As the holiday season approaches, Dr Carol Sargent, a leading dementia advocate and accessibility consultant, encourages families to view travel not just as a break from routine but as a key component of well-being for those living with dementia.
Carol, who leads the Charnwood Dementia Action Group in Leicestershire and runs Sargent Group Consulting, believes travel is important for improving cognitive function and emotional health. “Dementia isn’t the end of adventure – it’s a new way of experiencing the world,” she says. “With the right planning and support, travel can stimulate the mind and bring joy to both individuals and their carers.”
Research shows that travel can provide significant cognitive and emotional benefits, with new environments 
boosting brain activity, memory recall, and problem-solving skills. The excitement of anticipating travel, whether a day trip or holiday, has also been shown to improve happiness and mental resilience.
“Now is the perfect time to plan those summer holidays and getaways,” says Carol. “For carers and individuals with dementia, having a trip to look forward to offers an uplifting focus. It’s about the experience, not just the destination, and the sense of adventure it brings.”
Carol highlights the benefits of ‘blue spaces’ – being near water – which significantly reduces stress and improves mental health. According to Dr. Wallace J. Nichols’ ‘Blue Mind Theory,’ water has a calming, meditative effect, especially for those with dementia. Natural light exposure during travel also helps regulate sleep patterns, a common challenge for individuals with cognitive impairments.
“Simple activities, like walking by the sea or spending time by a lake, can greatly impact emotional well-being,” says Carol. “It’s not about complex travel. It’s about creating accessible, peaceful experiences for relaxation and enjoyment.”
Carol offers practical tips for stress-free, dementia-friendly travel, including:
· Choosing relaxed, dementia-friendly destinations
· Sticking to simple itineraries to reduce stress
· Travelling with a caregiver or dementia-friendly group
· Ensuring access to quiet spaces to minimise overstimulation
“Travel can be enriching for those with dementia,” Carol says. “Thoughtful planning ensures dignity, independence, and joy while exploring new places.”
As the travel season begins, Carol urges businesses and tourism operators to consider how they can better accommodate individuals with cognitive impairments, ensuring everyone can benefit from a well-planned getaway.