Traveling with senior parents is both stressful and incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to make it more the latter.

So you’ve decided to book a family vacation that includes your aging parents. Now you’re wondering how you can make sure the memories you create on the trip are the kind you’ll remember fondly (not the ones you’ll want to forget). The answer, according to adult children who have done it, is to plan carefully — and then to expect that those plans will change.

A few years after her father passed away, Kathleen Payne flew her mother across the country from New York to Portland, Oregon, and then to Los Angeles. She and her wife wanted to visit family on the West Coast and Payne was eager to show her mother a place she had never been.

“My parents had really loved to travel,” she says.

And while they had been all over the world, her mother had never been to Portland. Payne’s mother had dementia.

“She was getting to the point where she would forget things soon after you told them to her and so she would get easily confused,” Payne says. “We figured out that it would be nice while my mother was able to pay attention to the world, to go on one last trip.”

Tips for traveling with senior parens

Thinking of taking a trip with your aging parent? Here, Payne and others share important tips for traveling with senior parents.

1. Plan meticulously

Whether your loved one has dementia or not, planning meticulously for a trip with older adults is the key to success.

“It made me feel like Napoleon plotting to win one of his campaigns,” Payne says.

She arranged for someone to care for her mother’s cat while she was away, as well as someone to care for her own cats. She made sure she had an ample supply of her mother’s medications. She carefully considered how and when to fly. Should they make a stop or fly straight through? What was the best time to arrive so her mother could adjust to the three hour time difference?

Anthony Cirillo, president of the Aging Experience, suggests using this checklist to plan a vacation that both you and your parent will enjoy.

• Get medical clearance. Start with your parent’s physician to determine if they are capable of handling a trip and use your best judgment.
• Pack medicine and paperwork. Take all pertinent medical information with you including a list of medications, advance directives and medical records.
• Plan out flying. Allow for longer connection times and arrange for cart transportation inside the airport.
• Make driving comfortable. Consider a rental vehicle with more space and accessible features.
• Ensure safety abroad. If you are leaving the country consider the Smart Traveler Enrollment Plan, a free service from the U.S. Department of State that allows U.S. citizens traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

2. Try to maintain routines

Focus on preserving your loved one’s routine as best as possible, particularly their eating and sleeping schedules, because small or unfamiliar changes can often feel overwhelming and stressful, particularly to someone living with dementia.

“For those taking a trip with someone with Alzheimer’s, the normal stresses of traveling can be even more challenging,” says Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). “Following a few simple, important steps can help caregivers make the trip as safe, pleasant and comfortable as possible for their loved one.”

If they have certain meal and bed times, stick as closely as possible to them. For Payne, that also meant making sure her mother could watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! every night, just like she did at home.

3. Allot time for adjustment

Payne and her wife rented a house on the Oregon coast so both their families could vacation together. Due to her mother’s dementia, Payne even thought through when everyone would arrive. They decided to give her mother time to settle in and adjust to her new surroundings before the others arrived.

“We got to the house two days early and arranged for her to have own TV and her own bathroom,” she says.

To keep her mother occupied, Payne came prepared with her mother’s favorite audiobooks and a jigsaw puzzle.

4. Plan frequent breaks

The AFA also advises planning your mode of travel and timing your trip in a manner that causes the least amount of anxiety and stress, and then taking breaks along the way for snacks, restroom visits or rest. Elizabeth Miller, who has taken several road trips with her mother, concurs. Miller’s mother does not have dementia, but due to other health issues, she is oxygen dependent and wheelchair bound. Miller has had to carefully plot out drive times, rest area strategies and overnight breaks.

“I learned that McDonald’s is the best place to take an aging parent to the bathroom,” she says, because she can park right by the door.

Rest areas typically place the facilities a distance from the parking area and the walk tires Miller’s mother. Miller has driven with her mother from her home in Atlanta to a family home on northern Michigan several times.

“It’s a journey,” she says.

The normally 16-hour drive takes them much longer. Well before they hit the road, Miller starts planning. The trip requires her to get an approved oxygen tank on wheels, keep her mother’s insulin refrigerated, find hotels with handicap accessible rooms and that are easy for Miller to set up her mother’s sleep apnea machine.

“It’s a big test on your patience,” she says. “The way you do everything is just a process. You have to let go of all expectations of how long a stop should take.”

5. Remember to relax and enjoy your time together

Raquel Cooper, who took her then 80-year old mother to Washington, D.C., in 2017 to visit the monuments and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, is grateful for the memories that trip created, despite some challenges she encountered while they were traveling.

“Although it was extremely challenging tactically and emotionally, I am glad we went,” Cooper says. “My mother was a huge supporter of President Obama, ‎so going to the nation’s capital during his administration was important to her and to me. In hindsight, I would have opted for a shorter trip, maybe two and a half days vs. four. However, I have no regrets about our last real vacation together.”

Miller, too, is grateful, for the time shared and memories created with her mother.

“A blessing on long trips is sharing lots of stories,” she says. “Mom told me her memories of going to camp in Michigan. We listened to podcasts together, and I tried to listen to music that she liked in the car.”

Payne is also glad she made the trip out West with her mother.

“I do have really good memories of that time,” she says.

Perhaps the better question is, “Why shouldn’t I tip flight attendants?”

The debate about tipping culture rages on, but there’s one place gratuity doesn’t belong: airplanes. You might be tempted to tip your flight attendant, since they do serve you food and drinks, but we advise against it. Why? Because a flight attendant’s job, first and foremost, is to keep you safe, not serve you snacks.

“Tipping is not part of a flight attendant’s compensation for serving as aviation’s first responders,” Sara Nelson, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) international president, said in a statement.

She points out that accepting tips could create an impression that service is contingent upon receiving extra payment — but that would undermine a flight attendant’s job as a safety officer. By not accepting tips, flight attendants can maintain impartiality and ensure their focus remains on the safety and comfort of all passengers.

But can a flight attendant accept a tip? It depends on the airline — most generally discourage flight attendants from accepting tips, but they don’t necessarily ban them from doing so. You can, however, give your flight attendants small gifts as a token of your appreciation, like candies (individually wrapped in their original packaging for safety) or even a Starbucks gift card in a small denomination.

If a flight attendant goes above and beyond, you can also leave a comment with their airline, commending them — mention their name, your flight number and date of travel, and a lovely compliment.

And easiest of all, you can simply be polite. A United Airlines spokesperson tells Travel + Leisure, “We love it when our customers appreciate the hard work our flight attendants do every day, and a ‘thank you’ is always appreciated.”

Using the BTS, MRT, River Taxis, and Other Transportation Options

With a rush hour that seems to run from morning until evening, getting around Bangkok can test the strongest nerves. Colorful taxis perpetually clog the city’s major thoroughfares.

Fortunately, there are other options! The BTS (Skytrain), MRT (subway), and river taxi networks are extensive. Unless you’re staying near the Khao San Road area where trains don’t yet reach (but there is a ferry), avoid burning your trip time sitting in gridlocked traffic.

How to Ride the BTS Skytrain

Bangkok public transportation is excellent, and the Skytrain is an easy and efficient way to move between busy areas, particularly along Sukhumvit Road where traffic is frequently at a standstill. Looking down at all those brake lights as you speed by above feels good!

The heart of the Skytrain network is Siam Station, a massive interchange connecting the two BTS lines: Sukhumvit (light green on maps) and Silom (dark green on maps).

• Hours: Trains run every 5-10 minutes from approximately 5:30 a.m. until midnight; schedules vary about 30 minutes, depending on the station. Ticketing offices are open from 6 a.m. to midnight, but big public holidays can affect hours.
• Fares: Prices for single journeys are calculated by distance and range from 17-62 baht (between 50 cents and $1.70). Ticketing machines clearly display the cost from your current station. The average cost of a one-way trip is usually a dollar or less. A one-day pass for 24 hours of unlimited rides costs 150 baht (around $4.10).
• Ticketing: The BTS uses ticket cards available from machines (many only accept coins) or the ticketing window (if it’s open). Tickets aren’t checked on trains, but they are required to exit the turnstiles at your destination, so keep it handy! If you lose your ticket or exceed more than two hours on the “inside,” you’ll need to wait for an attendant and pay the maximum fare.
• Accessibility: Some BTS stations have escalators while others have a lot of stairs to climb. All stations have elevators excluding Saphan Taksin Station, the interchange for the river taxi system.
• Getting to and From the Airport: Phaya Thai Station on the Sukhumvit Line connects to the Airport Rail Link.

Details about individual station schedules and fares can be found on the official BTS website.

How to Ride the MRT Subway

Bangkok’s Metropolitan Rail Transit feels a bit slower than the Skytrain, but it’s every bit as useful—and you can pay by contactless card. Over 400,000 daily passengers use the subway for avoiding traffic on the surface. The MRT currently has two lines—the Blue Line (the busiest) and the Purple Line—and two monorail lines, Yellow and Purple.

The interchange for the Blue Line and Purple Line is Tao Poon Station. The BTS and MTR intersect, too.

• Hours: The MRT runs from approximately 6 a.m. until midnight. Trains run every 5-10 minutes, depending on time of day.
• Fares: Prices are based on distance covered and range from 14-42 baht (between 40 cents and $20). An average-length journey will cost around a dollar or less, or around 2 (71 baht) if you transfer between blue and purple.
• Ticketing: You can pay by contactless card on the MRT. Ticketing machines for the MRT accept small denominations of Thai baht and vend an RFID token that is tapped for entrance to the platforms. The token must be surrendered to exit. If you paid by contactless card, simply tap again to exit.
• Accessibility: All MRT stations have elevators.
• BTS Transfers: The MRT crosses the BTS Skytrain at Sala Daeng, Asok, and Mo Chit. You’ll need to get a new ticket.
• Getting to/from the Airport: Phetchaburi Station is connected to Makkasan Station on the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Fares and schedules can be seen on the official MRT website.

Using the Trains in Bangkok

Hua Lamphong Station located near Chinatown served as the hub for the long-haul surface trains and MRT until January 2023. The aging behemoth dates back to 1916 and now houses a small but charming Thai Railway museum. The new station, Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (aka Bang Sue Grand Station), located in Bang Sue, is Southeast Asia’s largest train station. Outside of Bangkok, Hua Lamphong Station is more commonly known as Krungthep (Bangkok) Station.

The expected restrictions—no smoking, eating, and drinking—apply for all trains in Bangkok. All stations are non-smoking. Some visitors are surprised to learn that photography and video are also prohibited.

On all public transportation options in Bangkok, you should be prepared to give up your seat to any monks and of course to pregnant women or anyone who may need a seat.

How to Ride Bangkok’s River Taxi Boats

Unless staying at one of the riverside hotels in Silom, many travelers don’t make use of the riverboat taxis while in Bangkok. The colored-flag system and quick, chaotic loading and unloading at piers (with whistle blowing) can be intimidating at first, but leveraging the mighty Chao Phraya River only makes sense for avoiding traffic. Plus, river taxis are an economical way to cover some distance in Bangkok. Fares for a scenic journey can be as low as 40 cents! An all-day pass costs just $4 (around 150 baht). Sathorn Pier is the stop nearest to a BTS Skytrain station (Saphan Taksin station on the Silom Line).

How to Ride Buses in Bangkok

Bangkok’s soot-choked buses are the slowest, most complicated option for getting around — tourists rarely bother. Pay the conductor on the bus, and have small change available.

Other Transit Options

Going by road is the least efficient way to get around in Bangkok. Regardless, sometimes you have to do it, particularly if staying in a neighborhood such as Banglamphu where public transportation options are limited.

Taxis in Bangkok

With a strong taxi “mafia” in place, you’ll need some luck on your side for a good taxi experience in Bangkok. Finding an honest driver is still possible, but patience is required.

All taxis have meters installed. Many drivers balk at using them because they prefer to keep inflated fares off the record. If a driver quotes you a price rather than switches on the meter, try another. Taxis will often queue behind one another for your business.

• Hail taxis on the move rather than using ones parked in tourist areas.
• Avoid the freelance drivers. Sharply dressed drivers with well-maintained cars are more likely to work for actual taxi companies than the local taxi mafia.
• After hailing a taxi, ensure the driver will use the meter.
• Once in a taxi, follow the route on Google Maps. Doing so can sometimes discourage drivers from taking the long way around because you demanded the meter.
• Tipping isn’t expected, but you can round up the fare for friendly service.
• Passengers are responsible for any tolls.

Note: Never get inside any vehicle in Bangkok without first agreeing to a set fare or use of the meter. Once on your way, you are obligated to pay whatever the driver asks.

Ridesharing Services in Bangkok

Ridesharing services cost slightly more than taxis, but you can avoid much of the hassle and upselling.

Grab works much in the same way as Uber, however, you can opt to pay with cash. This isn’t a bad idea in case you have a dispute with a rogue driver (unusual, but it happens). The fare can still be haggled or refused and won’t automatically be debited to your credit card.

Understand that rideshare drivers often get targeted and hassled by the local taxi mafia. They may want to pick you up in a place more discreet than the front door. Many drivers don’t put a sign on their car.

Tuk-Tuks in Bangkok

Taking a tuk-tuk ride is considered a quintessential Thailand experience. To enjoy, you’ll need to negotiate a fare and decline potential scams. Definitely don’t agree to stop at shops. Tuk-tuks are fun but no cheaper than taking metered taxis, and with no seat belts, they’re less safe.

If you plan to visit Chiang Mai on your trip, you’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities — tuk-tuks greatly outnumber taxis.

Renting a Vehicle

Just don’t. Bangkok’s public transportation is first-rate, fast, and cheap. Renting a car or motorbike to drive in Bangkok would be insane. Seriously, don’t do it. Wait for somewhere more relaxing and less dangerous to enjoy a scooter rental. According to the World Health Organization, Thailand has one of the highest traffic-related death rates in the world.

Tips for Getting Around Bangkok

• Keep your small change. Many ticketing machines for the BTS only accept coins. If you don’t have coins, you’ll have to wait in longer queues for the cashier or at ticketing machines that accept paper currency.
• Use new tickets for transfers. Unfortunately, a common ticketing system for the BTS Skytrain, MRT underground, and Airport Rail Link is still in the works. You’ll need to surrender the old ticket and buy a new one at interchanges when making transfers.
• Buy a card for long stays. If you’ll be in Bangkok long enough, consider purchasing rechargeable smart cards for the BTS and MRT. You can avoid the queues at ticketing machines. People over 60 years old get a 50 percent discount when adding credit to the MRT card.
• Avoid supporting bad practices. Supporting dishonest drivers harms locals through cultural mutation. Local residents sometimes have difficulty hailing taxis because drivers would rather wait for an overpaying tourist who doesn’t demand the meter.

Travelling in winter when you have respiratory issues poses a big challenge. But with these expert tips, you can travel safely and enjoy your winter escapades.

Travelling in winter, especially to mountains with respiratory issues like allergies and asthma is no ballgame. You are exposed to cold air, dryness, and not to mention dust mites and mould, which makes your condition worse and your vacation a disaster. If you want to make the most of your trip and bring back sweet memories instead of a sore throat then here are the top 5 tips for travelling safely and enjoying your winter escapades provided by Dr. Vinod Chauhan, Consultant Chest Physician & Pulmonologists, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani, Navi Mumbai

How To Survive Winter Holidays When You Have Allergies And Asthma

Here are some expert tips on how to avoid flare-ups during your winter holidays when you have allergies and asthma:

Pack Your Medications

“Always have your prescribed inhalers, antihistamines, and decongestants on hand. Just bring extra of everything, in case of delays, and have it all readily available, especially in your carry-on. If necessary, consider wearing a medical alert bracelet,” said Dr Vinod.

Minimise Triggering Environments

“There is dry, cold air that can precipitate asthma symptoms. Be cautious not to stay outdoors too long in really very cold air,” said Dr Vinod. Use a scarf or mask that you cover your nose and mouth with when outdoors. This can help warm the air a little before your lungs receive it.

Choose Allergy-Friendly Accommodations

When booking hotels or rentals, prioritise allergy-friendly options by selecting non-smoking and pet-free locations. This helps minimise allergen exposure. Additionally, if you have specific allergies, request special accommodations, such as hypoallergenic bedding and tailored cleaning services.

Stay Hydrated

Dry winter air can severely irritate your nose and lungs. To combat this, drinking plenty of water is crucial to keep your airways moist. Also, using saline nasal sprays helps maintain open and hydrated nasal passages, further alleviating discomfort. By staying hydrated and using nasal sprays, you can effectively protect yourself from winter’s harsh dryness.

Be Mindful Of Indoor Allergens

“Some allergens, such as the dust mites and mould stirred up by indoor heating, can trigger an asthma attack or allergic reaction. Use of air purifiers and also staying in well-ventilated spaces is recommended. Avoid carpets which are thick and furniture covered with fabrics, which retain allergens,” said Dr Vinod.

Thus, a fun and safe winter vacation is achievable even if you have allergies and asthma using the above tips.