Coach Holidays: Making Travel Possible with Dementia

A member’s experience of holidaying with dementia

When you are living with dementia, the idea of going on holiday can feel daunting. For many, it seems easier to stay home, where routines are familiar and risks feel smaller. But with some planning and flexibility, a change of scene can still bring joy and a sense of freedom. One of our members shares how she and her husband found their own way to keep travelling by choosing coach holidays that made life simpler and more enjoyable.

When I realised that an overseas holiday was going to be too challenging, my first thought was to book a short stay at a seaside resort not too far from home. In some ways, this worked well. We enjoyed coastal walks and trying different restaurants. But the difficulties soon became clear.

In our case, dementia means that my husband can no longer make decisions or take initiative. I found it hard to fill the small gaps in the day without the familiar routines of home life. His sense of direction had also diminished, and when he got lost in the local town, it was worrying for both of us.

Eventually we found a good solution in coach holidays. We have now been on many of these over the past few years. I choose trips that offer outings every day, and we have visited heritage railways, stately homes and taken river cruises in the UK and abroad.

Our local company, Woods Travel, makes things even easier by providing a taxi pick up from home to the coach, which keeps the journey as stress free as possible.

For us, coach holidays have been ideal because they:

• Require no detailed planning once booked

• Provide activities throughout the day with minimal effort

• Offer a ready made group of people to chat with

• Allow us both to enjoy the journey in our own way. I listen to audiobooks while he looks out of the window
  

This way we can enjoy a genuine break in routine and a change of scene without unnecessary anxiety.

A few small lessons I have learned along the way:

• Always take all medications with you. I keep a written list in my suitcase for future trips.

• Be aware of night time disorientation. I place a small obstacle, like a suitcase, by the bedroom door to alert me if my husband gets up in the night.

• If your partner worries about time while out on excursions, a small countdown timer can really help.

• If you might spend any time apart, use a phone tracker for reassurance.

• Bring familiar activities such as puzzle books or small diversions that feel like home.

Even with the challenges, travel can still bring joy, connection and stimulation. It just looks a little different now.

---

Helpful tips from Dr Carol Sargent

Dr Carol Sargent has written widely about the benefits of short breaks and how to make travel easier for people living with dementia and their carers. Here are some of her key tips for a successful break:

• Plan the right time to travel. Choose times of day when your partner feels calm and rested, and avoid busy periods if possible.

• Include rest and quiet time. Do not try to fit too much in. A relaxed pace makes everything more enjoyable.

• Keep things familiar. Bring favourite snacks, music or comfort items to make new places feel more homely.

• Prepare for the unexpected. Pack extra clothing, snacks, medication and important documents so you are ready for delays or changes.

• Take shorter breaks first. A few days away can be easier to manage and still make a big difference to mood and confidence.
  

Carol’s message is that even a four day break can help people feel refreshed, more patient and more connected.

You can find more of her practical advice here: The Power of a Four Day Break The T.R.I.P Framework

---