SFDink

Hi all,<BR><BR>My in-laws are celebrating their 40th anniversary and we would like to send them on a vacation. Since they live in the Dallas area, the Carribean would be a great option. My in-laws are in their early 60's, not in the best of health (no rigorous activities) and not the most adventurous travellers. Ideally, I'm looking for a place where they can veg out for a few days but then do some site seeing. Preferably somewhere with some history since they both enjoy that. Can you recommend an island that's geared towards and older crowd, safe and clean. My in-laws went to Mexico once and didn't like it (too dirty and chaotic). I know this is going to be hard to plan so any advice you can give me would be well appreciated. Thanks!<BR><BR>Also, if anyone has any other suggestions outside the Carribean I'd love to hear those as well.

eileen

How about Aruba? It is safe and clean and Americanized enough so they should feel comfortable. It has an interesting mix of Dutch/Indian/Caribbean/American influence. Another good choice might be St. John, which of course is part of the U.S. and is beautiful, clean, safe, perhaps not a lot of history but great for beaches and exploring. I haven't been to Grand Cayman but that also might be an option, although I hear it is very expensive.

diann

Although this is not the Caribbean, Bermuda comes to mind. It is a lovely safe Island. I also like Puerto Rico it has a lot of culture and sightseeing rain forest, forts to visit etc. I also like the Aruba idea. If they gamble they can do that activity in PR and Aruba.

gail

Would they like a cruise? They could then choose to get off or stay on ship depending on ports. You might pre-pay for some short day trips, since they don't sound quite adventurous enough to go off on their own. I also guess they would not be comfortable anyplace where food/water safety was an issue.<BR><BR>Gulf coast of Florida at a nice resort or Southern California also come to mind. I agree with Bermuda, but that can be expensive.<BR><BR>I have in-laws with similar travel restrictions and twice we thought we were doing something really nice for them and arranged a short vacation for them at some nice, safe, comfortable place. Both times they thanked us and never went (always some &quot;good&quot; excuse). Fortunately we got money refunded. But be really sure they actually want to travel - they may prefer staying home, being pampered at a local hotel, etc.

SFDink

Thanks so much for all the advice. Yes, a cruise was the initial plan. But then they saw all the news reports of people getting sick and now that's out of the question. I like the Bermuda idea. They are definitley not into gambling so I don't think Aruba would be a good option. The Grand Cayman also sounds good. <BR><BR>When would be the best time to go? They're thinking sometime between April-June?

Knowing

I think Bermuda may be more of an inspiring idea in June. I would wait until June though as it may be too cool prior to that. If they found Mexico to be dirty, you need to find an upscale type of place. I think they would like the hues there and it's more of the good life type of place.

gail

I would search out a larger hotel on beach in Bermuda then (we have not been in too many years to give you a good current recommendation, but I am sure others can). There is enough scenery and history in Bermuda to suit them, and since we found it to be almost universally clean and everyone is extremely polite, it sounds like they might like it. Food and water are safe and should be familiar. They probably will not be renting scooters and may find the excellent bus system a little intimidating, but there are always cabs if they want to go someplace.<BR><BR>Shopping in Hamilton is good for a diversion.

ejcrowe

I agree with the posters who suggest Bermuda for your in-laws. It's very lovely and it gives you an island feel, but it also retains a certain British formality. There is plenty of fine dining and a few sites to check out, but most of all, there's a variety of lodging that could provide a very service-oriented relaxing atmosphere. I personally prefer smaller hotels, but your inlaws might do better in a larger one, unless they want some very individual attention. In which case I recommend the Reefs, which is on the small side, and has just received a major award for value and service in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda.