Travelling can become more challenging as we get older, but with the right support in place, there’s no reason you can’t still enjoy holidays and days out. A travel companion can provide reassurance, practical support and the confidence to travel comfortably.
As a general guide, a professional travel companion in the UK typically costs between £20 and £50 an hour. The final cost will depend on how long you are travelling for, where you are going and the level of support you need. You may also need to budget for the companion’s travel, accommodation, meals and insurance.
Whether you’re planning a trip across the UK or travelling overseas, understanding your options can help you make an informed decision for yourself or a loved one.
What is an elderly travel companion?
An elderly travel companion is a professional carer who accompanies an older adult on their planned journey, offering as much travelling care support as required.
For some, this may simply involve assistance at busy airports, carrying luggage and providing companionship during their holiday. For others, it can include more comprehensive support, such as personal care and mobility assistance.
Unlike a standard travel escort, a professional travel companion can also support people living with conditions such as dementia and Parkinson’s, where the carer has suitable experience. Their role is to help you continue enjoying life the way you want to, while maintaining your independence, dignity and comfort.
Typical travel companion care costs in the UK
A travel companion typically costs between £20 and £50 an hour.
However, there are several factors that can influence the overall cost, including:
- Length of stay: Some travel companions may agree different rates for longer holidays rather than short stays.
- Level of care required: Costs may be higher if personal care, mobility support, medication reminders or more involved care are required alongside companionship.
- Destination: Whether you’re travelling within the UK or overseas will influence the overall cost.
- Time of year: Availability and costs can vary during peak holiday periods.
- Hours of support: Consider whether you need support only while travelling or at agreed times throughout each day of your trip.
At Patricia White’s, we take the time to understand your individual needs, preferences and travel plans before introducing you to a suitable self-employed carer. You then agree the day-to-day arrangement and terms directly with your chosen carer.
What can a travel companion help with?
Travel companions can offer as much or as little support as you need, with the arrangement shaped around your holiday plans.
Support may include:
- Planning and preparing for the journey
- Assistance with packing
- Airport, train station or cruise terminal support
- Accompaniment throughout travel
- Help navigating unfamiliar environments
- Mobility assistance
- Medication reminders
- Personal care where required
- Support during meals and daily activities
- Companionship care
- Communication with family members, if appropriate
The details matter. Someone who only needs help through the airport may need a very different arrangement from someone who would like support with their usual routine throughout a two-week holiday. Thinking through the whole trip in advance can make it easier to find a companion with the right experience and personality.
Other costs to consider
Aside from the travel companion’s care costs, there are several other travel-related expenses that you should factor into your budget.
Depending on your holiday itinerary, you may need to pay for:
- Carer flights, train tickets or other transport
- A separate hotel room
- Meals during the trip
- Travel insurance
- Attraction or excursion tickets
- Airport parking or transfers
- Necessary visa fees
With Patricia White’s travelling care, travel costs and insurance are the client’s responsibility, and some carers may need specific visas for certain destinations.
It is worth agreeing these practical details before you book. That way, you have a clear idea of the full cost of travelling with a companion, rather than simply the hourly care fee.
Can I get help funding a travel companion?
There is no specific government benefit designed to pay for a holiday travel companion. However, if you already receive disability-related financial support, you may choose to put some of it towards the additional support you need.
For example, Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are not earmarked for particular services. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, and benefit arrangements differ across the UK, so it is worth checking the latest government guidance before making financial plans.
Is an elderly travel companion worth the cost?
For many people, the value of a travel companion is being able to keep doing something that matters to them.
It might mean going on a favourite annual holiday, attending a family wedding overseas, visiting friends or simply having practical help during a busy journey.
A companion can also allow relatives travelling with you to spend more time enjoying the trip together, rather than taking sole responsibility for care.
Rather than limiting independence, companionship can help preserve it, providing support where it is useful while allowing you to remain involved in the parts of the journey you prefer to manage yourself.
Are travel companions covered by insurance?
Whether travel companions are covered by insurance depends on the type of policy you have and the reason why they are travelling with you.
Standard travel insurance doesn’t usually cover the cost of hiring a professional travel companion, but some specialist travel insurance policies may contribute towards additional travel expenses if a companion is required for medical reasons.
Before booking your trip, speak to your travel insurance provider and explain the support you will be travelling with. You should also make sure the companion has the appropriate insurance for the arrangement.
How to choose the right travel companion for an older relative
Choosing the right travel companion is one of the most important decisions when planning a trip with an older relative.
If you’re going to be travelling and spending a significant amount of time together, personality fit matters just as much as practical experience. Look for a provider that takes time to match carers around the person’s needs, preferences and way of life.
If your loved one has particular care needs, such as dementia or a long-term disability, it’s worth checking whether the companion has relevant experience before agreeing the arrangement.
At Patricia White’s, carers are screened before they are introduced to clients, including DBS, right-to-work and professional-reference checks. Our Client Relationship team also considers experience, interests, personality and social engagements when making a match.
It is worth asking about previous travel experience too, as well as availability and how the carer would support the routines and preferences that matter while you’re away.
Enjoy supported travel with Patricia White’s
At Patricia White’s, we understand how beneficial travel companions can be for older adults. Whether it’s a holiday, a family occasion or a favourite destination you want to return to, the right support can help you continue enjoying those experiences.
For more than 35 years, Patricia White’s has helped people arrange personalised care around the way they want to live. We provide travelling care within the UK and overseas, subject to suitable carer availability and the practical requirements of the journey.
Our role is to get to know you and introduce you to carefully vetted, self-employed carers who may be a good fit. You choose the carer you feel comfortable with and agree the day-to-day arrangement directly with them.
If you would like to hear more about other people’s experiences of Patricia White’s, you can also read our client reviews, including feedback shared through independent review platforms.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a travel companion cost per day?
There is no single daily rate, as travel companions may charge by the hour, by the day or agree a rate for the wider trip.
As a general guide, hourly costs are typically between £20 and £50. If eight hours of paid support were agreed, for example, that would equate to £160 to £400 before any additional travel, accommodation or other expenses.
For longer or overnight arrangements, ask for a personalised quotation rather than assuming an hourly rate will apply throughout the entire day.
What’s included in the cost of a travel companion?
The fee will usually cover the companion’s agreed time and support. Flights or train travel, accommodation, meals, travel insurance, transfers, visas and tickets may need to be paid separately.
Ask for a clear breakdown before booking so you know what is included and which costs remain your responsibility.
Is a travel companion covered by travel insurance?
Not usually as standard. Some specialist policies may help with certain additional expenses where a companion is medically necessary, but cover varies between insurers.
Check directly with your insurer before booking your trip.
Can I get help funding a travel companion?
There is no benefit specifically designed to fund a travel companion. However, people who receive Attendance Allowance, PIP or other disability-related financial support may choose to put some of that support towards additional care costs.
Check the current government guidance that applies to your circumstances and where you live.
Do I have to pay for my travel companion’s flights and accommodation?
Usually, these costs will need to be included in your overall travel budget. With Patricia White’s travelling care, travel costs and insurance are the client’s responsibility.
For overnight trips, suitable separate accommodation for the carer will also normally need to be arranged.
Talk to our dedicated team of experts today
The standards set by Patricia White’s over 35 years ago still remain today. Call our experienced team on 01293 224712 to discuss your travelling care needs and receive a free, no-obligation quotation.
Or send us a message using our online enquiry form and a member of our care team will be in touch.
