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Tips on travelling with your grandparents and where to go
Do you remember the last time you went on a holiday with your grandparents? Why not plan a short getaway for you and for them this Grandparents Day (27 November)! If you’re unsure of where to bring them, don’t fret because here are some handy tips on travelling with seniors and 5 top destinations they are bound to love.
While it is true that certain destinations hold different appeal to various types of travellers, we’re positive that the list below will charm the entire family including your beloved grandparents – and with good reason!
Trams and tall buildings in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong
This popular city might come across as being too fast-paced, but Hong Kong actually makes an excellent location for silver travellers. Seniors don’t need to worry about the tiresome waiting times and queues. With the implementation of the “65 and Older” gate at the Hong Kong Airport, they will be whisked through faster than the rest of us at regular gates. Not only that, they are also granted special travel concessions with the purchase of an Elder Octopus Card. This includes discounted ferry rides and exclusive deals at attractions such as the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Disneyland and restaurants to name a few!
Taipei Taiwan
- Taiwan
A perfect destination for your nature-loving grandparents is definitely Taiwan. Grab those walking shoes and escape the city life for a beautiful farm getaway with orchards, fruit picking and a ranch. Looking for something a little more relaxing, then head to Beitou to enjoy some time soaking in the natural abundance of world-class, volcanically activated hot water springs where worries will trickle away effortlessly.
If language barrier is an issue, don’t worry; even if you don’t speak the local language, you can count on clear directional signage (also in English), ideal for touring and exploring.
Kandy, Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka
Prefer something with a little less walking? Sri Lanka has a great new train route, which takes you and your love ones from Colombo to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. This is definitely a great way to explore Sri Lanka without getting off your seat – the perfect option for a well-rested and scenic activity the whole family can indulge in. While in Kandy, why not consider hopping off for a few hours to check out one of the eight UNESCO Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka – the Sacred City of Kandy. Your grandparents would love this truly breath-taking and unforgettable experience at a sacred Buddhist site.
Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
- Kyoto
Always wanted to go to Kyoto? Why not bring your grandparents and enjoy the Japanese culture together! Soak in the sights of famous temples like The Rozanji Temple and Shokokuji Temple, which are great options with wheelchair- and walking-friendly facilities. The Hankyu Rail is also very accommodating to senior passengers with elder-friendly infrastructure such as ramps and elevators in place.
Makati skyline, Manila
- Philippines
A little known fact – Philippines has a Senior Citizen discount which gets them 20% off various fees including domestic public transport, recreational centres, and places of leisure, restaurants and hotels. Discounts for senior tourists are also available at the discretion of the attractions, restaurants and bars – so be sure to ask or you won’t get them!
Looking to get out of the city, why not opt for a relaxing beach holiday just south of Manila at the coastal town of Puerto Galera or visit the northern coast of the island of Palawan, Puerto Princesa, and feast your eyes on one of the world’s most unique natural phenomena, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
Feeling adventurous and up for exploring? Join a guided paddle boat tour of the Underground River and check out the inside of the cave – there are even waterfalls within the cave!
Travelling with seniors doesn’t always mean you need to opt for the quiet and less crowded holiday destinations. There are plenty of options and activities that allow you and the entire family to explore cities, countries, caves and temples. Not to mention, there are also some great perks to being over 65, including express lines at airports and discounts at museums and restaurants.
This Grandparents Day, open up to a world of fun overseas activities for the whole family. Ensuring a smooth and relaxing trip with senior travellers shouldn’t be complicated and troublesome, but a little extra planning certainly does the trick!
Before you set out to book your flights, be sure to also dig around for senior discounts – including domestic airfares on Thai Airways and Philippine Airlines, or discounts to specific destinations on Emirates – and check out great deals for cheap flights to specific cities here.
This article was contributed by Antoinette Tan, Content Manager, APAC from Skyscanner and pictures provided by Skyscanner.
