it takes between 9 and 10 and ten hours a good tip would be to sit down with a pen and go through this site all your questions should be answered,steve.

Hi
the flight time depends on whether it's a non-stop flight or has a refuelling stop.
It took us 8 hours 45 mins non-stop from Gatwick, flying Monarch on an Airbus A300.
The return flight is usually longer because of headwinds when flying westbound.
Having a refuelling stop does give you the chance to stretch your legs whilst in transit (usually in Bahrain) but we prefer the quicker flight.

I agree with Steve about your Mum doing some homework before she goes.
Depending on what other countries she's visited, it may be a bit of a culture shock for her.

Polly

Hi, where abouts in Goa is she going/staying?
Goanne

Have already jotted down a few pointers. (great info)

Mums going to Calangute - staying at the Dona Terezinha Resort - flying with MyTravel.

She's a seasoned traveller and loves to get around.

Hotel Reports seem OK.

Thanks again.

I think My Travel flies direct (it certainly does from Manchester) so 8.5 - 9.00 hrs outbound and 10.5 - 11.00 hrs inbound.

With regard to "do's and dont's" the list is a long one. It also depends on what you mean by "elderly". The first risk is being ripped off by airport and taxi drivers. You could do with getting some recommendations for good taxi drivers and getting your folks to use them. I know somebody and there will be loads of HTers that can help you out.

I would tell them not to buy anything until they have had chance to talk to people and get a feel for what things cost. Any elderly person needs to watch where they're putting their feet - the roads and pavements are full of potholes and hazards. The roads and traffic - what can you say? Just be very careful - what zebra crossings there are, don't seem to have any significance for Indian drivers.

Just tell them not to make snap judgements. First impressions are frightening but after a couple of days, they'll find themselves really getting into it. You must let us know how they get on!

Please tell her to be aware that there have been numerous incidents of bag snatching this season all over the Baga/Calangute/Candolim stretch. She should wear her bag across her body and keep a tight hold on it when walking at the roadside. The snatchers operate on motor bikes, I saw a guy a few weeks ago (big guy in his 50's) who had just been robbed, his bag, or what was left of it, was ripped to pieces. He was dragged along the floor by the robber on a motorbike and suffered cuts and bruises!!

GFF xx

Yes I would agree with the bag snatching bit. A friend of ours had her bag snatched on the Candolim main road just a few weeks ago. Luckily she was not injured in any way. There were still people around and we had just left her and her partner by about 2 mins so they are not lying in wait for a quiet time! An elderly person may be more at risk. Then again this can happen here!!!!

However,

Hope they enjoy it.............it is a great place with great people