Anka

My grandfather is leaving for Kenya this Saturday. He is 80 and travels all the time. Last year he went to Paris, Rome, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Sicily, Tanzania and St. Lucia. He is a hiker, downhill skier, birdwatcher, diver, snorkeler. What is surprising he does not travel with any orginized groups like Elderhostel or Grand Circle. He and his younger wife travel independently.
I am not traveler and I am wondering whether travelling independently is more expensive than with some organized groups? I suggested he will be more comfortable with a group of people his age but He laughed and said the best part of travelling independently is meeting people all ages. Are there any other independent travelers of my grandfather age?

rand

There are not many people that age let alone people not tied to walkers, so there won't be too many travelling. What is keeping him so young? Is it the 'younger wife'? How much younger? You are giving me ideas here.

angel

A friend's aunt travels all over, including China in 2000. She gets so upset that people can't/won't keep up with her. She's 94. Ninety-four!!!

pam

What is keeping Grandfather young, able and mobile, in my opinion, is the continual learning he does while traveling and preparing to travel, the having something to look forward to and keep him inspired. Bully for Grandfather and 'good snag' to that younger wife of his. Anka, you've got some awesome genes and examples to live up to--that's the best inheritance any of us could get. Tell your grandfather Fodorites say, WAY TO GO! Anka, traveling independently is less expensive and more rewarding, again my opinion.

xxx

Anka, what do you mean he's spending your inheritance? As far as I can see, it's his money, not yours. An inheritance is a gift, not an automatic right! Maybe he won't even leave what's left to you! And I say, more power to him, it's great he's living such a full life.

Christina

Traveling independently can often be cheaper than tour groups; it really depends on what you choose and how savvy you are about arrangements and hotels. It is nice that your grandfather can do this, but is it mainly just good luck and depends solely on genetics. There is a lot of sexism around that says men should marry and lust after young women, so that doesn't surprise me that people think that is admirable (even women, I see, have bought into this) and that you feel it necessary to present that as relevant as if it reflects highly on his charcter; it's unfortunately part of our culture to consider women of less value and less attractive than men at the exactly same age. Most people beyond the age of 80 simply cannot walk or do vigorous exercise for very long, and cannot carry heavy baggage so need help when traveling. That's just life and does not always mean it is their fault. My parents come from very long-lived families and lived lives of ascetics practically (no drinking, no smoking, etc, what a bore), and yet they could not travel much except locally beyond the age of 80, and needed wheelchairs at airports, etc. This is simply life. I think you are just bragging or something rather than really asking a question.

me

Loosen up Christina. Geez.

cripes

xxx-It's obvious that Anka wasn't really concerned about her inheritance but mentioned it in humor. Some people just need everything explained to them.

And Christina-Get a grip.

Anka- Good for your Grandfather. Sounds like he's living it up. You must be proud. Too bad some people are so jealous!

April

I guess at 80 your grandfather knows how he likes to travel. Good on him!

(She wasn't travelling independently but...) I couldn't help but be amazed at the 88 year old woman I saw trying parasailing for the first time.

xxx

All Christina's posts are catty. She sounds like a bitter old maid. Get a life and quit being so snide.

Donna

Grandfather's money is his to spend however he wishes. If I were Anka I'd be jumping for joy that Grandfather enjoys good health and has the money to travel and enjoy himself, not to mention the pleasure of a wife to enjoy it all with. Perhaps Grandfather prefers to be footloose and fancy free, without the restrictions of traveling with a group. Hopefully, Anka will inherit some of Grandfathers genes and other fine qualities, which are far more valuable that his money.

Sue

Anka, we're going to be in Albuquerque next week. Any suggestions for good New Mexican food on the west side?

lmn

Anka, why don't you go on a trip with them? You might like it.

herself

How lucky you are Anka. If you had a grandfather who could only stay home and watch TV at 80, you may think that that is the only thing you have to look forward to when you reach his age.
He is setting a great example for you. Age is not a impairment to adventure.
Love him for it.