ddgattina

Paula,
After I saw your post, I laughed too...because I am about the same age as you...and I never even considered that I was approaching the "late 50s " I described for my parents first trip. But others are completely right-- age is such an individual matter. In the case of my parents, they just seemed older to me, they are my parents! But now that I am approaching that age, it does seem really very young!

(I loved the post about the centenarian at the health club who had just returned from Cozumel.)

By the way, I've met several women and one man in their 80s (my guess?) who were on trips to Africa alone-- and not the hotels in South Africa, they were really out in the bush, staying at local villages...travelling overland.

So the issue is really just familiarity with overseas travel...and I bet if Subway sets them up well on their first trip, it's going to open a whole world of new travel for them.

Giovanna

Happy Birthday Cigalechante and may you have many more!

I was 73 last month and my husband will be 73 in December. We have been going to Europe every year for about 10 years, and this year celebrated our 50th Anniversary in Denver, where we were married and renewed our vows at the same church. We went to DC in May, Honolulu in July and are off next Wednesday to New Orleans. I'm hoping we can go to Buenos Aires in November.

We plan our own trips and drive when the country doesn't think we're too old! My husband has had a number of surgeries, including a 4-way bypass. I have a bad knee, but somehow we manage without the concerns of children or younger people, who seem to think we should all be crammed in buses and taken about. YOU SO OFTEN UNDERESTIMATE US!

To the original poster, I hope your parents go alone and have a wonderful first trip to London. It's a city we like very much. We were there last December.

Fodorite018

First of all, I have not read all the replies, so forgive me if I am repeating what anyone else wrote

Have your parents asked you to plan the trip for them? If not, then maybe they are wanting to do this themselves. My grandparents and a handicapped relative went on an around the world trip for 2 years by themselves in the early 1970's. They were in the mid 60's at that time and managed everything themselves...no small feat when you figure in a wheelchair. Anyway, all I am saying is that one is never too old to plan for themselves, if they want.

Elizabeth

Some people I know who are the age of your parents like Tauck Tours very much. These people are Manhattanites and more experienced travelers, and they have taken many tours with this company, at least five.

I can't answer your specific question about being driven around, but I would doubt that these people would enjoy that. You could look at the website and make a call to Tauck maybe.

mclaurie

In addition to Tauck, Abercrombie and Kent is another upscale co. Here's the website. They have an England & Ireland option but not England & Scotland. Perhaps they could do London on their own with a few day trips and then on to a Scotland tour?

http://www.abercrombiekent.com/index.cfm?navid=3.6

paula1470

ddgattina-Yes, isn't it funny how when you are younger, 50's seems so old and now that you're 50, it seems so young. Especially if it's your parents.

Subway Scoundrel - I know your parents will have a great time whether they go on a tour or alone. As some of the other posters mentioned, this could be the start of many more international trips for them.

luvlondon

Subway_Scoundrel - I used to be a travel agent and booked several tours with Globus Gateway. Their packages are very informative and are a great value. Brochures can be ordered from their website. My husband and I went on one of their tours and the average age of the group was 40-75. We were in our late 30s and did not feel out of place and I don't think anyone over 75 would feel out of place either. Everyone got along great. We arrived in London a few days ahead of time to take in the London sights. The brochures that Globus offers do go into a lot of detail of what to expect. We weren't disappointed. We have since gone back and planned our trip totally on our on but the Globus trip did offer a lot and we probably would not have seen as much if we had planned our 1st trip ourselves. I think it's great that your parents are wanting to plan a great trip for their 50th.

Grasshopper

My parents are in that age group and travel internationally a LOT. But I can't get them to go independently, or even with me. Independent travel just is not for everyone. They have enjoyed several of Grand Circle's offerings. Lots of them stay in two locations for a week each. They cater to an over 50 crowd and don't just rush from place to place. I just looked at their website and they have an England, Scotland and Wales trip that might be right up their alley. http://www.gct.com/gcc/general/default.aspx?oid=94325

bob_brown

I am 72. I hope your parents are in good health and that they are perfectly capable of reading material and figuring out what they want to see.

They did not raise you, hold jobs, and get to be 72 by being ignorant!!

Do you have reason to think they are mentally and/or physically unable to handle the demands? I doubt it unless we are talking some major physical impairment.

You might offer them your best advice, but if my son tried to tell me I was too flipping old to plan my trip, I would tell him to go pactice his French horn. (Which he needs to do anyhow for his group's next concert.)

Of course, he would not tell me anyhow how to do it. And if I needed his advice, I would not hesitate to ask for it. He helps me when I need him and I help him. His mother jumps at every chance to help with her grandson.
If I need insurance information, he is the first person I call, always.

You can help, but just don't try to do it all for them.