Where would you take your 70+ parents?

Old Feb 2nd, 2007, 04:17 PM
  #41  
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They've gone on cruises (had some complaints but they still did it again) and int'l trips back to Asia, and I remember going on 2 week road trips every single summer when I was little so I know they like to travel. (Plus they're really bored at home -- all they do is watch tv)

I wish I could just take my mom too - but after he retired there's no excuse. Back then, I was in no position to take my mom to Europe so that never happened, but she liked it when I'd just take her to a Mexican restaurant.
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Old Feb 10th, 2007, 09:26 AM
  #42  
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I just mentioned Paris to my parents and they're really excited. My mom said the tour breezed right through and they didn't see anything.

I'm thinking of this 2 br apt although I'm wondering what you think of the area?

http://www.parisianflat.com/rent-a-p...invalides.html

Is there an "ideal" neighborhood for older "non-adventurous" tourists? Saint Germain may be too busy for them and I figure the Marais is too young. They may like something near the Eiffel Tower, perhaps.

Also, this is a lot to ask, but is there a running list of metro stations that are "better" for elderly tourists? I.e. not too deep underground, few or no stairs?
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Old Feb 10th, 2007, 09:45 AM
  #43  
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Hi F,

If Paris is the place, I suggest the Bonaparte.

I don't think that the 6th will be too busy for them.

My mother was 88 when she went with us and stayed there.

You might want to consider 2 rms instead of a triple.

The metro stops near the Bonaparte are only about 12 steps down, walk a short distance and then another 12 steps.

There is also bus service at Place San Sulpice.

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Old Feb 10th, 2007, 09:57 AM
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I was going to second the Italian lakes idea, but as you are now thinking about Paris, that seems agood idea too.

Normally I would always go for an apartment with family, but a mid-high end-hotel might be better in your case - a good conciege can arrange a lot of things, advise on trips, travel arrange cabs - could make your job a lot easier.

As usual, Ira's ideas are spot on - just lsiten to him and you can't go far wrong.

Good luck!
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Old Feb 10th, 2007, 09:58 AM
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Portugal or Maderia
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Old Feb 11th, 2007, 06:33 AM
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In light of your description of your parents' limitations, I can't imagine taking them to Paris for a week. There's too much walking required, and it is sometimes almost shorter to walk than to take the Metro. You've received excellent advice as to the destination of Vienna. The main sites are pretty close together and the entire city has a much calmer feel to it than Paris, which we found to be at least as hectic as Rome. We also found Paris to be overrun with tourists when we were there last year. That said, I went with my mother and aunt, who are 74 and 68, respectively. But Mom held down a job part-time until two years ago and does Pilates and/or gym workout every day, and my aunt is as spry as a 30-year old. Although Mom was excited to be there the first three days, on the fourth day she was ready to go home -- found the city to be too busy. Not the first place I'd choose to take parents "who have a rather anxious disposition."
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Old Feb 11th, 2007, 06:47 AM
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Thanks everyone -- I'll send them a Vienna DVD and see what their response is.

Do you think it might be easier for me to find FF tickets to Vienna? It would be great if I could find them a direct flight, one of the attractions of CDG.

But you're right, I should think of the convenience and ease of 7 days of sightseeing rather than being so concerned about a few additional hours in an airport.
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Old Feb 11th, 2007, 07:51 AM
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My vote was going to be for Vienna, along with the many others that were of the same opinion, but having read about your father's unfortunate disposition, I'm not sure Vienna is ready for him. Have you thought of doing a European bus tour? It sounds like it might be the ideal way of reducing any stress.
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Old Feb 11th, 2007, 09:00 AM
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Fishee,I'm sure you won't regret traveling with your parents and it sounds like your Mom will really be appreciative and you will really be happy you did it. As for your choice of the two bedroom apartment--- We have not stayed there but have viewed it and it is as shown. The managers were really nice to deal with. Our dates did not work out and then we decided that the public transportation was too limited so we didn't stay there.It was on busline #69. It is not as close to the metro as it seems and is only on one bus line. That area is surrounded by many government buildings and it will be very quiet if that is what you want. I would search for an apartment towards Ave de la Bourdonnais/Bosquet area. The sidewalks are wide and there are lots trees and they may want to stroll in the evening and watch the Eiffel Tower twinkle. There is a metro stop on Motte Picquet near Ecole Militaire and you have access to bus lines 28, 80,82,87, 92 and 69 in this area. We have stayed with www.parisperfect.com many times but if this is more that your budget will allow we had great luck with www.parispiedaterre. and The owners are so nice. They have a two bedroom apartment on rue du Champ de Mars. Also www.rentalfrance has some two bedrooms in that area. We have not rented from them. There are MANY reasonable restaurants in this area and you have the Avenue Saxe market on Thurs and Sat mornings as well as grocery stores and the much written about rue Cler. There is a wonderful bakery on the corner of Avenue Bosquet and rue Champ de Mars. Have a great trip and let us know where you decide to go.
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Old Feb 11th, 2007, 11:11 AM
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Anyone have a suggestion for a particularly good Austria travel DVD? I think it's a good idea to consider a side trip to the countryside although driving with them is a bit difficult. If we can take a train somewhere easily, I might consider that.

thanks again!

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Old Feb 11th, 2007, 12:31 PM
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I get videos of Rick Steves' TV shows from my public library. As I remember, his Vienna show included a trip (by boat on the Danube?) to Melk and the abbey there. Don't know if a climb was involved.
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Old Mar 25th, 2007, 05:38 PM
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Topping for update from fishee
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Old Mar 30th, 2007, 01:38 PM
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lucy, thanks for asking. I was hoping to have enough FF miles to fly them in business class, but with a trip cancellation I've come up a bit short for miles. I'm going to ask them if they'd rather go this year in economy or next year in business class.

Parents are sounding very partial to Vienna and they want to do some day trips as the crazy dad gets restless. I really appreciate the advice on this one because Vienna would have never been on my radar.

My mom still wants to actually "see" Paris but my Dad grumbled that when they were there several years ago on the group tour, it hadn't changed much in 30 years (he was there for a few days in 1968) so what's the point. Isn't that hilarious?
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Old Mar 30th, 2007, 05:56 PM
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Hope it works out for all involved! I can relate to your father. My mother always asks me why I don't take travelers checks when I travel since all the hotels in London and Paris cashed them for her... in 1984, 1986 and 1989.

Keep us posted.
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Old Mar 30th, 2007, 07:24 PM
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Did I miss an explanation for why you can't rent a car? Having a car, even for only a few days, opens up the possibilities for a much less stressful trip (for everyone).
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Old Mar 30th, 2007, 10:35 PM
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Vienna, Paris and Amsterdam would be my choice and fly to vienna then overnight sleeper train to paris then high speed train to amsterdam then fly home. This over a 3 week period would be great
http://www.seat61.com/Austria.htm
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Old Mar 31st, 2007, 01:16 AM
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Just curious - how old are you and do you have other siblings? Would it be just the three of you traveling? Also where do your parents live? - big city area or rural? These may have an impact the significance of the level of franzy in an area - ie if they are in a small town then being in a large city is more hectic than if they now live in a large metropolitan area. Before you travel any where with your parents, for your sake and theirs - do not look at this as a something to be survivied or that is what the trip may become - your mental attitude is important. I am not as old as your parents and I do not care for tours and am now only going on my second cruise this summer ( one more try ) - I did not like the cruise life which for me was quite like a tour - on the bus off the bus or on the boat off the boat. For some people it is a comfort but for others it is an irritant. We did a bus tour in Hawaii last month and by the end of the day all I wanted was to be off the bus away from the bossy guy and I am not high maintenance. The last 15 years of my Mom' s life I traveled with her and they are some of my most treasured memories. As Americans we tend to want to see too much in too little time and from my Mom I learned that the sights do not have to be impressive to be memorable. the slower pace of life can be better because there is less confusion. I learned to pace my travels with Mom with what she would enjoy. I would always give her suggestions and let her " own " the decision of where we would go. If your parents did not like a tour telling them where to go then you may be setting yourself up as the family tour which won't be any better and you're related so the complaing will not be tempered - it could be another disaster if you "own" the tour - let them make decisions about the trip - that is empowering - they may be older but they can think - let them be a part of the process. Just a thought. If the want different places - then split the time and let your Dad find those place they did not see in 68. ONce we had an idea of where we would go then I would do research and present her with a tenative schedule and ask her to fix it so it would work for her. Then I would research again and set up a trip bookso she could think about where she would be going and what she would be seeing before she got there - helps with the confusion and she could anticipate her trip which for many is part of the enjoyment. We stay in apratments whenever possible - more home likeand more space. also it is sometimes nice to have familiar food once a day and not eat always in restaurants even if it is only toast and coffee. You say they like TV - ask them if they can find anything on the travel channel that is interesting - gives them something to think about. They may discover something they would like to do which has nothing to do with the more traditional cities. If you don't care where you take them then that would not make a difference. There is an art to allowing your parents to have control of the decisions while in the background you do all of the work to facilitate a smooth trip by doing your homework with good accomodations - the people on this board are awesome for that - facilitated transportation - wheel chairs if they need them in the big airports or carts to get from point a to b. Simple food decisions - older people tend not like dark noisy restaurants and like to eat at more regulated times because of years of routine. after so many days of eating out - I want something familiar even now. I live in an adult community filled with folks your parents age and they run circles around me - I am in my 50's but there are others who find fault with everything. I wish you luck with your trip and go back and read the post from Bob Brown - he has many good insights throughout his post. Cherish this time with your folks - do not dread it - life is too short.
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Old Mar 31st, 2007, 02:10 AM
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"they're immigrants with heavy accents".

Where do they come from? Would they enjoy a trip back to their country of origin?

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Old Mar 31st, 2007, 06:27 PM
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"Immigrants with heavy accents" - must be Texas then
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Old Apr 1st, 2007, 01:15 AM
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Cruise!!! You could enjoy yourself too.
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