My parents generally spend about 4 months in Florida each winter for the good weather and the cheap accommodations. But with recent events, they are too nervous to return this year, and are seeking alternatives. They aren't that interested in beaches, but would like a place where they can walk around and perhaps be with others their own age (70's). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

1. Algarve, Portugal<BR>2. Costa del Sol, Spain<BR>3. Canary Islands, Spain

Cyprus

Malta: Quiet pace of life, English very widely spoken. Lots of other old people.

Retirement home?

Why would they be afraid to return to Florida? Nothing going on here, unless you worked at the American Media Co. in Boca Raton.

I have always been nervous about going to Florida, I am afraid I will die of Boredom.<BR>

Spacey! You go girl! Excellent suggestion! And no more worries about future vacations )))))))

Mexico. There are lots of American retiree expats in certain Mexican communities due to low cost, nice weather, etc. I don't know the best places to suggest, but I think there is one such large community near Guadalajara, and maybe San Miguel -- try posting on the Mexican board if you're interested. Costa Rica might be nice, also.

I will second the vote for the Algarve in Portugal. My Dad and stepmum have "wintered" there happily for some years now...good bus service, caters to Seniors, large ex-pat community of folks, mostly Brits, very friendly, some side trips for the adventurous, excellent cheap food. Albufeira is their choice but there are a number of towns, very similar. Europeans make fun of it the same way Americans make fun of Florida, but my folks love it and when we visit we rent a car and get off the beaten track into the"real" Portugal, a charming countryy with much to see beyond the beaches. Cautionary note: its not as warm as Florida.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I spoke with my Dad today, and he's considering all of them.<BR><BR>In my explorations online, I stumbled across Malta and was wondering how that location would suit an elderly couple. The prices appear to be okay, but is there a great amount of walking, etc as my stepmom would have some difficulties with major amounts of hiking.

COSTA RICA. This beautiful, propsperous country, also known as "The Switzerland of the Americas" is becoming a haven of American retirees, with excellent retirement communities. Look into it.

Spacey and Haha, you two are so mean spirited. Take a hike from this board.

Surprised no one has mentioned the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, (Brownsville, McAllen, Mission, Donna, etc.) a haven for snow birds, and the Phoenix area.

I would leave my children everything in my will if they would send me to Malta for 4 months.

I think you forgot to <BR> say where the'd be traveling from. Assume they don't live in the USA!

Thanks again everyone for the great suggestions. My parents "the snowbirds" will be travelling from Canada, so they aren't too concerned about getting to an extremely hot climate. Just any place where there isn't any snow and ice! But they do need a place where they can be with others their age, can explore around a bit (so they don't need to spend hours each day watching TV as there's nothing else to do), and where the prices are extremely cheap - my Dad thinks $25 per night for a hotel is expensive. I shudder to think what he would make of the room rates at the hotel I stayed at in Venice on the Grand Canal