helpful advice for seniors who are thinking about traveling independently or with a partner.
One encouraging message was that solo travel does not mean traveling alone. Many tour companies and cruise programs allow solo travellers to join group trips, providing companionship, safety, and convenience while still offering personal freedom.
Alison also highlighted the popularity of European river cruises, which are often a great option for older adults. These cruises typically provide smaller ships, easier boarding, scenic routes, and relaxed pacing. She also compared well-known cruise lines and explained how travellers can choose options that match their travel style, comfort level, and budget.
She also shared information about upcoming group travel opportunities available through WE Seniors Edmonton, including destinations such as Ireland, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, and Bali. These trips provide structured itineraries and guided support, helping seniors travel with greater confidence and ease.
Click HERE to read full details of the Ireland adventure!
From Curb to Gate: Navigating the Airport
Presented by Terri Byrne – Edmonton International Airport (YEG)
For many travellers, the airport can feel like one of the most stressful parts of a trip. Terri provided practical, easy-to-follow strategies to help seniors feel more prepared and comfortable when travelling through airports.
She encouraged travellers to plan ahead by reviewing airport maps, allowing extra time for check-in and security, and preparing important documents before arriving. Terri also explained how travellers can request accessibility support, such as wheelchair assistance, to make airport navigation easier.
Attendees received a helpful guide outlining airport tips, including packing smartly, preparing for security screening, and knowing transportation options when arriving or departing. These small planning steps can greatly reduce travel stress and help travellers move through the airport with confidence.
Attendees received a helpful guide outlining airport tips, including packing smartly, preparing for security screening, and knowing transportation options when arriving or departing. These small planning steps can greatly reduce travel stress and help travellers move through the airport with confidence.
Terri also shared about Travelling with Animals and their Sensory Rooms.
Travelling with Animals
YEG has two pet relief areas outside on the Arrivals Level:
- head north out Door 1 by the pathway
- across from Door 3 by the parkade
Both areas offer pet waste bag dispensers and garbage cans.
YEG also has two pet relief areas inside the terminal in the terminal.
- One pet relief room is located in the Domestic/International Departures Lounge between Gate 52 and Gate 54
- The room has artificial turf, a hose for cleaning, pet waste bag dispensers and a garbage can
- The second area is in the US Departures Lounge near gate 88
You can find directions to the nearest pet relief areas by using the airport map.
A calming retreat for travellersÂ
The sensory room at YEG is an immersive space designed to support passengers with sensory sensitivities, including autism, anxiety and other cognitive or neurodivergent conditions. It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport environment for passengers to unwind in a calm and tranquil setting.
The sensory room, developed in collaboration with Autism Edmonton, is located post-security in the Domestic-International Departures Lounge across from Gate 49.
Inside the sensory room, passengers will find:
- Interactive panels for tactile, visual and auditory engagement
- A 5-foot-wide sensory pad to provide a safe and comfortable retreat
- A soothing visual experience with a time-lapsed video display of the Northern Lights
- Colour-changing benches for relaxing seating
- Rows of aircraft seating to help travellers familiarize themselves with the in-flight experience
https://youtu.be/FbiCg6JU9JYÂ (video of Sensory Room)
Throughout the terminal, we encourage guests to look for areas that are less busy to find a quiet spot.
Traveling Together: Creating Family Memories Across Generations
Presented by Shawna Kontzie – Travel the World with Shawna K
Unfortunately, winter road conditions prevented Shawna from joining us in person. We were very grateful that she was still able to connect virtually and share her valuable expertise on multi-generational travel.
Shawna emphasized that travelling with grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren can create meaningful lifelong memories when trips are planned thoughtfully. She reminded participants that there is no one-size-fits-all family vacation. Every family has different energy levels, interests, and travel goals.
Some helpful suggestions included:
- Build flexibility into travel schedules and allow for rest time.
- Have open and honest conversations about budgets and expectations before booking.
- Consider cruises, guided tours, or all-inclusive resorts, which often work well for mixed age groups.
- Remember that families do not need to spend every moment together. Shared meals and special activities often create the most meaningful memories.
Her travel handout also highlighted how careful planning around mobility, pacing, and logistics can help families travel with less stress and more enjoyment.Â
MORE ABOUT THE PRESENTING ORGANIZATIONS
Make sure to check their website for more resources!