Tips for Seniors
Apr 9th, 2023, 08:04 PM
#21
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You're getting some great suggestion from Fodorites as usual. I'll offer a few comments/friendly amendments:
I am not a fan of hop on hop off (HOHO) buses as they spend a lot of time stuck in urban in traffic and you spend time waiting for the next bus to come along, often without a place to sit while you wait.
Understand not wanting to drive in Europe - I've done it in the past but now also avoid it. Private drivers are not the only option, and they are the most costly. Though previously very anti-group tours, with age and mobility issues I have rethought my position on this. Small tour groups are nice, but even larger ones use buses that are really quite comfortable. Check out some of the offerings on sites like Viator or GetYourGuide both of which we used with good result in Italy.
Pain meds - be sure Mom takes them with her. Even if she does not use prescription pain meds, at the minimum take acetaminophen (Tylenol) and an NSAID like ibuprofen (Advil). Though both are non narcotic analgesics, they work in slightly different ways and a great strategy (unless she is unable to take either of these meds) is to take 400 mg of ibuprofen along with 500 mg of acetaminophen when starting out in the morning. This often will hold most of the day before requiring additional dosing. Good idea to take with a bit of food to avoid stomach irritation.
Absolutely stress she will need at least two pairs of good walking shoes, but not more than three to avoid over packing. Best not to wear same pair two days in a row (goes for everyone, not just Mom.) New Balance are usually great. Be sure she has tried them out/broken them in well before the trip.
You can always go to a taxi rank, but you can also hail a taxi via an app. Best taxi hailing app in italy is itTaxi which you can download from both Google Play and the Apple App Store. Italian taxi drivers prefer this to others according to drivers we used in Rome. Uber is not useful in Rome, as the taxi unions have managed to get strict restrictions on uber and quite honestly uber service is both expensive and lousy there.
Not sure which airports you will be using, but some require walking that may exceed Mom's tolerance. LaGuardia, for example, is beautifully redone but everything is a major hike. For sure request wheelchair transport at the airports, and if possible do so in advance on the airline website.
Don't totally discard the idea of Venice, just plan your visit to minimize demand on Mom. If she can walk for half an hour she should be fine, though bridges can require stairs so keep that in mind if it is an issue. You can just plan to use vaporetto water taxis, plan your visit accordingly. It really is a place that ought to be seen at least once, though I admit I think two or three days is fully sufficient.
Walk in showers are what we request due to DHs issues, but if mom is able to negotiate a tub she may get some relief from an occasional warm soak.
I am not a fan of hop on hop off (HOHO) buses as they spend a lot of time stuck in urban in traffic and you spend time waiting for the next bus to come along, often without a place to sit while you wait.
Understand not wanting to drive in Europe - I've done it in the past but now also avoid it. Private drivers are not the only option, and they are the most costly. Though previously very anti-group tours, with age and mobility issues I have rethought my position on this. Small tour groups are nice, but even larger ones use buses that are really quite comfortable. Check out some of the offerings on sites like Viator or GetYourGuide both of which we used with good result in Italy.
Pain meds - be sure Mom takes them with her. Even if she does not use prescription pain meds, at the minimum take acetaminophen (Tylenol) and an NSAID like ibuprofen (Advil). Though both are non narcotic analgesics, they work in slightly different ways and a great strategy (unless she is unable to take either of these meds) is to take 400 mg of ibuprofen along with 500 mg of acetaminophen when starting out in the morning. This often will hold most of the day before requiring additional dosing. Good idea to take with a bit of food to avoid stomach irritation.
Absolutely stress she will need at least two pairs of good walking shoes, but not more than three to avoid over packing. Best not to wear same pair two days in a row (goes for everyone, not just Mom.) New Balance are usually great. Be sure she has tried them out/broken them in well before the trip.
You can always go to a taxi rank, but you can also hail a taxi via an app. Best taxi hailing app in italy is itTaxi which you can download from both Google Play and the Apple App Store. Italian taxi drivers prefer this to others according to drivers we used in Rome. Uber is not useful in Rome, as the taxi unions have managed to get strict restrictions on uber and quite honestly uber service is both expensive and lousy there.
Not sure which airports you will be using, but some require walking that may exceed Mom's tolerance. LaGuardia, for example, is beautifully redone but everything is a major hike. For sure request wheelchair transport at the airports, and if possible do so in advance on the airline website.
Don't totally discard the idea of Venice, just plan your visit to minimize demand on Mom. If she can walk for half an hour she should be fine, though bridges can require stairs so keep that in mind if it is an issue. You can just plan to use vaporetto water taxis, plan your visit accordingly. It really is a place that ought to be seen at least once, though I admit I think two or three days is fully sufficient.
Walk in showers are what we request due to DHs issues, but if mom is able to negotiate a tub she may get some relief from an occasional warm soak.
Apr 9th, 2023, 10:56 PM
#22
I'm afraid I cannot support Venice as a logical choice. Getting in and out of boats seems simple but can be a scrum and the unexpected movement will be a problem. Water taxis are expensive and the alleys (which is what a lot of the "land" is) are narrow and often full. There is no car option. If you decide to go choose the most open spaces. You'll find the larger spaces come with more expensive accom.
If you do decide you want to try why not stay in Chioggia? This is a mini-Venice off to the west, the pavement (built on more solid land) is wider, the place is a bit less visited and there is a water bus that goes into Venice for a day trip.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chioggia
Alternatively you could stay on the Lido but while the beach life is fine, why go half way around the planet to stay on a beach?
If you do decide you want to try why not stay in Chioggia? This is a mini-Venice off to the west, the pavement (built on more solid land) is wider, the place is a bit less visited and there is a water bus that goes into Venice for a day trip.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chioggia
Alternatively you could stay on the Lido but while the beach life is fine, why go half way around the planet to stay on a beach?
Apr 10th, 2023, 10:10 AM
#23
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Your mother might prefer a trekking pole rather than a cane. She'll look much more "sporty!" I now bring one when I'm hiking or traveling to places that might have uneven pavement, steps without railings, etc. and find it makes it much easier. I prefer to just use just one to keep one hand free. Something along the lines of this:
Apr 10th, 2023, 10:21 AM
#24
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I'm afraid I cannot support Venice as a logical choice. Getting in and out of boats seems simple but can be a scrum and the unexpected movement will be a problem. Water taxis are expensive and the alleys (which is what a lot of the "land" is) are narrow and often full. There is no car option. If you decide to go choose the most open spaces. You'll find the larger spaces come with more expensive accom.
If you do decide you want to try why not stay in Chioggia? This is a mini-Venice off to the west, the pavement (built on more solid land) is wider, the place is a bit less visited and there is a water bus that goes into Venice for a day trip.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chioggia
Alternatively you could stay on the Lido but while the beach life is fine, why go half way around the planet to stay on a beach?
If you do decide you want to try why not stay in Chioggia? This is a mini-Venice off to the west, the pavement (built on more solid land) is wider, the place is a bit less visited and there is a water bus that goes into Venice for a day trip.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chioggia
Alternatively you could stay on the Lido but while the beach life is fine, why go half way around the planet to stay on a beach?
The trouble with tour companies like Viatour, is that you will have to pay for 4 people (I think it it you and partner, and both parents, right). Viatour always looked very expensive to me. If you want a group tour by bus, I would look to smaller companies based in the city you are staying in, or nearby. But for a group tour,, paying for 4 persons will come out, probably, close to the price of hiring a private driver with a new, comfortable car or van. And you can plan your own itinerary, the driver of a smaller vehicle can get often get you a lot closer to sites than a bus could. A driver alone will not be a guide in Italy, but you can pick up pan official guide at a site if you want one. Much less than having a guide on board a bus for the entire time, as on a group tour.
You asked how I found private drivers for our upcoming Sicily tour. I did a lot of Googling for names, and also looked at that famous travel site with the forums and all the reviews. There are tons of threads on their forums about private drivers in just bout every major destination. I also got a few names from others here that have used drivers. And just to get place to place, for example from out hotel in Trapani to our B/B near Porto Empedocle/Agrigento, I asked the hotel for names of local drivers. So for each transfer I needed, I ended up with a culled list of about 2-4 drivers and then wrote to them asking if they were free and what their price was. Then I wrote and confirmed.
Now as I said, I was not looking for a guide. If I am in Ragusa, for example, I can use my guidebook. Most of the drivers responded in English so that gives me a clue that they speak at least some. I don't care, as I can get by in my very limited Italian.
Hope that helps a bit...
Apr 10th, 2023, 12:45 PM
#25
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With less then two weeks, just go to the lakes. You all can take ferries form village to village. Keep it simple. The beauty will floor them. Add in a nearby town with a ton of incredible art. There are many to choose from.
Apr 10th, 2023, 02:03 PM
#26
Bilbo - I'm going to disagree with you about Venice which is very easy to get around with vaporettos and taking a water tai from the airport to the hotel. In fact probably the longest walk you'd have to take is from the arrival hall to the water dock, and even then there is a moving walkway to make it easier.
2Aquillas - if you've said what time of year you're intending to travel, sorry I missed it. But assuming it's between May and September, from Venice i would get the train to Peschiera del Garda and spend a few days on the lake, which is very easy to explore using the boats that can take you to many lovely places, with the advantage that the boat docks are usually very convenient for sightseeing, cafes etc.
From there I think that I would pick either Florence or Rome, both of which are easy to get to by direct trains from Peschiera. As your mum is more interested in Tuscany, and Florence is much smaller than Rome, that would get my vote. Also you could easily organise a day or two touring Tuscany - there is a firm that people here have spoken well of that will take you to Chianti, or Val D'orca, or anywhere else you want to go. https://www.hillsandroads.com
2Aquillas - if you've said what time of year you're intending to travel, sorry I missed it. But assuming it's between May and September, from Venice i would get the train to Peschiera del Garda and spend a few days on the lake, which is very easy to explore using the boats that can take you to many lovely places, with the advantage that the boat docks are usually very convenient for sightseeing, cafes etc.
From there I think that I would pick either Florence or Rome, both of which are easy to get to by direct trains from Peschiera. As your mum is more interested in Tuscany, and Florence is much smaller than Rome, that would get my vote. Also you could easily organise a day or two touring Tuscany - there is a firm that people here have spoken well of that will take you to Chianti, or Val D'orca, or anywhere else you want to go. https://www.hillsandroads.com
Apr 10th, 2023, 11:06 PM
#27
Ann, I fully understand your point of view, it depends on how disabled a person is, I've watched some older people struggling with the bridges, and unless comfortable with the Venice system they will not know to get the local bridge lift solution out to help them, and I've certainly seen poor walkers struggling in the calle. But if the Op's mother is up to it she may do better than I'm envisaging.
Apr 11th, 2023, 10:55 AM
#28
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Seamus
You're getting some great suggestion from Fodorites as usual. I'll offer a few comments/friendly amendments:
I am not a fan of hop on hop off (HOHO) buses as they spend a lot of time stuck in urban in traffic and you spend time waiting for the next bus to come along, often without a place to sit while you wait.
Understand not wanting to drive in Europe - I've done it in the past but now also avoid it. Private drivers are not the only option, and they are the most costly. Though previously very anti-group tours, with age and mobility issues I have rethought my position on this. Small tour groups are nice, but even larger ones use buses that are really quite comfortable. Check out some of the offerings on sites like Viator or GetYourGuide both of which we used with good result in Italy.
Pain meds - be sure Mom takes them with her. Even if she does not use prescription pain meds, at the minimum take acetaminophen (Tylenol) and an NSAID like ibuprofen (Advil). Though both are non narcotic analgesics, they work in slightly different ways and a great strategy (unless she is unable to take either of these meds) is to take 400 mg of ibuprofen along with 500 mg of acetaminophen when starting out in the morning. This often will hold most of the day before requiring additional dosing. Good idea to take with a bit of food to avoid stomach irritation.
Absolutely stress she will need at least two pairs of good walking shoes, but not more than three to avoid over packing. Best not to wear same pair two days in a row (goes for everyone, not just Mom.) New Balance are usually great. Be sure she has tried them out/broken them in well before the trip.
You can always go to a taxi rank, but you can also hail a taxi via an app. Best taxi hailing app in italy is itTaxi which you can download from both Google Play and the Apple App Store. Italian taxi drivers prefer this to others according to drivers we used in Rome. Uber is not useful in Rome, as the taxi unions have managed to get strict restrictions on uber and quite honestly uber service is both expensive and lousy there.
Not sure which airports you will be using, but some require walking that may exceed Mom's tolerance. LaGuardia, for example, is beautifully redone but everything is a major hike. For sure request wheelchair transport at the airports, and if possible do so in advance on the airline website.
Don't totally discard the idea of Venice, just plan your visit to minimize demand on Mom. If she can walk for half an hour she should be fine, though bridges can require stairs so keep that in mind if it is an issue. You can just plan to use vaporetto water taxis, plan your visit accordingly. It really is a place that ought to be seen at least once, though I admit I think two or three days is fully sufficient.
Walk in showers are what we request due to DHs issues, but if mom is able to negotiate a tub she may get some relief from an occasional warm soak.
I am not a fan of hop on hop off (HOHO) buses as they spend a lot of time stuck in urban in traffic and you spend time waiting for the next bus to come along, often without a place to sit while you wait.
Understand not wanting to drive in Europe - I've done it in the past but now also avoid it. Private drivers are not the only option, and they are the most costly. Though previously very anti-group tours, with age and mobility issues I have rethought my position on this. Small tour groups are nice, but even larger ones use buses that are really quite comfortable. Check out some of the offerings on sites like Viator or GetYourGuide both of which we used with good result in Italy.
Pain meds - be sure Mom takes them with her. Even if she does not use prescription pain meds, at the minimum take acetaminophen (Tylenol) and an NSAID like ibuprofen (Advil). Though both are non narcotic analgesics, they work in slightly different ways and a great strategy (unless she is unable to take either of these meds) is to take 400 mg of ibuprofen along with 500 mg of acetaminophen when starting out in the morning. This often will hold most of the day before requiring additional dosing. Good idea to take with a bit of food to avoid stomach irritation.
Absolutely stress she will need at least two pairs of good walking shoes, but not more than three to avoid over packing. Best not to wear same pair two days in a row (goes for everyone, not just Mom.) New Balance are usually great. Be sure she has tried them out/broken them in well before the trip.
You can always go to a taxi rank, but you can also hail a taxi via an app. Best taxi hailing app in italy is itTaxi which you can download from both Google Play and the Apple App Store. Italian taxi drivers prefer this to others according to drivers we used in Rome. Uber is not useful in Rome, as the taxi unions have managed to get strict restrictions on uber and quite honestly uber service is both expensive and lousy there.
Not sure which airports you will be using, but some require walking that may exceed Mom's tolerance. LaGuardia, for example, is beautifully redone but everything is a major hike. For sure request wheelchair transport at the airports, and if possible do so in advance on the airline website.
Don't totally discard the idea of Venice, just plan your visit to minimize demand on Mom. If she can walk for half an hour she should be fine, though bridges can require stairs so keep that in mind if it is an issue. You can just plan to use vaporetto water taxis, plan your visit accordingly. It really is a place that ought to be seen at least once, though I admit I think two or three days is fully sufficient.
Walk in showers are what we request due to DHs issues, but if mom is able to negotiate a tub she may get some relief from an occasional warm soak.
THANKS FOR THE ADDITIONAL ADVICE. I HAD FORGOTTEN ABOUT VIATOR AND I HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE OTHER WEBSITE. I'LL SPEND SOME TIME WITH BOTH. itTAXI SEEMS TO HAVE VERY BAD REVIEWS IN THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE. PERHAPS THOSE ARE OLD REVIEWS? HAS ANYONE ELSE HAD EXPERIENCE USING IT? IT WOULD BE SO GREAT IF WE COULD SUMMON TAXIS WITH AN APP!
Apr 11th, 2023, 10:59 AM
#29
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Bilboburgler
i'm afraid i cannot support venice as a logical choice. Getting in and out of boats seems simple but can be a scrum and the unexpected movement will be a problem. Water taxis are expensive and the alleys (which is what a lot of the "land" is) are narrow and often full. There is no car option. If you decide to go choose the most open spaces. You'll find the larger spaces come with more expensive accom.
If you do decide you want to try why not stay in chioggia? This is a mini-venice off to the west, the pavement (built on more solid land) is wider, the place is a bit less visited and there is a water bus that goes into venice for a day trip.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/chioggia
alternatively you could stay on the lido but while the beach life is fine, why go half way around the planet to stay on a beach?
If you do decide you want to try why not stay in chioggia? This is a mini-venice off to the west, the pavement (built on more solid land) is wider, the place is a bit less visited and there is a water bus that goes into venice for a day trip.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/chioggia
alternatively you could stay on the lido but while the beach life is fine, why go half way around the planet to stay on a beach?
i've never heard of chiooggia! Thank you for the tip!!! That's definitely worth looking into. I agree with you about lido.
Apr 11th, 2023, 10:59 AM
#30
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Ann, I fully understand your point of view, it depends on how disabled a person is, I've watched some older people struggling with the bridges, and unless comfortable with the Venice system they will not know to get the local bridge lift solution out to help them, and I've certainly seen poor walkers struggling in the calle. But if the Op's mother is up to it she may do better than I'm envisaging.
Apr 11th, 2023, 11:01 AM
#31
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Bilbo - I'm going to disagree with you about Venice which is very easy to get around with vaporettos and taking a water tai from the airport to the hotel. In fact probably the longest walk you'd have to take is from the arrival hall to the water dock, and even then there is a moving walkway to make it easier.
2Aquillas - if you've said what time of year you're intending to travel, sorry I missed it. But assuming it's between May and September, from Venice i would get the train to Peschiera del Garda and spend a few days on the lake, which is very easy to explore using the boats that can take you to many lovely places, with the advantage that the boat docks are usually very convenient for sightseeing, cafes etc.
From there I think that I would pick either Florence or Rome, both of which are easy to get to by direct trains from Peschiera. As your mum is more interested in Tuscany, and Florence is much smaller than Rome, that would get my vote. Also you could easily organise a day or two touring Tuscany - there is a firm that people here have spoken well of that will take you to Chianti, or Val D'orca, or anywhere else you want to go. https://www.hillsandroads.com
2Aquillas - if you've said what time of year you're intending to travel, sorry I missed it. But assuming it's between May and September, from Venice i would get the train to Peschiera del Garda and spend a few days on the lake, which is very easy to explore using the boats that can take you to many lovely places, with the advantage that the boat docks are usually very convenient for sightseeing, cafes etc.
From there I think that I would pick either Florence or Rome, both of which are easy to get to by direct trains from Peschiera. As your mum is more interested in Tuscany, and Florence is much smaller than Rome, that would get my vote. Also you could easily organise a day or two touring Tuscany - there is a firm that people here have spoken well of that will take you to Chianti, or Val D'orca, or anywhere else you want to go. https://www.hillsandroads.com
Apr 11th, 2023, 11:03 AM
#32
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My dad is definitely curious about the lake country. I wonder if we can do Garda, Florence, and Rome in 10-12 days. Not sure where to fly into, but flying out of Rome has always worked well for us.
Apr 11th, 2023, 08:05 PM
#33
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I discovered the itTaxi app via a taxi driver in Rome. After learning (the hard way) that in Rime uber is beyond worthless I googled for taxi apps, downloaded one called FreeNow and used it until a cabbie told me they don't like it because the revenue goes outside the country, whereas with itTaxi it stays in Italy. There are other taxi hailing apps for Italy, too, but we were quite pleased with itTaxi in several italian cities.
Apr 12th, 2023, 06:08 PM
#34
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KT Travel
I'll definitely try to convince her to get one! 
Your mother might prefer a trekking pole rather than a cane. She'll look much more "sporty!" I now bring one when I'm hiking or traveling to places that might have uneven pavement, steps without railings, etc. and find it makes it much easier. I prefer to just use just one to keep one hand free. Something along the lines of this: https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mount...84&sr=8-5&th=1
Apr 12th, 2023, 06:09 PM
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Seamus
I discovered the itTaxi app via a taxi driver in Rome. After learning (the hard way) that in Rime uber is beyond worthless I googled for taxi apps, downloaded one called FreeNow and used it until a cabbie told me they don't like it because the revenue goes outside the country, whereas with itTaxi it stays in Italy. There are other taxi hailing apps for Italy, too, but we were quite pleased with itTaxi in several italian cities.
Apr 12th, 2023, 08:09 PM
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Looks like you are getting lots of good advice here. Just adding my two cents about a cane for your mom. I like to take a short Leki cane when I travel anywhere that a little more stability might be helpful. I used these after my total knee replacement ten years ago and still use one if hiking in hilly areas, navigating lots of stairs, etc. The beauty of this short cane is that is collapsible and can fit into a lightweight backpack or tote (as well as in a carryon bag). This is an example of
. I've never been to Italy but would love to go someday. Hope you have a great trip!
Apr 13th, 2023, 05:09 AM
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Looks like you are getting lots of good advice here. Just adding my two cents about a cane for your mom. I like to take a short Leki cane when I travel anywhere that a little more stability might be helpful. I used these after my total knee replacement ten years ago and still use one if hiking in hilly areas, navigating lots of stairs, etc. The beauty of this short cane is that is collapsible and can fit into a lightweight backpack or tote (as well as in a carryon bag). This is an example of one I've bought on Amazon. I've never been to Italy but would love to go someday. Hope you have a great trip!
Apr 13th, 2023, 05:20 AM
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Sapphire
Thank you for the link and the information! I hope you get to Italy some day soon!
Looks like you are getting lots of good advice here. Just adding my two cents about a cane for your mom. I like to take a short Leki cane when I travel anywhere that a little more stability might be helpful. I used these after my total knee replacement ten years ago and still use one if hiking in hilly areas, navigating lots of stairs, etc. The beauty of this short cane is that is collapsible and can fit into a lightweight backpack or tote (as well as in a carryon bag). This is an example of one I've bought on Amazon. I've never been to Italy but would love to go someday. Hope you have a great trip!
Apr 13th, 2023, 05:26 AM
#39
Use cobblestones as the hook to get acceptance for a cane or trekking pole. The last time I was In Rome I saw a young woman almost smash into the ground when her heel caught in a space between cobbles.
Apr 13th, 2023, 07:43 AM
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I have fallen, more than once. First time, I had five staples in my head. Second time, broke my glasses. Last time, severely fractured arm. I should have been using something for support, especially on vacation.
