As parents grow older, holidays with them become all the more precious. These tips will help each of you get the most out of your trip together.
Be prepared
Discuss where you want to go and what you want to do beforehand, so you both know each other’s expectations and limitations before the first bag is packed.
Discuss spending
Work out how to divide expenses in advance. It can be easier if you agree to pay for everything and keep a tally that can be evened up later.
Consider cruising
It means you only have to unpack and pack once, no time is wasted on travelling around and it can be much more relaxing than a coach tour.
Schedule in time apart
There may be activities or tours a parent might like, and something more physical that would suit you. It’s fine to separate from time to time.
You can socialise separately
Give each other the space to make different friends. They might enjoy chatting to people of a similar age.
Select the right tour
If you’re choosing a tour, check the details as moving every day can be exhausting for older folk.
Book appropriate accommodation
Check any hotels you’re planning to stay in have lifts to upper floors, or make sure you book rooms on lower floors. Do you need separate rooms or will you share? Ask about the bathrooms, too – stepping into showers in baths can be hard for some, and even dangerous.
Choose cuisine with care
Look at the menus in restaurants to see if they have alternatives to highly spiced local foods for parents who like plainer, more familiar fare.
Selective sight-seeing
Make sure there aren’t too many steps at the sights you want to see and that they’re possible for older knees to manage.
Relax
Factor in plenty of downtime to enjoy places. It can be just as pleasant sitting at a local café watching the world go by, as rushing to a different landmark every hour.
