I Drove My 70-year-old Parents Around Spain and France-14 Essentials That Made the Trip Comfortable and Safe

"Compression socks can help to reduce the likelihood of deep vein thrombosis, which is when blood clots form in veins, typically in your legs or arms, while traveling. Since seniors are even more likely to experience this condition, we felt that compression socks were one of the best travel tools we used on our journey."

"We chatted about renting a wheelchair or a walker while we were in Europe, but we ultimately decided to pack Dad's own collapsible wheelchair, and I'm really glad we did. Most of the time, it served as emotional assurance that we'd be able to wheel him around if he was having a bad day."

A journey to Lourdes in southern France involved careful preparation for comfort and mobility. Essential items included a collapsible wheelchair for a father with Parkinson's disease and compression socks to prevent blood clots. Noise-blocking earplugs and slip-in sneakers were also included for overall comfort. The use of compression socks was particularly emphasized due to their effectiveness in reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis, especially for seniors. The decision to bring a personal wheelchair provided emotional assurance and practical support during the trip.

Read at Travel + Leisure