The Liberty Bridge curves out over the Reedy River in downtown Greenville, like a ribbon, and halfway across I stop – not for breath this time, but to watch the water slide over the rocks. A year ago, I would’ve been calculating how to get back to the car. Today, with a rollator and a game plan, I’m savoring the view and the fact that my knees are no longer calling the shots.
Many of us in the 50+ crowd travel with osteoarthritis, recent surgeries, or mobility aids. However, that doesn’t mean sitting out life. With smart planning and a city that does accessibility well, weekend trips are absolutely doable—and enjoyable. Here’s how Greenville welcomed me back to walking, plus tools and tips to make your own getaway kinder to knees, hips, and energy.
For years, osteoarthritis in my knees turned me into a reluctant homebody, forcing me to skip family trips, bail on outings, and endure the dull throb of long drives or plane rides. Years ago, a replacement for the worst knee provided much-needed relief. But as time went on, the “better” knee deteriorated, making movement (even lying down) excruciating. Standing for more than a few minutes was torture, and even short walks felt like marathons.
Osteoarthritis doesn’t just limit your mobility—it shrinks your world. What starts as occasional discomfort becomes constant pain, and suddenly you’re planning your entire life around the capabilities of your knees. I passed on trips, sat out activities, and watched life happen from the sidelines.
Driving meant aching knees. Sitting or lying down for extended periods somehow made it worse. Even plane travel, though tolerable, required airport escorts. I chose hotels based solely on elevator proximity and rejected rental properties that required too much walking.
Recently, I had my other knee replaced. The surgery has made a tremendous difference—I’m much better than I was. I’m healing well but I’m not 100 percent. I won’t be for a while longer. I still need mobility aids and careful planning. The difference now is that I’ve stopped seeing these accommodations as limitations and started seeing them as tools that make life possible.
I discovered that mobility challenges don’t have to clip your wings, they just require smarter planning. In this piece, I’ll share my transformative weekend in Greenville, a surprisingly accommodating gem for boomers like us dealing with joint issues. From serene parks to elevator-friendly hotels, I’ll offer tips, tools, and resources to help you travel comfortably, plus my top advice for turning limitations into adventures. The key takeaway? Life’s too short to sit out the fun—grab your mobility aids and go.
After years of trial and error, I’ve found these items have transformed my ability to travel. Depending on your level of need, you can try some of these:
- Folding rollator walker with seat – This is the single most important piece of equipment I own. It provides support while walking, a seat when I need to rest, and storage for bags or purchases. Look for lightweight aluminum models (under 15 pounds) with 8-inch wheels that handle various surfaces. Mine folds flat for car trunks and can be checked on planes.
- Knee braces and compression sleeves – You can wear compression sleeves during travel days for support and to reduce swelling. For longer outings, try a hinged knee brace that provides additional stability without being too bulky under pants.
- Collapsible cane – Even if you don’t need it constantly, having a lightweight, adjustable cane available for longer stretches helps conserve energy. The folding models fit in a backpack or purse.
- Ice packs and heating pads – I pack both reusable gel ice packs (the kind that stay flexible when frozen) and disposable heat wraps. Hotels have ice machines, and these provide essential relief after a day of activity.
- Proper footwear – Supportive walking shoes with cushioned insoles are non-negotiable. I always pack a backup pair in case one gets wet or uncomfortable.
Accessible Travel Resources and Apps
Websites:
- AccessNow: Crowdsourced accessibility information for restaurants, hotels, and other venues.
- Wheelmap: Similar to AccessNow, focused on wheelchair accessibility.
- AccessibleGO: Offers accessible travel planning tools and resources.
Apps:
- Local Convention and Visitors Bureaus: Often have accessibility guides or information on their websites.
- Google Maps: Use the “accessible transit” filter and check reviews for accessibility information.
- Aira: Visual interpreter app that connects users with trained professionals for assistance via smartphone camera.
Top Travel Tips for Mobility Issues
Before You Go:
- Plan Ahead: Research accessibility features, book accommodations in advance, and make necessary arrangements.
- Scout locations virtually using Google Street View. I preview every destination to assess walking distances, terrain (cobblestones are my enemy), stairs, and accessibility features. This has saved me from countless painful mistakes.
- Pack strategically. Keep pain medication, your seat cushion, and any knee-specific supplies in your carry-on or day bag, never in checked luggage. I carry a small backpack with my essentials: medication, cushion, water bottle, protein bar (low blood sugar makes pain worse), and a light jacket (cold exacerbates knee pain). Minimize the amount of luggage to carry. Consider shipping items ahead or using luggage delivery services.
- Call hotels directly rather than booking online. Request ground-floor rooms near elevators, and ask specific questions: How far is parking from the entrance? Are there stairs anywhere between parking and the room? Is there a bench or seating in the lobby? Front desk staff often have insights that don’t appear in online descriptions.
- Research accessible attractions in your destination. Unity Park, the bridge at Reedy River, and downtown Greenville showed me what’s possible when accessibility is designed into spaces. Look for places with smooth pathways, frequent rest spots, and thoughtful design.
During Your Trip:
- Build rest stops into every itinerary. Plan for breaks every 30-45 minutes during outings. I identify benches, cafes, and rest spots along my route using Google Maps before leaving. Sitting down for 5-10 minutes prevents you having to sit down for an hour later.
- Travel during off-peak times when possible. Fewer crowds mean easier navigation, more available seating, and less stress on your knees. I book museum tickets for opening time or late afternoon and avoid weekend travel when flexibility allows.
- Communicate your needs without apologizing. Tell restaurant hosts you need a table with a chair (not a booth). Ask at venues if wheelchairs are available for temporary use. Request early boarding on planes. I’ve stopped feeling awkward about what I need.
- Carry documentation. A doctor’s note about your condition can help when requesting accommodation or using disability parking. I keep a copy on my phone and a printed version in my wallet.
- Consider a motorized scooter for longer outings. Even though I don’t use one daily, having a lightweight wheelchair available for all-day excursions or large venues (airports, museums, theme parks) preserves energy and allows me to do more rather than less. Many attractions rent them, or you can travel with a compact model.
- Choose lodging with kitchenettes when possible. This reduces the number of trips out for meals when you need a low-mobility day. Sometimes the best travel plan includes a rest day.
Your limitations are real, but they don’t define what’s possible. The world is becoming more accessible, and with proper planning, the right equipment, and willingness to advocate for your needs, you can continue exploring.
Taking a trip that requires accommodation is still taking a trip. You’re not sitting out life—you’re participating in it on your own terms.
I still calculate distances to benches. I still plan my days around my knees’ capabilities. But I’m also visiting museums, exploring parks, and creating memories. The difference is that I’ve stopped letting pride get in the way of the equipment and assistance that make those experiences possible.
My knees will never be what they were. But with the right approach, my life doesn’t have to be defined by what they can’t do anymore. It can be defined by what I choose to do anyway – just smarter, better planned, and with a good rollator folded in the trunk.
Patricia King is a free-lance travel writer based in Atlanta. She’s the creator of Savvy Traveling, a travel and lifestyle blog for adults over 50, empty nesters and active baby boomers.
