Easy European trip for my parents
May 1st, 2017, 07:22 AM
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Easy European trip for my parents
Hi,
my ultimate travel dream is to take my parents 70 & 72 years old to Europe. They are retired and I can take up to 1 month vacation. Preferably it would be a trip of anywhere between 2 to 3 weeks long. I can easily take vacations in spring (april/may) or the fall (September/October) which seems ideal times to visit, but basically I can make it work for any period of the year.
The goal is:
1) show them beautiful picturesque places, have nice walks and just enjoying the good weather, the views, the people, the food, etc. I remember walking around Santorini and at certain view points saying Wow this is so amazing I wish my parents could see this.
2) be somewhere not too crowded (sometimes I read comments that discourage me, I don't want them to wait for hours in lines or lack of places to sit and relax)
3) I imagine my trip as being a mixture of both interesting cities full of nice architecture and history, but also places that are in a more natural setting (waterfront, gardens, mountains, waterfalls, dramatic views, etc.)
4) I really don't want them to get tired. Recently we went for a day trip to Quebec City and by the end my dad was getting tired in the hilly parts or when there are too many stairs, however when it was mostly flat he could walk for hours with no comments. lol
5) I don't want to jump from one city to another. Ideally 1 or 2 bases would be great, with easy day trips for change. This is coming from someone who has happy to stay 3 weeks in an apartment in Playa del Carmen, with easy day trips by public transportation to Tulum, Chichen Itza, Cozumel, Coba, and of course beach time, shopping time, relaxing time, etc.... It doesn't have to necessarily be a "tour of a country" or walking/visiting something new every day.
6) Somewhere with easy access by public transportation (buses, trains, cheap taxis), I won't be driving.
7) Of course the budget is limited and it's all gonna depend on finding cheap planes from Montreal, also affordable apartments/hotels, not overpriced destinations, etc.
The first thing that comes to my mind was to do the famous "Rome, Florence, Venice" trio, but staying for a long time in each (for example something like 7 days in Rome, 6 days in Florence, 4 days in Venice) with a few day trips if necessary. That way it doesn't have to be hectic walking schedules to see everything, it can only be a couple of hours of visiting every day and not feeling rushed to see everything quickly. However I'm concerned about the crowds, the many lines, etc. I mean would they enjoy a day in Vatican or a day in Colosseum/Roman Forum or would it be too tiring, long and overwhelming? Or when arriving in front of the Trevi Fountain, will it be so overcrowded, no place to sit, etc.? Also maybe it will be too much city life? It would also be nice to have interesting picturesque charming towns in a more nature setting and have nice walks.
Another destination I had in mind was a base in downtown Lisbon for let's say 2 weeks and do a few day trips like Belem, Sintra, Caiscas, etc. But what discourages me is that Lisbon seems to be a very hilly city especially the interesting part like Amalfa which could be a problem and maybe not the ideal destination. The same for Sintra, it seems amazing but not easy to walk due to the many hills and stairs.
But Europe is so huge and full of many amazing places, so I'm curious if you guys recommend a certain destination or have certain advices for making a trip to Europe relaxing, easy and memorable. Thanks.
my ultimate travel dream is to take my parents 70 & 72 years old to Europe. They are retired and I can take up to 1 month vacation. Preferably it would be a trip of anywhere between 2 to 3 weeks long. I can easily take vacations in spring (april/may) or the fall (September/October) which seems ideal times to visit, but basically I can make it work for any period of the year.
The goal is:
1) show them beautiful picturesque places, have nice walks and just enjoying the good weather, the views, the people, the food, etc. I remember walking around Santorini and at certain view points saying Wow this is so amazing I wish my parents could see this.
2) be somewhere not too crowded (sometimes I read comments that discourage me, I don't want them to wait for hours in lines or lack of places to sit and relax)
3) I imagine my trip as being a mixture of both interesting cities full of nice architecture and history, but also places that are in a more natural setting (waterfront, gardens, mountains, waterfalls, dramatic views, etc.)
4) I really don't want them to get tired. Recently we went for a day trip to Quebec City and by the end my dad was getting tired in the hilly parts or when there are too many stairs, however when it was mostly flat he could walk for hours with no comments. lol
5) I don't want to jump from one city to another. Ideally 1 or 2 bases would be great, with easy day trips for change. This is coming from someone who has happy to stay 3 weeks in an apartment in Playa del Carmen, with easy day trips by public transportation to Tulum, Chichen Itza, Cozumel, Coba, and of course beach time, shopping time, relaxing time, etc.... It doesn't have to necessarily be a "tour of a country" or walking/visiting something new every day.
6) Somewhere with easy access by public transportation (buses, trains, cheap taxis), I won't be driving.
7) Of course the budget is limited and it's all gonna depend on finding cheap planes from Montreal, also affordable apartments/hotels, not overpriced destinations, etc.
The first thing that comes to my mind was to do the famous "Rome, Florence, Venice" trio, but staying for a long time in each (for example something like 7 days in Rome, 6 days in Florence, 4 days in Venice) with a few day trips if necessary. That way it doesn't have to be hectic walking schedules to see everything, it can only be a couple of hours of visiting every day and not feeling rushed to see everything quickly. However I'm concerned about the crowds, the many lines, etc. I mean would they enjoy a day in Vatican or a day in Colosseum/Roman Forum or would it be too tiring, long and overwhelming? Or when arriving in front of the Trevi Fountain, will it be so overcrowded, no place to sit, etc.? Also maybe it will be too much city life? It would also be nice to have interesting picturesque charming towns in a more nature setting and have nice walks.
Another destination I had in mind was a base in downtown Lisbon for let's say 2 weeks and do a few day trips like Belem, Sintra, Caiscas, etc. But what discourages me is that Lisbon seems to be a very hilly city especially the interesting part like Amalfa which could be a problem and maybe not the ideal destination. The same for Sintra, it seems amazing but not easy to walk due to the many hills and stairs.
But Europe is so huge and full of many amazing places, so I'm curious if you guys recommend a certain destination or have certain advices for making a trip to Europe relaxing, easy and memorable. Thanks.
May 1st, 2017, 07:32 AM
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Amsterdam and Paris is a good combo, with maybe some time somewhere else in France to see mountains or whatever.
From an Amsterdam bas you could easily do trips out to other Dutch towns, and even to Cologne as a (longish) day trip by train. All very flat! April/May would give you bulb fields, but September/early October would probably be better weather, and less crowded.
From an Amsterdam bas you could easily do trips out to other Dutch towns, and even to Cologne as a (longish) day trip by train. All very flat! April/May would give you bulb fields, but September/early October would probably be better weather, and less crowded.
May 1st, 2017, 07:37 AM
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Also the dilemma sometimes is let's say I decide to rent an apartment in Rome for 2 weeks taking it easy. There is so much to see there and it would be relaxing in the sense that no need to move from one destination to another with luggage, checking in and out, etc. It would feel like a home and we would get used to the grocery, certain restaurants, etc. BUT would we kind of regret going all the way to Italy and staying only in Rome and not deciding to split the 2 weeks into several destinations for example to also see Florence, Venice, Siena, Pisa, etc.? It's hard to figure out the balance between having an easy relaxing enjoyable trip but wanting to have enough diversity, new adventures, and kind of not spending too much time in one place.
May 1st, 2017, 07:44 AM
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hetismij2, unfortunately my parents are not confortable to go to France because it's been targeted by many violent acts in recent years. I know saying this is kind of unfair and I know that tragedy can strike anywhere anytime, but I think if they are walking in Paris, crowds, etc. this would be in the back of their mind 
alandavid, I've thought of a river cruise, but it seems that we would mostly be in the boat, with not enough time to enjoy the several destinations without rushing. I have never tried a cruise and heard mixed things about them, but maybe it's a good option. I have to think about it.
alandavid, I've thought of a river cruise, but it seems that we would mostly be in the boat, with not enough time to enjoy the several destinations without rushing. I have never tried a cruise and heard mixed things about them, but maybe it's a good option. I have to think about it.
May 1st, 2017, 07:46 AM
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Your focus on Italy is obscuring the difficulties of making the terrain "easy" on people who tire easily, given your reluctance to drive or your choice for places that are not walking-friendly is significant ways (Venice for its many bridges & stairs, Rome with its dreadful walking surfaces, Siena for its gaspingly steep hills). There is almost no time of year when Rome or Pisa is not filled with difficult tourist crowds.
My first thought was also Amsterdam -- then I would add Gent and Paris perhaps. But if you really want to show them the romance of Italy, I suggest you pick someplace flat like Verona and do day trips from there, which is quite simple and enables you to see a combo of lakes, mountains & history/architecture towns. Then perhaps a few days in Rome or Venice -- their choice -- but just pick one or two of the super-famous sights, and otherwise just relax and gawk.
If you can get them to pack light, then maybe this would work: Fly in to Venice, a few nights there, then transfer to an apartment in Verona with a washing machine. 6 or so days in Verona, with many day trips and time to do wash, then a few days in Rome before flying home. I would time this kind of trip for autumn, not spring.
My first thought was also Amsterdam -- then I would add Gent and Paris perhaps. But if you really want to show them the romance of Italy, I suggest you pick someplace flat like Verona and do day trips from there, which is quite simple and enables you to see a combo of lakes, mountains & history/architecture towns. Then perhaps a few days in Rome or Venice -- their choice -- but just pick one or two of the super-famous sights, and otherwise just relax and gawk.
If you can get them to pack light, then maybe this would work: Fly in to Venice, a few nights there, then transfer to an apartment in Verona with a washing machine. 6 or so days in Verona, with many day trips and time to do wash, then a few days in Rome before flying home. I would time this kind of trip for autumn, not spring.
May 1st, 2017, 08:37 AM
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I think the terrain in Italy would be, as the above poster said, rough. Venice is considerable walking...but Rome and Florence are worse. If you did do it, I would take it really easy. Spend a week in Venice, two weeks in Rome, or something like that. Also, I was in Rome after NY which is probably not low season but I had expected more Italian tourists. There are, but the huge tour groups that took me aback were Asian. I didn't enjoy the Vatican at all for this reason and I have a pretty high tolerance of crowds. For Rome to be relaxing, you'd have to plan pretty carefully, and I'm not sure I'd take my easily tired parents through the Vatican and basilica at all. It's a little like a stampede of buffalo. Buffalo with cameras, lead by little flags.
It's a shame about the terrorist fear in France. For one thing, that can happen anywhere- there was a terrorist attack in Germany while I was there but fortunately nowhere near me. Something could just as easily pop up in Italy right before your trip and they may be too afraid to go.
Anyway, I found France and Germany a lot easier to get around- the infrastructure seemed better than it was in Italy.
But I think no matter where you go you need to scale way back and resist the urge to cram too much in. I know it's hard! There's so much too see!
It's a shame about the terrorist fear in France. For one thing, that can happen anywhere- there was a terrorist attack in Germany while I was there but fortunately nowhere near me. Something could just as easily pop up in Italy right before your trip and they may be too afraid to go.
Anyway, I found France and Germany a lot easier to get around- the infrastructure seemed better than it was in Italy.
But I think no matter where you go you need to scale way back and resist the urge to cram too much in. I know it's hard! There's so much too see!
May 1st, 2017, 08:43 AM
#8
Venice has steps over the bridges but they are not difficult unless pulling luggage. Visit Venice then find a place in Tuscany such as in Panzano to stay for a longer time. Do a day teip to Florence. Finally Rome. We always break up our city stays with a more rural one in between. To avoid crowds and overwalking perhaps a small escorted toir would be helpful for Colisseum and Vatican. Stay cemtrally located in Rome to minimize long walks.
May 1st, 2017, 08:53 AM
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I think Italy is a fairly easy destination for first-time tourists. It sounds as though whfan's dad has trouble with hills, which doesn't mean he would also have trouble with uneven paving.
I often spend time in Rome in the summer, with visiting family and friends who can't come to Italy at any other time. It's not difficult to spend most of the time away from the crowds, as long as you don't insist on visiting only the places that most of the crowds are visiting. There are many wonderful and relatively unknown art museums and archaeological sites. There are numerous interesting day trips you can take by bus or train.
Just be careful to find out about the hills. I wouldn't take too seriously the information that a particular place isn't very hilly. For instance, I wouldn't have ssid that Siena was very hilly. I've been there at least three times and don't remember it being hilly. However, that just means that the hills weren't hilly enough to bother me. Massimop says Siena is very hilly, so maybe I just didn't notice.
It's certainly true that the Netherlands isn't hilly at all. I would probably choose to stay somewhere else rather than Amsterdam. Utrecht was a particular favorite of mine when I lived in the Netherlands. I also very much liked the Hague. Both cities are large enough to keep you busy without making a day trip every day. However, the train system is very efficient, and a large part of the country is within day trip range.
A trip to the Netherlands could be combined with time in Belgium.
Many parts of England would also be ideal for someone who wants a relaxing trip without too much hill climbing. We once spent four or five days in Salisbury, and there was a lot to see there, and some very nice walks, plus plenty of day trip possibilities by train or bus (Stonehenge, Bath, Wells, and more). You could combine a smaller city with some time in London, which is one of my favorite cities in the world.
I often spend time in Rome in the summer, with visiting family and friends who can't come to Italy at any other time. It's not difficult to spend most of the time away from the crowds, as long as you don't insist on visiting only the places that most of the crowds are visiting. There are many wonderful and relatively unknown art museums and archaeological sites. There are numerous interesting day trips you can take by bus or train.
Just be careful to find out about the hills. I wouldn't take too seriously the information that a particular place isn't very hilly. For instance, I wouldn't have ssid that Siena was very hilly. I've been there at least three times and don't remember it being hilly. However, that just means that the hills weren't hilly enough to bother me. Massimop says Siena is very hilly, so maybe I just didn't notice.
It's certainly true that the Netherlands isn't hilly at all. I would probably choose to stay somewhere else rather than Amsterdam. Utrecht was a particular favorite of mine when I lived in the Netherlands. I also very much liked the Hague. Both cities are large enough to keep you busy without making a day trip every day. However, the train system is very efficient, and a large part of the country is within day trip range.
A trip to the Netherlands could be combined with time in Belgium.
Many parts of England would also be ideal for someone who wants a relaxing trip without too much hill climbing. We once spent four or five days in Salisbury, and there was a lot to see there, and some very nice walks, plus plenty of day trip possibilities by train or bus (Stonehenge, Bath, Wells, and more). You could combine a smaller city with some time in London, which is one of my favorite cities in the world.
May 1st, 2017, 08:55 AM
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You know, I was thinking they could not keep up on small group tour. But Context tours do try to cater to the speed and interests of whoever is on the tour or you could take one of the private tours if your parents aren't up for it. The group tours are small and it's likely that it would be your family plus another couple or a solo. It would be well worth the money. I wouldn't recommend the other "small group tours"- mine for the Vatican was 12-15 people which was not small enough and they practically had us bolt through the Vatican to see the Sistine chapel crowd free. Your parents would not enjoy that pace, so be careful and always double check with the actual company before booking.
I am not generally a tour person but I loved the context tours and I'd take them again.
I am not generally a tour person but I loved the context tours and I'd take them again.
May 1st, 2017, 08:57 AM
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I agree Amsterdam would be good, very flat. London is also, as far as I'm concerned, why not those two?
I don't understand why you are thinking about Lisbon so much out of all of Europe, I'd forget it given the terrain. However, a lot of major Spanish cities are relatively flat in the center, that's for sure -- Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Malaga. Yes, Barcelona has some hills on the edges, but the center is not. And Spain is cheaper than some other places.
Of course you could do Amsterdam and maybe some place in Germany, I'm not clear on if they'd like that are not or how long to get the second place from Amsterdam.
I'd pick Spain myself. It's really nice that you are doing this for your folks, sounds great.
I don't understand why you are thinking about Lisbon so much out of all of Europe, I'd forget it given the terrain. However, a lot of major Spanish cities are relatively flat in the center, that's for sure -- Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Malaga. Yes, Barcelona has some hills on the edges, but the center is not. And Spain is cheaper than some other places.
Of course you could do Amsterdam and maybe some place in Germany, I'm not clear on if they'd like that are not or how long to get the second place from Amsterdam.
I'd pick Spain myself. It's really nice that you are doing this for your folks, sounds great.
May 1st, 2017, 09:12 AM
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6) Somewhere with easy access by public transportation (buses, trains, cheap taxis), I won't be driving.>
For lots of good info on trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. If taking more than a handful of trains check various railpasses.
For lots of good info on trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. If taking more than a handful of trains check various railpasses.
May 1st, 2017, 09:44 AM
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Reading your first post, you talk about it being your dream to show your parents some parts of Europe -- but is it their dream? It's true that very often many people reach their 70s without having been able to afford a trip to Europe. But if your parents were able to afford it and didn't go, it's most likely because that kind of travel doesn't hold a lot of attraction for them. Most parents are happy to share their kids enthusiasms, but even so, unless they want to see historic architecture, you might end up getting a lot of glazed eye looks or frozen smiles when you actually shepherd them to this and that European wonder.
Most people know the difference between a flat town and a hilltown. Siena is a famous hiltown in Italy that most people go to because they want experience a Tuscan hilltown, where to reach the center of town, you must climb a steep hill. Here are some typical streets in Siena
http://l7.alamy.com/zooms/741c6b2429...aly-adn9bb.jpg
http://l7.alamy.com/zooms/24ca90b975...iti-arj1yp.jpg
http://image.shutterstock.com/z/stoc...-231809536.jpg
https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/stee...y-83840195.jpg
If you go to someplace like Panzano in Tuscany you will be stranded without a car, and Panzano is a tiny village.
Most people know the difference between a flat town and a hilltown. Siena is a famous hiltown in Italy that most people go to because they want experience a Tuscan hilltown, where to reach the center of town, you must climb a steep hill. Here are some typical streets in Siena
http://l7.alamy.com/zooms/741c6b2429...aly-adn9bb.jpg
http://l7.alamy.com/zooms/24ca90b975...iti-arj1yp.jpg
http://image.shutterstock.com/z/stoc...-231809536.jpg
https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/stee...y-83840195.jpg
If you go to someplace like Panzano in Tuscany you will be stranded without a car, and Panzano is a tiny village.
May 1st, 2017, 12:30 PM
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What frencharmoire said- that was one of my thoughts too. If I took my mother, which I'd love to do, it would involve a lot less architecture and history and a lot more wine and food and shopping. Mom and dad say they don't have the money but truthfully a lot of it is they aren't travelers. They're casual tourists at best. They'd go to visit old friends and maybe to see a few gardens or palaces. They'd enjoy a fancy beachside resort with views. But there would be no museum time or beach time or really natural wonder time. They'd enjoy hop on hop off tours and boat cruises and afternoon tea and gelato. Me? About the only part of that I'd really enjoy is their company. Well, all right, I'd also enjoy the gelato
I guess what I'm saying...is that you really have to consider how both you and your parents will enjoy this trip TOGETHER.
I'd take into account what they want to see. Not what you've looked at and said "wow, that's spectacular". Unless it specifically applies to their interests- like my mom generally hates museums, but she has a thing for porcelain and textiles. So she would enjoy very specific exhibits but would sit on the bench with eyes glazed over for the rest of the time. So...planning a trip with her in mind is a lot different than planning a trip for myself. The compromise is worth it, but it really only works if you go in with the mindset that they're your first priority.
I guess what I'm saying...is that you really have to consider how both you and your parents will enjoy this trip TOGETHER.
I'd take into account what they want to see. Not what you've looked at and said "wow, that's spectacular". Unless it specifically applies to their interests- like my mom generally hates museums, but she has a thing for porcelain and textiles. So she would enjoy very specific exhibits but would sit on the bench with eyes glazed over for the rest of the time. So...planning a trip with her in mind is a lot different than planning a trip for myself. The compromise is worth it, but it really only works if you go in with the mindset that they're your first priority.
May 1st, 2017, 12:38 PM
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Sigh...I keep getting distracted. I came back to answer your question about Trevi fountain, etc. I think the crowds are manageable if you stay in a really central location. That allows you to wander past stuff like the fountain or forums early in the morning or late at night. It's not necessarily about crowds- it's about pacing and how much walking you'll expect them to do on a daily basis. Make it so it looks spontaneous but in reality you just picked lodging really well and planned your days to be flexible and relaxing. I can stay at inconvenient hotels on my own. If with elderly relatives- full service and excellent location is the only way I've found that works. That way they can eat at the hotel in the morning or late at night. They can walk out the door and sightsee instantly. If they see the "work" of planning they get stressed. If the whole thing runs like clockwork, they have a glorious time, and assume I did no planning at all lol.
May 1st, 2017, 01:49 PM
#17
" nor is the summer torrid heat"
According to Weather Underground, July temps were mostly in the 90s last year. I found it decidedly hot in June when I was there.
Another vote for England and perhaps the Netherlands. If it is their first trip to Europe England is an easy introduction and is just loaded with sights and pretty countryside.
According to Weather Underground, July temps were mostly in the 90s last year. I found it decidedly hot in June when I was there.
Another vote for England and perhaps the Netherlands. If it is their first trip to Europe England is an easy introduction and is just loaded with sights and pretty countryside.
May 1st, 2017, 03:16 PM
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My parents almost never travel. They went once to Mexico in an all inclusive which I kind of encouraged, my dad enjoyed it a lot (food, swimming, alcohol) but my mom who doesn't swim or drink got a little bored. lol She didn't regret it she still had many funny stories to tell but I felt that she needed more adventure while my dad loved to just relax, take naps, eat, sit by the pool, etc. lol
Otherwise usually the few times they've travelled it's mainly to visit family. They tend to go sometimes for a walk near their house or in a park somewhere. I guess I want to bring somewhere beautiful and let them have a great time, to see the world a little bit, etc.
A few years ago, travelling didn't mean much to me, but ever since I did it the first time (Greece) now it's become my favorite thing. It's like I have the travel bug. I guess I'm hoping that it will be the same for my parents. I want to bring them somewhere where they can relax, have nice walks, eat on beautiful terraces, picturesque places. Nothing overwhelming, the goal is not to see tons of things and walk so much.
I don't want them to wait another 10 years when it will be harder. I feel that if I let it up to my dad he'd probably stay mostly home, while I feel my mom would love a little more excitement in her life. They kind of both need a little push but once they do it I know they will have a great time. I know that there are definitely destinations where my dad would also love and enjoy, and perhaps even say wow this could be a great city/town to comeback to and spent months there.
Otherwise usually the few times they've travelled it's mainly to visit family. They tend to go sometimes for a walk near their house or in a park somewhere. I guess I want to bring somewhere beautiful and let them have a great time, to see the world a little bit, etc.
A few years ago, travelling didn't mean much to me, but ever since I did it the first time (Greece) now it's become my favorite thing. It's like I have the travel bug. I guess I'm hoping that it will be the same for my parents. I want to bring them somewhere where they can relax, have nice walks, eat on beautiful terraces, picturesque places. Nothing overwhelming, the goal is not to see tons of things and walk so much.
I don't want them to wait another 10 years when it will be harder. I feel that if I let it up to my dad he'd probably stay mostly home, while I feel my mom would love a little more excitement in her life. They kind of both need a little push but once they do it I know they will have a great time. I know that there are definitely destinations where my dad would also love and enjoy, and perhaps even say wow this could be a great city/town to comeback to and spent months there.
May 1st, 2017, 04:09 PM
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Your post struck a chord with me because I'm about to leave for a week + trip (it's all the time I could get off) to Europe with my parents (a very lively 78 and 80 years old). The difference is that they have traveled to Europe, but always primarily with tours. I've helped them over the years with extra activities or experiences during or before or after their tours, so being able to be their in-person tour guide has been my dream for a while. And they feel the same!
As pointed out earlier, your parents may not share your same dream. Why don't you start small, with a long weekend with only your mother, because it sounds like she's more interested in some adventure than your dad. Then maybe you could move farther afield, but only if they would like it. Several years ago, when each of my mom and I hit a certain milestone birthday, we did a long weekend trip to NYC. We had a GREAT time. True, there were things I enjoy that I had to pass up on (any ethnic food, though we did go to the deli and she loved that), but on the other hand, there were things we did that my DH and kids don't enjoy (Tenement House Museum and the like).
After a long weekend venture with your mom, you could suggest a several-week trip somewhere with both parents, in the U.S. (assuming that's where you live). That will allow you to gauge how they feel about crowds, hills, taking it easy in a new place, and so on.
Then if they enjoy all that, you could move up to the Europe idea.
Given what you've said about your dad, maybe something like a couple of days in Venice and/or Florence, but spend most of your time taking it easy in Bologna. It's quieter, flat, lots of places to sit and people-watch. And on days that your dad wants to take things even easier, you and your mom could take the train to many other places for a day trip.
As pointed out earlier, your parents may not share your same dream. Why don't you start small, with a long weekend with only your mother, because it sounds like she's more interested in some adventure than your dad. Then maybe you could move farther afield, but only if they would like it. Several years ago, when each of my mom and I hit a certain milestone birthday, we did a long weekend trip to NYC. We had a GREAT time. True, there were things I enjoy that I had to pass up on (any ethnic food, though we did go to the deli and she loved that), but on the other hand, there were things we did that my DH and kids don't enjoy (Tenement House Museum and the like).
After a long weekend venture with your mom, you could suggest a several-week trip somewhere with both parents, in the U.S. (assuming that's where you live). That will allow you to gauge how they feel about crowds, hills, taking it easy in a new place, and so on.
Then if they enjoy all that, you could move up to the Europe idea.
Given what you've said about your dad, maybe something like a couple of days in Venice and/or Florence, but spend most of your time taking it easy in Bologna. It's quieter, flat, lots of places to sit and people-watch. And on days that your dad wants to take things even easier, you and your mom could take the train to many other places for a day trip.
May 1st, 2017, 04:33 PM
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Having 70+ year olds to develop travel bug where they did not exist "My parents almost never travel" would be a tall order.
I have a similar observation as lexma90. From what you have described, this trip is not their idea. If this kind of trip has never been on their agenda, they might consent to it just to be polite with you. Majority of people around me have absolutely no interest in finding out what is outside their immediate vicinity. I would not try to change their view especially for those passing the 70+ year old mark.
We have traveled with in-laws. While they have traveled on their own until their 60s, they were hardly frequent travelers. After they reached their 70s, the value of a trip was merely a venue to be with their family. It no longer mattered where they went as long as they had access to familiar food and have someone who would listen to their old stories.
You can be pursuing an Abilene Paradox.
I have a similar observation as lexma90. From what you have described, this trip is not their idea. If this kind of trip has never been on their agenda, they might consent to it just to be polite with you. Majority of people around me have absolutely no interest in finding out what is outside their immediate vicinity. I would not try to change their view especially for those passing the 70+ year old mark.
We have traveled with in-laws. While they have traveled on their own until their 60s, they were hardly frequent travelers. After they reached their 70s, the value of a trip was merely a venue to be with their family. It no longer mattered where they went as long as they had access to familiar food and have someone who would listen to their old stories.
You can be pursuing an Abilene Paradox.
