Have you ever reminisced about a journey that felt as special as the destination itself? Well, travel isn’t just from point A to point B—it’s the memories, the faces, and stories we collect as we go along. Whether going to visit loved ones, find a new home, or relive the wonderful beauty of India, the trip is just as important as where you are heading. The best news? There are countless ways to make travelling more convenient, comfortable, and cost-effective without having to sacrifice quality or experience.
Let’s explore some of the best accessible transportation options and learn how to receive special discounts on flights, trains, and buses.
Air Travel: Flying Intelligently and Saving Big
For those who like to fly for its speed and comfort, airlines in India are offering good discounts that make it an excellent option for long-distance travel. While saving time and convenience through flights, trains provide a scenic route and relaxed travel, and buses provide flexible and budget-friendly options. It will help you to decide which one is the best mode of transport for your journey. Here are some ways you can save and feel comfortable on flights:
1. Booking Direct with Airlines
Several airlines provide some additional discounts if you book directly on the airline’s website. Many of the carriers from India, like Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, have special fare categories that are less expensive than other tariffs on the same routes within and outside the country. For example:
Pro Tip: Check the airline’s “Offers” section before you book and get enrolled in the loyalty programs for miles and rewards.
2. Premium Travel Credit Cards
For those who prefer comfortable travel, premium credit cards offer free lounge access, an unlimited extra baggage allowance, and priority boarding. Banks such as HDFC, SBI, and ICICI offer cards that focus on travel, cashback, and reward points.
3. Availing Airline Membership and Loyalty Scheme
Air India has its frequent flyer scheme called Flying Returns, and Vistara has Club Vistara to help travellers amass miles for every trip. These miles can be accrued to earn free travel, seat upgrades, or priority services. For instance, a set of Flying Returns points allows travel in business class free of additional cost. Guaranteeing that every trip sums up the value in the future benefits, the memberships can ensure you get complimentary upgrades, fast check-in line privileges, and extra discounts.
Travel by Train: Comfortable, Scenic, and Budget-Friendly
Rail journeys in India are nostalgic and convenient at the same time. Whether it is the Konkan Railway scenic routes or the majestic Deccan Odyssey landscapes, Indian Railways offers seamless connectivity at affordable prices. Here’s how you can improve your train travel experience:
1. Availing Special Discounts and Concessions
Indian Railways has different classes with discounted fares, from AC First Class to sleeper coaches. IRCTC provides an easy online booking process and mobile app to avoid any inconvenience.
- Book in Advance: Tatkal bookings can be very expensive; book in advance to save on lower fares.
- Premium Trains: If you like comfort, try Vande Bharat Express or Rajdhani Express, which offer the best seats and onboard services.
Pro Tip: If you are a frequent train traveller, sign up for an IRCTC loyalty membership to enjoy the extra perks.
2. Luxury Train Travels
If luxury is the key to travelling in trains, then Palace on Wheels, The Deccan Odyssey, and The Golden Chariot would give you a regal feel. These come at a higher price, but season offers and early bird discounts would make them a little affordable.
3. Use Travel Apps to Save Time
Mobile apps like IRCTC Rail Connect, ConfirmTkt, and Trainman help with real-time tracking, seat selection, and instant refunds, making for a smooth journey.
Bus Travel: Comfortable and Value for Money
Buses are a great alternative for intercity and short-distance travel, mainly for those who love road travel or wish to visit places which are not possible to reach via train or even air. These provide comfort, affordability, and an ever-growing network of routes. Here’s how to travel comfortably while saving on fares:
1. Booking with Reputed Private Operators
Though State Transport Buses are cheap, private operators such as RedBus, VRL, SRS Travels, and Orange Travels provide luxurious services with sleepers and semi-sleepers. Most of the time, the booking also has a discount and cashback offer.
2. Loyalty Rewards and Cashback Offers
Online booking sites like Paytm, MakeMyTrip, and RedBus often provide offers and cash back. Digital wallets or credit cards with travel reward points can help save even more.
3. Luxury Bus: Comfort
Volvo and Mercedes-Benz luxury buses are available, and they have reclining seats, onboard entertainment, and Wi-Fi connectivity, so long journeys become enjoyable.
General Travel Tips to Have Stress-Free Trips
1. Compare Prices on Websites
Make use of metasearch websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and ixigo to compare the prices and offers before making the booking.
2. Travelling in Off-Peak Times
The idea of flying or taking a train during the week or when holidays are not approaching usually means one gets cheaper prices and less packed journeys.
3. Utilizing Technology to Move Around
Make the most of travel planning apps, such as Rome2Rio and Google Maps to check routes and transit times plus alternative travel, all in real-time.
4. Monitor Your Travel Policies
Track cancellation policies, baggage size limits, and refund options before it’s too late.
5. Travel Insurance
For even more peace of mind, travel insurance plans available can cover cancellations, emergencies, and more.
Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Travel Better
Whether you jet-set around India or enjoy a scenic train ride, we would love to hear all about your experiences! Did you find fantastic deals for travelling or tips on how to make travelling easier? Share your insights with fellow travellers in the comments or with your fellow adventurers in the comments to make every journey more rewarding.
There’s a whole world of opportunities to make travel smoother, more comfortable, and cost-effective. With knowledge of discounts, using loyalty programs and making friends with technology, you will always have your fun journey without some quality being compromised.
This journey should therefore be about the ease, delight, and unforgettable experience of a wonderful travel memory. So plan your next vacation; every travel shall be enjoyable
FAQs
1. How to avail senior citizen discounts when booking flights in India?
Senior citizens can directly book and avail of discounts for flights by using the websites of their respective airlines. Some of the airlines, such as Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara, have designated special ‘senior citizen’ fares that apply only to domestic routes. For access:
- Air India offers up to 50% discount on the base fare for domestic flights for Indian citizens aged 60 and above. The discount can only be availed when booking through the official website or authorized booking centres.
- IndiGo occasionally offers senior discounts, which are mostly done through promotions. So, the best way is to check the “Offers” section.
- Vistara offers discounted senior fares, and its members can utilize points for upgrading and other added benefits.Pro Tip: Make the most savings by using travel credit cards offering cashback on flights, accumulating miles, and extra discounts when booking tickets.
2. What are the senior citizen concessions available in Indian Railways, and how can one avail them?Indian Railways offers senior citizens concessions on both reserved and unreserved tickets that make train journeys more affordable for them:
For male passengers 60 years and above, the concession is a 40% discount on the fares.
Females, 58 years and above enjoy 50% fare concession
How to claim this reduction:
While booking tickets online through the portal IRCTC Check option ‘Senior Citizen Concession’ & enter a valid Aadhaar number or age proof When booking tickets through railway counters, produce a valid ID proof, such as an Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence.
Most trains fall in this discount scheme, like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, and Express trains. The discount is not available for Garib Rath and some premium classes.
Pro Tip: For regular train travellers, the IRCTC iMudra prepaid card can also bring cashback benefits and quick ticket booking with a senior citizen discount.
3. How do seniors save money when travelling by bus?Buses are the most affordable way to travel, and seniors can save even more money by using discounts, cashback offers, and economical options:
- State Transport Buses (STBs): Most state-run buses, such as MSRTC (Maharashtra), KSRTC (Karnataka), and APSRTC (Andhra Pradesh), have special senior citizen concessions of up to 25% on fares.
- Private Bus Operators: Premium services like VRL, SRS Travels, and Orange Travels offer seasonal discounts for senior citizens occasionally.
- Booking Apps: Platforms like RedBus, Paytm, and MakeMyTrip provide discount codes and cashback offers, which can be combined with senior discounts where applicable.
Pro Tip: Booking sleeper Volvo or Mercedes-Benz luxury buses ensures a comfortable journey with reclining seats, AC, and onboard entertainment for longer distances.
4. How can travel credit cards help in reducing travel expenses for senior citizens?
Using a travel credit card can drastically reduce travel costs by providing rewards, cashback, and free perks:
- HDFC Diners Club Miles & Regalia Cards: Offer airport lounge access, travel insurance, and discounts on flights.
- SBI Prime & Elite Cards: Provide 5% cashback on travel bookings and discounts on railway tickets.
- ICICI Sapphiro & Coral Travel Cards: Accumulate reward points that can be redeemed for free flights or train upgrades.
Many banks tie up with airlines and travel platforms for exclusive senior citizen discounts.
Pro Tip: Some co-branded cards like Air India SBI Signature Card allow the traveller to earn miles faster, which can then be redeemed to upgrade flights and get free tickets.
5. What are the best apps for booking and managing train travel in India?
For a smooth train journey, senior citizens can download mobile apps to book tickets, select seats, and track trains in real time:
- IRCTC Rail Connect – Official Indian Railways app for booking tickets, checking seat availability, and managing train journeys.
- ConfirmTkt – Provides the chances of getting confirmed tickets and offers alternative routes.
- Trainman – Helps track PNR status, train schedules, and real-time location updates.
- Where’s My Train? – Works without internet data; you can track your train live.
Pro Tip: Always book in advance to avoid Tatkal fares, which may be much more expensive. Through these apps, you get the best routes and confirmed seats at cheaper prices.
6. What are the benefits of enrolling in frequent flyer programs for senior travellers?
Frequent flyer programs offer older travellers an opportunity to accumulate miles and enjoy premium services like free upgrades or priority boarding. The best of them are:
Air India Flying Returns
Mileage is rewarded on every trip made, with the rewards redeemed for free flights, priority boarding, or class upgrades.
Vistara Club Vistara
It offers loyalty points, redeemable for premium services, with higher-tier members having privileged check-in and extra baggage allowance.
IndiGo 6E Rewards:
With every booking, passengers can earn points, which can be redeemed to pay off future ticket prices.
Pro Tip: Always look out for “Member-Exclusive Deals” in the emails from the airlines as they usually provide` some limited-time offers for a discount on business class upgrades and extra free baggage allowance.
