There’s something exciting about packing a paddle alongside your walking shoes. Whether you’re heading to Florida for the winter, road-tripping through the Carolinas, or hopping a plane to Portugal, pickleball adds a whole new layer to your travel experience. But if you’re over 50, a little preparation can go a long way in making your trip smooth, safe, and filled with fun on the court.

In this guide, we’ll cover senior-friendly travel tips to help you find places to play, avoid injury, and make the most of your pickleball-powered getaways — without packing everything but the kitchen sink.

Choose Destinations with Pickleball in Mind

Pickleball has spread far and wide, but some destinations are better than others for accessible courts, active clubs, and player-friendly environments. When choosing a travel spot, especially if pickleball is a key part of your plan, look for areas that:

• Have multiple public or resort courts nearby
• Offer organized open play or drop-in sessions
• Cater to seniors or have a strong 50+ pickleball scene

Great examples include Surprise (AZ), The Villages (FL), St. George (UT), or Hilton Head (SC) in the U.S. Internationally, areas of British Columbia, Mexico, the UK, Costa Rica, Portugal, Thailand, Malaysia and parts of Australia and New Zealand are becoming senior-friendly pickleball travel hubs.

Pack Light — But Pack Smart

You don’t need much gear to travel with pickleball in mind, but bringing the right essentials can make all the difference.

Must-haves:

• Your paddle: Stick with one you know and trust. If you’re flying, put it in your carry-on to avoid damage.
• Court shoes: Pack proper non-marking court shoes for indoor play, or outdoor court shoes with tread if you’ll be on hard surfaces.
• A few balls: They’re lightweight and useful in case local courts don’t supply them.
• Comfortable play clothes: Lightweight, breathable, and easy to move in. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses for outdoor games.
• A water bottle: Especially if you’re traveling to warmer climates.

Optional items like a towel, knee brace, or sweatbands are helpful but not essential if you’re tight on space.

Prep Your Body for Travel and Play

Long car rides and flights aren’t always kind to aging bodies. If you’re over 50, you may notice stiffness, swelling, or fatigue more than you used to. That’s why it’s smart to plan for recovery before you play your first game on vacation.

A few easy tips:

• Stretch during travel stops or walk the aisle of the plane every hour or so.
• Stay well-hydrated — especially before arriving in warmer or drier climates.
• Give yourself a day to acclimate if you’re traveling to a higher elevation (like Utah or Colorado).
• Start slow: play shorter games or fewer matches on your first day.

Use Apps and Tools to Find Local Courts

Even in unfamiliar towns, you can almost always find a place to play — if you know where to look. Before or during your trip, use tools like:

• Places2Play.org – USA Pickleball’s database of court locations, searchable by city or zip code.
• Pickleheads.com – easy way to find courts.
• Pickleball Finder (app) – Includes filters for public vs. private courts, indoor/outdoor options, and current ratings.
• Facebook groups – Search “pickleball [city name]” and request to join local groups. They often post play times, drop-in info, and even travel-friendly meetups.

Bonus tip: call ahead to resorts, rec centers, or RV parks. Many have courts that aren’t listed online but are available to guests or the public.

Join a Clinic, Mixer, or Social Play Event

Traveling solo? New to the area? Signing up for a beginner clinic or social round robin is one of the fastest ways to meet people. Even if you’re an experienced player, these events are often low-pressure and welcoming — especially if they cater to 50+ or senior players.

Ask local clubs or hosts:

• Do you have age-based play sessions?
• Are there skill-level rotations?
• Is this beginner-friendly?

You’ll get a better sense of the group vibe — and likely find a partner or two for future games during your stay.

Be Weather- and Surface-Savvy

Court surfaces vary. Some are cushioned indoor floors; others are gritty outdoor concrete. Make sure your shoes match the environment to prevent slipping or joint pain.

Also, be prepared for different climate conditions. Playing outdoors in Arizona at noon feels very different than playing in coastal Maine or mild Ontario.

A few extras that help:

• Electrolyte tablets or drinks
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Cooling towel or hat
• Lightweight jacket or layers for early morning games

Stay Safe, Hydrated, and Balanced

Playing on vacation is exciting — but don’t forget the basics:

• Don’t skip your warm-up just because you’re on the road.
• Stop if you feel dizzy, overheated, or overly sore.
• Drink water before, during, and after play.
• Give yourself rest days, especially on longer trips.

And don’t forget to enjoy the place itself. It’s easy to get so focused on finding the next game that you forget to explore the town, taste the local food, or take that post-game stroll on the beach.

Final Thoughts: Travel With Your Paddle and an Open Mind

Pickleball adds adventure, connection, and fitness to your travels — but the real joy is in the people you meet along the way. Whether you’re volleying with a new friend in California, joining a casual game in Costa Rica, or rallying on a mountaintop court in British Columbia, the game brings us together in ways that last far beyond the final score.

So go ahead — pack that paddle. Book that trip. And play your way across the map, one court at a time.