Less fights, more antakshari: the ultimate checklist for travelling with senior parents
There’s no such thing as being over prepared
From mom wiping our face with her dupatta after a violent bout of motion sickness to papa singing classic tunes to make up for the lack of radio reception on road trips, our parents have meticulously planned family vacations for us (yes, travelling with kids isn’t easy; but it can be). Snacks, entertainment, appropriate clothing—they took care of it all. Then, as you grow older, family holidays take on a different dynamic. When you’re travelling with senior parents, you find yourself wanting to return the care and ensure their comfort and safety.
Fans of the comedy-drama Piku know how a simple journey can turn into an epic adventure when a senior parent is involved. In the movie, the tumultuous father-daughter relationship between Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone unfolded in frustrating and unexpectedly heartwarming moments. It reminded us it’s not the destination but the (sometimes literal) journey that makes trips unforgettable.
The parent-child bond inspires careful consideration and attentiveness to ensure things go as smoothly as possible when you’re travelling with senior parents. You might feel like you’re starring in your own family comedy where the script includes sharing all the food with fellow travellers, insisting on walking up to the mountain-top temple even with back pain or giving the tour guide a pop quiz at every historical stop on the route; how can you be sure that aliens didn’t help build the Giza pyramid complex?
To help you navigate the unique challenges of travelling with senior parents, we created a comprehensive travel checklist with valuable insights from our Tweak tribe, who shared their holiday experiences and lessons. This guide is designed to make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.
The ultimate checklist for travelling with senior parents
Health essentials
1. Create a pillbox: Carrying prescription and SOS medication should be a priority on your travel checklist. Vidya Kartik, Aparupa, and Nirguna Barve recommend organising your parents’ daily and emergency medications in a pillbox or separate bags, labelled with dosages and times. Consider packing extra doses in case of delays, and to avoid confusion, carry a written schedule of medication timings. Hansikka Chahar advises sharing one copy with your parents in case you’re not around to remind them.
2. Carry healthy snacks: Jagriti Chhabra recommends packing prescribed medications along with snacks, especially those suitable for diabetic parents to maintain their blood sugar levels. These can include nuts, seeds and sugar-free biscuits.
3. Design a first-aid kit: Komal emphasises that a well-stocked first-aid kit is essential for addressing minor injuries or sudden health issues. Include items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes and any personal medical supplies you may need.
4. Carry copies of insurance documents: Sneha Preetha Satheendran, Imrana H Butt, and Deepali Obhan stress the importance of having access to your parents’ health insurance details in case of an emergency. This includes insurance cards, policy numbers and contact information for the insurance provider. Aleisha Mahmood also recommends adding a doctor’s note summarising your parents’ medical history in the folder with insurance documents. This can be crucial for quickly providing healthcare providers with essential information during emergencies.
5. Plan a pre-travel health check: Obhan suggests scheduling a pre-travel health check-up to address any potential health concerns and ensure your parents are fit to travel. Discuss your travel plans with their doctor as well for tailored advice.
Wardrobe, accessories and aids
1. Comfortable walking shoes: Tweak reader Shikha emphasises that comfortable shoes are essential for providing the right support and preventing discomfort. Prioritise functionality over aesthetics and opt for shoes with good cushioning and arch support; you may need to assist your parents in selecting the right pair at the store.
2. Non-slip slippers: Rini Agrawal recommends carrying non-slip slippers for safe and comfortable movement, particularly in hotel rooms and bathrooms where numerous falls and injuries occur.
3. A lightweight blanket or shawl: Even in summer, a light jacket or shawl will ensure that your parents are warm and comfortable during travel, whether on a train or airplane.
4. Walking stick or wheelchair (if required): To ensure their comfort and independence, carry or arrange for mobility aids. Check with your airline and hotels about available options, and if they can’t meet your needs, ask whether they can connect you with local organisations for rental services.
Travel and accommodation considerations
1. Pre-book wheelchair assistance at airports and stations: This can help streamline the travel process and reduce stress and fatigue. Most airlines and train stations offer this service, but it needs to be booked in advance.
2. Minimise walking and climbing: Ruchi Talati recommends arranging reliable transportation to minimise the amount of walking required. This includes booking cabs, arranging for private car services or using shuttles. Additionally, Deval Thakkar Anthony suggests opting for vehicle-based guided tours that don’t require much walking for a comfortable experience. Many travel operators offer such tours for seniors.
3. Book accessible rooms and facilities: Ensure that the hotel rooms and common areas are accessible and elder-friendly. This includes elevators, ramps, grab bars in bathrooms, wide doorways and low beds. Sonali Mundle adds that you can confirm these elder-friendly features by checking reviews or contacting the hotel directly, while Krupa recommends choosing a ground-floor room for easier access.
Dietary needs
1. Choose healthy snacks: Babita Kritik Roy, Chhabra and Barve advise packing a variety of healthy snacks that cater to the dietary needs of your senior parents. This includes fresh fruits, diabetic-friendly snacks and dry fruits to provide nutrition and energy without causing blood sugar spikes.
2. Carry comfort food: Homemade food can be comforting and easier on the stomach. Aparna Tripathi packs items like thepla and laddoos that are familiar and easy to digest.
3. Stock up on ready-to-eat meals: If you’re unsure of finding food options that match your specific diet, follow Neeta Bhansali‘s advice. She packs ready-to-eat or dehydrated Jain meals to adhere to dietary restrictions.
Hygiene and safety
1. Carry bottled water: Mahzeer and Roy suggest carrying sufficient bottled water to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water throughout the trip, and remain hydrated.
2. Invest in smart sanitisers: Barve prepares with hand sanitisers and disinfectant wipes to maintain hygiene, especially in public places. You can also carry a packet of tissues in your carry-on and handbags for any clean-ups. Agrawal swears by sanitising products like Pee Safe toilet spray and toilet seat covers for maintaining hygiene in public restrooms. This is important because urinary tract infections (UTIs) become more serious as women get older, partly due to changes in the infection-fighting microbiome. While merely sitting on a toilet seat may not cause UTIs—contact between the urethra and the seat is needed for any transfer of bacteria—it’s best to minimise risks.
3. Prepare for emergencies: Afzal emphasises the importance of identifying the nearest hospital, clinic and chemist to where you are staying at your destination in case of an emergency. Keep this information easily accessible, either in your notes app or written in a notebook. Mahmood adds that a list of emergency contact numbers, along with medical information like any conditions your parents may have, should be kept with them at all times. Also, share your travel itinerary with close family members and friends for added security.
Entertainment and engagement
1. Keep their favourites handy: Shagufta Afzal carries a list of items that keep her elderly parents entertained and relaxed during downtime or when they feel “overstimulated and agitated”. This includes their favourite books, music, newspapers, or even knitting materials.
2. Create a mindful itinerary: Plan activities that everyone can enjoy together. Inayat Gill suggests tailoring your travel itinerary to suit your parents’ health and fitness levels, incorporating less strenuous outings, and including rest periods. Reiterate the day’s plan each morning to keep them informed and involved. This helps reduce anxiety and ensures they know what to expect.
Mental preparedness
1. Be flexible: Understand that senior parents might need more time to rest and may not be able to keep up with a fast-paced schedule. Be patient and flexible with your plans. Keep alternative options for restaurants or activities that you had planned.
2. Let your parents choose: Involve your parents in the planning process to make them feel included and respected. This can also ensure the trip meets their comfort and interests.
Travelling with senior parents means preparing for the unexpected and embracing the journey. It’s about making sure they feel cherished and comfortable, while turning any minor setback into a story to laugh about later. With this checklist, you’re equipped to plan a smooth, memorable and enjoyable trip—whether you’re exploring the sights of Agra or playing antakshari on a road trip from Mumbai to Goa.
