Issues and Opportunti es for older adults

Can you afford to arrive at hotel in Europe and discover you can’t negotiate the stairs? Are you surprised that you wore the wrong shoes?  No one to told you what traveling in Europe would be like as and older adult. We are here to help you!

Walking

Older adults without mobility issues should be fine traveling all over Europe. 

Navigating stairs

  • Many hotels do not have elevators.
  • Many train stations also do not have elevators — although some may have escalators, it is common for them to only have one which probably moves up or down depending on the degree of foot traffic.

We have actually seen a station where both the up and down escalator were not working. Finally, as you probably have experienced, non-functioning escalators are as common in Europe as they are in North America.

Cobblestones

  • Common throughout Europe
  •  Can be a fall hazard
  • Wear proper shoes.

Bicycles

  • Watch for them
  •  bike lanes are not always clearly marked.
  • The right away for pedestrians is not always observed.

We were shocked in Amsterdam. There are bicycles everywhere, moving very fast.  We often found ourselves standing in the middle of the lane without realizing it.

If you have only Medicare A & B you are NOT covered for travel outside the US. You will need to obtain additional travel health insurance.

How to find a Restroom

Public restrooms can be difficult to find.

There are Apps that may help guide you to one nearby, however having tested two of the more popular apps in Europe, as of spring of 2026, our opinion of these apps is that they are not quite up to the task yet. Several times we were standing in front of a public restroom or a train station that had a restroom and neither app listed them.  As these apps gain popularity their data will improve. Our recommendation is to have a  couple of these apps on your phone. One of them might show a restroom in you vicinity. When you need to go this can be a life saver. Also, we suggest searching for “Public toilet near me” on your gps app. 

Many of the chain restaurants found in North America that you would expect to have a restroom available will also have one in Europe. Local restaurants, train stations, department stores may also have one.  Expect to either purchase something or pay to use it.

Although it has improved since Covid, there are still toilets that require cash (some without an attendant utilize turnstiles and require coins).  The cost ranges from .20P to 1 pound in the UK and .50 cents to 2 Euros on the continent. Many take credit cards. They also provide change, however it may return only coins.

Should you sign up for tours?​

This depends on five things: 

  • Are you concerned about traveling in Europe and would like someone to help guide you around?  Then a package tour that takes you to key sites might be perfect.
  • Do you enjoy having someone describe items of interest in a group setting?  If so, tours can be a fun way to experience a site or exhibit.  
  • If you are short on time, tours are a great way to avoid standing in line for an attraction because many of them can bypass the entry lines.
  • Do you have mobility issues, or a family with small children? If so, check how much standing and walking are involved.  Some tours are very strenuous, even involving some hiking.  Make sure you are physically able to keep up with the group.
  • If there are no more tickets available for the general population then tours may be the only way to get in.

Healthcare: They don't know what Tylenol is??

When we went to Urgent Care and then to the pharmacy to fill our prescriptions we were surprised by:

  • We had to pay the doctor directly – one with a credit card, the other only took cash.
  • Seek reimbursement from your insurance once you are home.

Fortunately the cost for the two visits was 75 and 125 euros apiece. We went in with a severe cough and were diagnosed with bronchitis. The exam consisted of putting an oxygen meter on our finger, checking our temperature, listening to our chest. We did not receive a chest x-ray or even have our blood pressure measured.

  • When we described what we were taking for our illness, the doctor did not recognize Tylenol or Motrin 

That’s when we realized that American brands so popular for healthcare at home are not the same in Europe. We switched to using the generic names acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) for Tylenol and ibuprofen for Motrin and the doctor knew right away what we were taking.

  • Pharmacists also are unfamiliar with American brand names.
  • Research the generic or chemical name of the medicine you want prior to going to the pharmacy
  • Over-the-counter medications are also unfamiliar
  • Expect to pay for prescription directly and seek reimbursement from your insurance once you are home.

If you ask a pharmacist in Europe for Tums or Rolaids they will be confused. If you ask for Calcium Carbonate, the active ingredient in Tums and Rolaids they will be able to help you.

Subscribe
Subscribe