Travelling as senior citizens can be an incredibly enriching experience, offering an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
However, it does require careful planning to ensure their comfort, safety, and enjoyment and for general harmony amongst the travellers.
Here are comprehensive tips from our team in the northeast of India, to help you make the most of your trip:
Travel Seasonality
The roads in the North East have significantly improved over the years, making year long travel much more accessible for all age groups. You will still encounter some roads under construction and mud roads, especially in states like Sikkim due to heavy rains.
Hence, one must take into account the seasonality, it’s best to avoid visiting the North East during the monsoon season.
The best time to travel is between October to April, covering the winter & spring seasons. One important thing to note is that the National Parks in the North East are open from November till April.
Careful Itinerary planning
Your itinerary planning is best done in consultation with a local guide or an agency. Many tourist spots in the North East aren’t accessible by car and may require walking or hiking, so make sure to include plenty of downtime to avoid exhaustion. We suggest including ample rest periods between activities too. Driving distances can vary from 2.5 to 7 hours, and the terrain could vary from plain to hilly. It’s always best to avoid night time driving.
Remember the essentials
Pack essential items such as necessary medications, along with a list of dosages and prescriptions, a first aid kit and walking sticks. If the trip takes you to higher altitudes – a small oxygen cylinder in the transport is recommended.
Keep the knowledge of the current weather report in the destination, and pack your clothing accordingly. Pack layered clothing to accommodate varying temperatures, and opt for comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and supportive walking, trekking shoes, along with thick socks. Bring mobility aids if needed, and comfort items like neck pillows, blankets, and favourite snacks.
Make sure the service providers have basic medical kits. Carry enough medication for the entire trip plus a few extra. It’s always favourable to carry music that one likes and car chargers for the extra ease.
Early Sunrise/ Sunsets
For drives, plan breaks every 4 to 6 hours to prevent issues with sitting too long. Fortunately, the North east is full of places for wonderful drive breaks with scenery, eateries & greenery. Carrying some snacks & food is recommended, for you can enjoy impromptu picnics with views along the journey.
Accommodation & access
Recently many wonderful homestays have been established in the North East and there are numerous options for Hotels that suit different budgets. It’s of utmost importance to choose accessible rooms and ensure there are elevators or lifts working 24/7. It’s also worth the while to take note of generator timings wherever the accommodation is.
Rest and Recovery
With all the sights and adventures around, we must allow time for adequate rest and recovery during and after the trip. Avoid over-scheduling and be prepared to adapt plans according to the senior’s energy levels and preferences. Choose a balanced itinerary with a few interesting activities and plenty of downtime.
For eg. You can explore Living Root bridges in Cherrapunji, which is a short walking distance from the car park or enjoy a picnic lunch at the waterfall at the Welsh Settlement, which would also include a live music performance in the evenings.
Living Root Bridge, Meghalaya
Food and Dietary Preferences
Though it’s believed to be predominantly a non vegetarian region, the Northeast of India has an array of food choices, for both Vegetarian and Non vegetarians.
Ensure that the dietary preferences of senior travellers are considered and duly informed to the travel organisers and the properties.
The North East is rich in seasonal fruits & local snacks, like the Pineapples from Meghalaya and Nagaland, Oranges in East Arunachal, Thukpa from Sikkim, Singju from Manipur, Puffed rice balls and ‘Pitha’ from Assam etc. We have also partnered with local homestays for the travellers to enjoy delicious local meals.
You can also carry snacks and plan meals that meet the nutritional needs for the senior travellers and to ensure access to nutritious meals and carry healthy snacks.
Easy Engagement & Activities
Your itinerary should include accessible attractions and activities that are not physically demanding. Participation from the seniors should be encouraged but also respect their limits.
Engage in cultural activities like museums, theatres, and local tours that provide a rich experience without requiring extensive physical effort.
You can indulge in our paced adventures like a half day itinerary for Majuli, the river island in Brahmaputra, Assam, and the North East also has river cruises that can be enjoyed. Some similar experiences like our heritage walk in Sangti Valley, or Dirang Basti to explore Eastern Himalayan Architecture, and Butter tea at a local home. You could also get involved in a momo (dumpling) making session with your local hostess there.
Companionship and Support
The most important aspect of travelling with seniors is to care and provide companionship. They might not relate to some conversations, but assure them of your presence and have fun with them. You must have companions to assist and engage and be patient and understanding of their needs and preferences. Always choose to travel with partners and guides who are sensitised and respectful to the culture of your destination.
Travelling with Curtain Call Adventures
At Curtain Call adventures, we understand travel in the North East. Our travel packages are thoughtfully prepared for different kinds of travel, for different age groups, solo and family travel.
We have thoroughly researched our destinations, and have local guides to accompany you for the best tour experience.
Our cars are spacious and well-kept, equipped with a ‘Car Care’ kit, medical kit with items like band-aids, antiseptics, and over-the-counter medications for common ailments. We also provide walking sticks, hot water bags, hot cases, yoga mats, folding chairs, life jackets, dry snacks, and more.
We hope that these comprehensive tips inspire you to make travel plans for a safe, enjoyable, and memorable travel experience for senior citizens to travel with family or as solo travellers. You can also check out our specially curated itinerary for senior travellers.
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