Involve Them In The Holiday Plans
They may want to do specific things, and hey, you never know they may even want to be more adventurous than you and go sky diving - stranger things have happened! The important thing here is to involve them in the holiday plans so you both have activities you want to do. If they like museums and culture or shopping and beach time or even visiting Madame Tussauds and playing the bongos with Bob Marley, as my mother-in-law did in San Diego California, just try and compromise where possible and take their wishes into account.
Ensure You Have Some Time Apart
It doesn’t matter if it's with your mum, gran or even your kids, we all need time apart from travelling companions so if possible, factor in some time apart on a trip. Maybe they want to get an hour by the pool when you go for a walk into town for example. Or you may want to go to a bar when they go to a dinner show. Factor in some time apart if you can and you will both have a great time.
Home Or Away
There is something comforting about staying in your home county on a staycation. You haven't got to worry about understanding different cultures, different food, different languages and different currencies. However, I am of the firm belief that travel to different countries makes you more understanding and tolerant as a person. There is a whole world out there to explore, and this may be one of their last chances to take a big holiday. Obviously, you need to factor in passports, the stress of flying, immigration and the rest so discuss with them if they want to stay in the UK or go abroad on this trip and why. If they want to see a number of countries, then a cruise may be an option or a train trip over a number of countries.
Take Into Consideration Mobility
Many people are fit and active way into there 70s and beyond but some may have problems with mobility. Of course, if they have disabilities such as walking problems or they are in a wheelchair, you have to account for this when booking accommodation or tours. It's also important to think about their stamina. Are they going to want to do a three-hour walking tour of Venice or would they prefer a gondola trip? Would an open-top bus trip of Nice be more appropriate than a segway tour?
The Type Of Accommodation
Hotel, bed and breakfast, chalet or holiday home accommodation are some of the many options so be sure to discuss the style of accommodation and their expectations. If they have a tight budget then a five-star hotel may not be on the plan, alternatively, they may have a healthy pension and investments and may not want to go cheap and cheerful, so bear this in mind. Also, discuss the board option, it may be easier to go full board or would they prefer to have meals out for the diversity? Do they have any dietary needs that can be catered for there?
Style Of Accommodation
When picking a hotel, a modern newly built hotel would be more wheelchair friendly than a traditional historic hotel so check our brochures and websites thoroughly before booking. Also, check out if there are lifts and accessible bathrooms and showers. Perhaps they would prefer a smaller more intimate style hotel or bed and breakfast where everyone knows each other. Another alternative could be a trip to their favourite holiday park. If they have been before they may have thought about buying a holiday home there. Park Holidays has many types of holiday homes for sale and could be a fun investment for them.
Take Into Consideration Mobility
Many people are fit and active way into there 70s and beyond but some may have problems with mobility. Of course, if they have disabilities such as walking problems or they are in a wheelchair, you have to account for this when booking accommodation or tours. It's also important to think about their stamina. Are they going to want to do a three-hour walking tour of Venice or would they prefer a gondola trip? Would an open-top bus trip of Nice be more appropriate than a segway tour?
The Type Of Accommodation
Hotel, bed and breakfast, chalet or holiday home accommodation are some of the many options so be sure to discuss the style of accommodation and their expectations. If they have a tight budget then a five-star hotel may not be on the plan, alternatively, they may have a healthy pension and investments and may not want to go cheap and cheerful, so bear this in mind. Also, discuss the board option, it may be easier to go full board or would they prefer to have meals out for the diversity? Do they have any dietary needs that can be catered for there?
Style Of Accommodation
When picking a hotel, a modern newly built hotel would be more wheelchair friendly than a traditional historic hotel so check our brochures and websites thoroughly before booking. Also, check out if there are lifts and accessible bathrooms and showers. Perhaps they would prefer a smaller more intimate style hotel or bed and breakfast where everyone knows each other. Another alternative could be a trip to their favourite holiday park. If they have been before they may have thought about buying a holiday home there. Park Holidays has many types of holiday homes for sale and could be a fun investment for them.
Packing
So the holiday is booked then it's time to think about the packing. Check if they need to take medication and medical supplies on holiday and if they do ensure they have enough for the whole holiday and they have ordered enough for their return. They may need to take a copy of their prescription with them if they are going abroad and of course their passport. Ensure they have a phone with them and emergency numbers and that your phone number is programmed in as well. Lastly, make sure they have enough changes of clothes for different weathers and if they are staying in the UK, it always rains so pack an umbrella!
So here are some things to consider when travelling with elderly relatives. Do you have any tips?
*Collaborative post
Really helpful ideas of things to consider! Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful post. Such a shame that extended families rarely travel together as there are almost always mutual benefits. I would only add that, before departure, the younger generation set up any additional apps that might be useful for the parents' or grandparents' phones. Even basic stuff like Google Maps is good to avoid them getting lost.
ReplyDeletevery well thought out blog post and a lot of things to consider that i possibly wouldnt have thought of myself!!
ReplyDelete