Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

My 72 year old parents want to go to the UK !!!!!!!!

My 72 year old parents want to go to the UK !!!!!!!!

Old Sep 16th, 2004, 01:47 PM
  #21  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,534
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
I'm going to be 71 in a few weeks> Thank God, I don't have children to think I'm incapable of travel; but the computer is another matter.
cigalechanta is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 01:51 PM
  #22  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My dad was playing golf in SC when he met a lovely man from Scotland. Due to that meeting and an invitation to play at St Andrews, my dad made his first trip to Europe at the tender age of 70.
He never stopped going here and there, stopped for a spell in London and generally had the time of his life.
I did not hear one complaint but much happy talking about the friends he made and how great everything was.
If it was hard on him in any way- the fun and thrill of the trip, made up for it.
So while I have no advice as to who can take your parents around, I do want to share happy news with you regarding sending off your parents to Europe, alone
Scarlett is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 01:59 PM
  #23  
cmt
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,793
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't see why able-bodied, able-minded English-speaking people in their early 70s would HAVE to go on a tour if their intended destination is the UK. A tour would be fine, IF that's what they want. But traveling independently would also be fine. (Shouldn't it be up to them?)

Tours that run around less and tend to limit themselves to one small section of a country (or a few selected places according to a theme), include, for example: small-group walking/easy hiking tours, certain museum tours focusing on a certain aspect of history or a special interest (e.g., maybe a tour of "Roman Britain," or tour with a literary history theme), cooking tours (I guess not many of those in the UK, though).
cmt is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 02:13 PM
  #24  
ira
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
>..I'm going to be 71 in a few weeks

One wouldn't know it from your posts,
cigalechanta
ira is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 02:23 PM
  #25  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ohmygosh, what a revelation, CC! In my head you're at least 30 years younger! You go, girl!
Betsy is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 02:26 PM
  #26  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My goodness you act like 72 is old !!

I never thought my friends and family that age were out of the ordinary and they plan their own trips and even walk around in Europe.

Rick Steve's tours have you carry all your own luggage which they might not want to do. I would suggest Elderhostel or Grand Circle if they have to take a tour. Why not get them set up in a few major hotels and take day trips?
nocinonut is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 02:55 PM
  #27  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
cigale, you are just a lovely freak of nature, as lovely as you are and as young, it is just a quirk that you have had 70 birthdays
Scarlett is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 02:58 PM
  #28  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Good grief! I'm 66 and El Husband 77 and we're off someplace everychance we get. (Of course, we started early.) I'd check out Grand Circle for your parents.
Well organized, fellow travelers generally of their age and prices are good for what they provide. Their air routings can be circuitous so if your parents live far from major airports I'd check that out first.
Grandma is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 03:40 PM
  #29  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 43,534
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
Just because the lights are out-doesn't mean the current is turned off
cigalechanta is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 04:18 PM
  #30  
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Subway Scoundrel
If your parents have never traveled before they may wish to try a tour.
It all depends on how adventerous they are. Tours are not for me!
I am 76 and my spouse is 73. We depart San Diego for England next Wednesday and will spend the next 21 days driving about England,Scotland and Wales.
We pick up our rental car at Manchester drive to York same day and then spend the next 21 days driving throughout Scotland,hiking in the lake District,walking along Hadrians Wall,and weather permitting, hiking from the summit of Mt Snowden.
This will be my 15th trip to England and I wouldn't even consider taking a tour but everyone is different and it all depends on your parents outlook.
If they do decide to drive be sure to check the rental company's contract as most won't rent to a person over 70.
Novacar is one of the few that will but only at certain airports.
don76 is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 05:05 PM
  #31  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
This forum must have mostly younger posters? I better hop back to the other side.
coccinelle is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 06:27 PM
  #32  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Mimi...you have cracked me UP!! Your lights will never fail!

Why would anyone suggest 72 is "Old"! I admit to being a very young 66..but at 72 if they want to go let them do what they want..in fact why do you have any say in it whatsoever?

I am not a "tour" person but if they feel comfortable with that ..so be it..if they want to go on their own , let them do what THEY want.
I was looking over wellness exercise center that medicare will pay for the day. The setup was fantastic! I spoke with very attractive woman, who was just geting off an exercycle. She told me how wonderful the faciities were and then she floored me! She was 103 years old and had just gotten back from a trip to Cozemul!


Let them do what they want at their own pace.

I know 40 year olds that could not ever keep up with me or some of my friends!
jody is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 07:43 PM
  #33  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 97,142
Received 12 Likes on 11 Posts
Look at Elderhostel tours.
suze is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 07:53 PM
  #34  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Try Astral Travels out of London, they do some extended tours of UK that include Scotland/Ireland. I think they are wonderful. I've only had day tours, but they take out very small groups in a comfortable 15 passenger Mercedes Van so you are not stuck on a big bus. They have website with plenty of details.
myst is offline  
Old Sep 16th, 2004, 11:34 PM
  #35  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,496
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Subway scoundrel - I think it is great your parents want to start traveling internationally. My parents had their 50th wedding anniversary about 5 years ago and I couldn't get them to go anywhere. As far as whether to go on a tour or not, I think that it doesn't have to do so much with how active they are, as it does with how comfortable they feel traveling on their own. If they are take charge type of people, they would probably do great by themselves. If not, a tour might be a good way to introduce them to international travel. Then the next trip, they could do their own planning.

ddgattina-I had to laugh at your post. You said your parents made their first trip to London when they were A LITTLE BIT YOUNGER (late 50's). Well I am in my early's 50's and I was hoping that being in my 50's was ALOT YOUNGER than 72.

cigalechanta-I am amazed that you are 71. Who would have ever known? I agree with Betsy, I thought you were 30 years younger. What great spirit.
paula1470 is offline  
Old Sep 17th, 2004, 02:40 AM
  #36  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 4,074
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Subway S , what are the !!!!!!!! for????????, good for them, I am sorry they waited so long, but I hope that there will be many more trips possibilties ahead.

Graziella5b is offline  
Old Sep 17th, 2004, 03:22 AM
  #37  
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Uh, oh. Shades of the plmn experience
PLMN is offline  
Old Sep 17th, 2004, 06:06 AM
  #38  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,702
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't think necessary that there's an insinuation that 72 is old. Maybe they're intimidated by international travel, like my parents are. They told me that it's something they would never do by themselves but are happy to come along with me. My hope is that once Subway Scoundrel's parents go (and my parents too) they'll see how easy, funa dn rewarding it is and take off on their own next time.
sandi_travelnut is offline  
Old Sep 17th, 2004, 06:24 AM
  #39  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks to everyone for their posts--even the trolls. FYI....I am not forcing my parents to do anything and I will consult with them (or should I say, they will tell me what they want) on everything and part of that included info will be tours along with individual travel. They have not mastered the internet as far as travel. I have traveled the world and it would be CRIMINAL.....let me repeat...CRIMINAL for me to tell them..."You go plan it" as a few people suggested. I want what is best for them and where they feel the most comfortable as they deserve it after a very long and very successful life together. For their age, they are a young 72 but we live in a mid-size city (in top 40). In the past 10 years, they spend more time at their house at the coast so no subways, trains or large urban areas there. Again, thanks for the info and the stories. Outside of parenthood, I hope this is a "trip" of a lifetime.
Subway_Scoundrel is offline  
Old Sep 17th, 2004, 06:31 AM
  #40  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,321
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Have you considered Untours? There's a nice webpage at www.untours.com. They advertise themselves as "independent travel with support" and are a very reputable organization.
Betsy is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -