Caregiving Doesn’t Take Vacations—But You Can: A Travel Prep Guide for Real Life

Prep with peace of mind, so your next trip feels doable—not overwhelming—even when you’re caring for loved ones.

Travel season is here—and while most people are dreaming about beach getaways or mountain hikes, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to leave home without leaving a giant piece of your heart behind. Whether your loved one is coming with you or staying home, the logistics can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the truth: peace of mind while traveling isn’t about controlling everything—it’s about preparing just enough so you can let go of the rest. And yes, it’s possible.

Why This Matters So Much More When You’re a Caregiver

When you’re part of the sandwich generation, travel hits differently. You’re managing medications, appointments, and the “what ifs” that inevitably creep in right as you’re boarding the plane. And yet, studies show that caregivers who have essential medical information organized before they travel report significantly less stress and are better able to respond in emergencies, if one were to happen.

So let’s flip the narrative: instead of seeing travel prep as a burden, what if we viewed it as an act of empowerment? An investment in both your peace of mind and your loved one’s wellbeing?

A Real-Life Wake-Up Call

A few summers ago, while we were out of town, my mom—who was staying at our house—took a fall in the backyard. She was banged up but thankfully okay. What made all the difference? We had alerted our neighbors ahead of time that she would be there. So when she needed help, they were ready and stepped in immediately.

That moment taught me something I’ll never forget—sometimes the simplest steps, like looping in a neighbor, can be the most powerful.

Step-by-Step: Prepare Before You Travel

Here’s how to turn caregiving chaos into something more manageable so that you too can enjoy a little travel this season. Your future self will thank you.

✅ Step 1: Gather Essential Medical Information

Start with the basics—these are your non-negotiables:

• A current list of medications (name, dose, how often)
• Known allergies or adverse reactions
• Ongoing medical conditions or recent diagnoses
• Emergency contacts (family, neighbors, providers)
• Health insurance details (policy number, phone number)
• Legal documents like power of attorney or advance directives

Pro Tip: Don’t just think about gathering this— do it, especially of you haven’t already. This is your foundation, not only for travel but for everyday care as well.

📱 Step 2: Keep Both Digital and Physical Copies

This is where tech can lighten your load:

• Save digital versions in a cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox) or a secure Notes app
• Keep a labeled physical copy in an accessible spot at home
• Use apps like Medisafe, MyTherapy, or EveryDose for medication reminders and logs

✨ I also created an opt-in digital organizer to help you ditch the bulky paperwork while keeping all the essential info at your fingertips. It’s simple, editable, and made for real-life caregivers like you. Here is your link: https://caregiverscoffee.myflodesk.com/opr49idrl3

📶 A quick note about Wi-Fi and travel:
You don’t need Wi-Fi to access Notes already saved to your phone. Built-in apps like Apple Notes or Samsung Notes work offline if your info is stored locally.

Still, it’s smart to:

• Pre-load your key info before you leave
• Pin the most important notes (like med lists and emergency contacts)
• Take screenshots of essentials—then they’re available in your camera roll, no app needed

And here’s the thing: even upgraded Wi-Fi packages struggle out at sea. On our Alaskan cruise, we paid for the better plan—and it still barely worked once we were far from land. People were literally lining up outside the business center just to catch a signal. So trust me when I say: assume you’ll be offline and prep accordingly. You’ll thank yourself later. The image in this post is a picture taken in Juneau, Alaska of our kids enjoying a simple moment at the shore of this beautiful lake.

💬 Step 3: Set Up a Communication Plan

Whether you’re traveling solo or with your loved one, clear communication is key.

If your loved one is staying home:

• Share routines, medication times, and provider info with everyone involved
• Let caregivers know where to find printed info and backup contacts
• Leave a simple schedule or daily care checklist

If they’re traveling with you:

• Notify accommodations of any mobility or medical needs
• Keep a printed or digital health summary with you

🧰 Step 4: Pack an Emergency Care Kit

It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just ready:

• All current medications plus extras for delays
• Insurance cards, ID, and POA (Power of Attorney) documents if applicable, scanned into your phone
• Basic first-aid kit (bandages, OTC meds, etc.)
• A list of emergency contacts

🌐 Step 5: Use the Support That Already Exist

Caregiving spans a wide spectrum. Support can look like:

• Pre-scheduled groceries or pharmacy deliveries
• A trusted neighbor checking in once a day
• Phone call check-ins or FaceTime chats

Or it might look like:

• Full assistance with daily activities (ADLs)
• Coordinating professional respite care
• Hiring visiting caregivers or tapping into home health agencies

Wherever you fall on that spectrum—there’s no wrong way to need support. But setting up those systems ahead of time is everything. When your medical information and care plans are in one place, it’s so much easier to arrange for respite care or backup help.

A Gentle Thought Reversal: Maybe It’s Not Time to Travel—But It Is Time to Prepare

If traveling this summer feels out of reach, that doesn’t mean you’ve missed out.

👉 Use this season to build your foundation.
Organize your documents. Make that neighbor connection. Explore respite options in your area. These small steps today build the freedom you need to take a breather and do something that recharges you.

Because everyone needs time to decompress—and that includes you.

🧳 Flexible Travel Ideas for Caregivers

Travel doesn’t have to mean a week-long trip across the country. If you’re hesitant, start small:

• Weekend away to a driveable destination with just enough distance to feel “gone”
• Staycation at a local resort or boutique hotel—yes, even one 30 minutes away can feel like a complete refresh (we’ve done this, and it works!)
• Day trip with intention—book a spa service, take a short hike, or enjoy a meal with friends

You deserve a reset—even if it’s bite-sized. A closer getaway is a safe way to test the systems you’ve left in place. Being close gives you the flexibility to step in if things aren’t going well. But, also leave space for a successful and smooth experience away. t’s not really recharging if you are worrying about what’s happening at home. Trust what you worked to put into place.

A Lesson in Choosing the Right Kind of Trip

We’ve done a few family trips with our elders in tow, and let me tell you…we’ve learned some lessons the hard way.

A few years ago, we took an Alaskan cruise—something that had been on our dream list for years. And for the most part, it was wonderful. Cruises are great because:

• They offer activities for all ages
• You can opt into excursions—or rest without guilt
• There’s always medical staff onboard

But here’s what we didn’t consider: the rugged terrain during onshore excursions. The beautiful but steep paths made it really hard for my mother-in-law. What seemed like a dream became a daily challenge. The ship itself? A+ for accessibility. The excursions? Not so much.

So yes to cruises—but plan for terrain, mobility, and fatigue. Know when your loved one needs to skip the adventure and enjoy the view from the deck.

Also? On that cruise, we had to turn around for a mid-air medical evacuation for another elderly passenger. Things happen. And having care available onboard matters.

Final Thoughts: You Can Travel Without Carrying the Mental Load

You don’t need to be the only one holding all the pieces.

Preparing well—whether for a big trip, a simple getaway, or a future possibility—is a powerful act of self-care. You deserve peace of mind. And yes, you deserve joy and lightness, especially in a season of caregiving.

I’m cheering you on every step of the way. I hope this post gives you the courage to finally start taking those vacations you’ve been thinking about.

🎥 Coming Soon on YouTube:
I’ll be sharing a video walkthrough of this guide—plus extra tips to help you prep, pack, and plan with calm confidence. Subscribe to the Caregivers Coffee YouTube channel to stay in the loop!

References:

• Family Caregiver Alliance, Caregiving and Travel: https://www.caregiver.org/resource/caregiving-and-travel/
• Caregiver Action Network, Traveling with a Loved One: https://www.caregiveraction.org/resources/traveling-loved-one