Where would you take your 70+ parents?
Apr 1st, 2007, 01:53 PM
#62
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know if things have changed in Paris, but it seemed every Paris restaurant's toilet was down a long flight of stairs. This could be a problem to consider.
I have to comment. You are very nice and loving to plan a trip for high maintenance parents. My parents were extremely high maintenance; I took a trip with my mother once , only three days to San Francisco, and it was an extemely LONG trip, but then I was never very assertive about expressing myself when either of them became difficult. Good luck to you all. P.S. I'd go with the apartment idea in Paris. It would give everyone the most freedom. You would be able to spread out. It's more relaxing than a small hotel room. And if food is an issue for anyone, they would be able to control it better. My father loved strolling through supermarkets both at home and while traveling. You, also might consider a smaller French city like Lyon where you get some of the Paris feeling without the crowds. Lyon is very comfortable to move about and has more than enough to occupy one leisurely for a week. And if one were feeling adventuresome, you could spend a day driving to Burgundy or even closer to Lyon, Beaujoulais' small villages. Again, good luck.
I have to comment. You are very nice and loving to plan a trip for high maintenance parents. My parents were extremely high maintenance; I took a trip with my mother once , only three days to San Francisco, and it was an extemely LONG trip, but then I was never very assertive about expressing myself when either of them became difficult. Good luck to you all. P.S. I'd go with the apartment idea in Paris. It would give everyone the most freedom. You would be able to spread out. It's more relaxing than a small hotel room. And if food is an issue for anyone, they would be able to control it better. My father loved strolling through supermarkets both at home and while traveling. You, also might consider a smaller French city like Lyon where you get some of the Paris feeling without the crowds. Lyon is very comfortable to move about and has more than enough to occupy one leisurely for a week. And if one were feeling adventuresome, you could spend a day driving to Burgundy or even closer to Lyon, Beaujoulais' small villages. Again, good luck.
Apr 1st, 2007, 01:57 PM
#64
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,869
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
www.chinafocustravel.com
Dirt cheap HC 12/13 day first class tour.
We are not tour group folks, but this is NOT to be missed.
M
Dirt cheap HC 12/13 day first class tour.
We are not tour group folks, but this is NOT to be missed.
M
Apr 30th, 2007, 08:33 AM
#69
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I took (as in organized but did not pay for) my mother (now 75 - age between 70 and 75 at the time) to London, Paris, Sedona/Grand Canyon, Asheville. While she is a great person, being with her 24/7 drove me up the wall. I have a low annoynce tolerance and that much togetherness really pushed all my buttons for getting irritated. I wish you luck but don't envy you!! I think London and Paris were just too big and busy for her and she didnt' like the food at all. She had the best time in Sedona which was small and slow in pace. I would try to include countryside/small town in the mix
May 24th, 2007, 04:04 PM
#70
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dad now wants to go to China, mom not thrilled with the idea but he usually gets his way. This might change things a bit since I don't have any clue about navigating through China and it would take a lot more research and time for me to work out a trip.
I'm tempted to just get their award tickets and let them sign up with a group tour which they seem totally willing to do (I almost hit the floor when they said they'd do another group tour). I didn't mention the roadside fistfight or the other "kinks" they ran into on their last group tour... oy vey.
Is it totally orientalist for me to be feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of planning a trip to China? Dad sounds like he wants to visit several different areas which is a way more stressful and hectic itinerary than settling into an apt in Vienna or Paris for a week (which is more what I had in mind and thought I could handle).
I'm tempted to just get their award tickets and let them sign up with a group tour which they seem totally willing to do (I almost hit the floor when they said they'd do another group tour). I didn't mention the roadside fistfight or the other "kinks" they ran into on their last group tour... oy vey.
Is it totally orientalist for me to be feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of planning a trip to China? Dad sounds like he wants to visit several different areas which is a way more stressful and hectic itinerary than settling into an apt in Vienna or Paris for a week (which is more what I had in mind and thought I could handle).
May 25th, 2007, 04:36 AM
#71
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,642
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
China! Wow. Good luck with that.
Is there any possibility they would consider Singapore as a substitute? I know it's not as exotic as China, but it's still quite interesting (my husband lived there for several years) and would be much easier for your parents to manage....they could probably get by on their own (although it is very warm and muggy, if they're sensitive to heat, it's probably not for them). Most people speak English and it's very clean. However, they're not going to see "famous painting that they've only heard about or have seen in books." They could combine Singapore with a luxury train ride to Bangok.
http://www.orient-express.com/web/eo...eys/3_7140.jsp
Although I still think Vienna is the *best* fit for your parents, Singapore might be the easiest intro to the Far East for them.
Is there any possibility they would consider Singapore as a substitute? I know it's not as exotic as China, but it's still quite interesting (my husband lived there for several years) and would be much easier for your parents to manage....they could probably get by on their own (although it is very warm and muggy, if they're sensitive to heat, it's probably not for them). Most people speak English and it's very clean. However, they're not going to see "famous painting that they've only heard about or have seen in books." They could combine Singapore with a luxury train ride to Bangok.
http://www.orient-express.com/web/eo...eys/3_7140.jsp
Although I still think Vienna is the *best* fit for your parents, Singapore might be the easiest intro to the Far East for them.
May 25th, 2007, 08:56 AM
#72
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't know if you've said when you're planning the trip, or if you're set on paris or china, can I throw Barcelona in the air? I man if they've already been to Paris anyway, this is one of the best cities (cultural city of Europe) to get a real feel for spain.
Stuff they'd like:
Picasso museum
daytrip to Figueres to the Salvador Dali museum (he designed it)
Gaudi architecture, incl. Sagrada Familia cathedrale and casa Batllo and Guell parc.
Miro foundation gallery
Flamenco
Montjuic, by cable car or ferrocarril, which has a war museum in the fortress(great inquisition paintings and swords) and brilliant views of the city.
The port and seafood restaurants with paella.. nice beach walks etc.
las ramblas and gotico, ancient roman architecture and gothic cathedral, with antique markets (at the minute)
little winding streets in gotico
jump-on-jump off tour bus which takes you around the city, visting places like the aforementioned and the olimpic stadium area, as well as poble espanol (old-style village) and Plaza España which has amazing fountain displays at the weekend.
Barcelona is small for a city and yes, the metro is quite close to street level. taxis and metro and bus are all quite cheap.
Have a look at the pictures and area info : http://www.way2stay.com/Barcelona-apartments-en-52.html
This is also a great group to get your 2 bedroom apartment with.
here's a nice 1st floor apartment:
http://www.way2stay.com/Barcelona-ap...-en-52-194.htm
This city is absolutely beautiful, it still stuns me every day.
Very grand balcony facades on the main avenues like Passeig de Gracia and those in Eixample.
it's getting hot for the summer but if you're planning for later in the year, like sept/oct maybe, its still lovely and warm and sunny.with less tourists.
When are you going?
Get them here to the mediterranean!
Stuff they'd like:
Picasso museum
daytrip to Figueres to the Salvador Dali museum (he designed it)
Gaudi architecture, incl. Sagrada Familia cathedrale and casa Batllo and Guell parc.
Miro foundation gallery
Flamenco
Montjuic, by cable car or ferrocarril, which has a war museum in the fortress(great inquisition paintings and swords) and brilliant views of the city.
The port and seafood restaurants with paella.. nice beach walks etc.
las ramblas and gotico, ancient roman architecture and gothic cathedral, with antique markets (at the minute)
little winding streets in gotico
jump-on-jump off tour bus which takes you around the city, visting places like the aforementioned and the olimpic stadium area, as well as poble espanol (old-style village) and Plaza España which has amazing fountain displays at the weekend.
Barcelona is small for a city and yes, the metro is quite close to street level. taxis and metro and bus are all quite cheap.
Have a look at the pictures and area info : http://www.way2stay.com/Barcelona-apartments-en-52.html
This is also a great group to get your 2 bedroom apartment with.
here's a nice 1st floor apartment:
http://www.way2stay.com/Barcelona-ap...-en-52-194.htm
This city is absolutely beautiful, it still stuns me every day.
Very grand balcony facades on the main avenues like Passeig de Gracia and those in Eixample.
it's getting hot for the summer but if you're planning for later in the year, like sept/oct maybe, its still lovely and warm and sunny.with less tourists.
When are you going?
Get them here to the mediterranean!
May 25th, 2007, 09:28 AM
#73
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,293
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Consider a European river cruise, possible with Grand Circle Tours. They're very relaxed--no changing hotels--but cover quite a lot of ground. Sightseeing is included, as are all meals in the excellent restaurants aboard.
May 25th, 2007, 09:34 AM
#74
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,858
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My aunt and uncle went to China when they were that old or older, and had a good time. For that location, I think you must do a tour (at least in this case). There are some very good ones to China, I've read a lot of positive things about a couple of them (on Frommers or somewhere).
Why don't you go to Frommers and search their China forum and their past articles, you will probably find some. I think Pacific Delights was one I remember, and maybe Smartours.
This is their page with mentions of tour groups and comments
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...330023531.html
Actually, I didn't think renting an apt. in a foreign country for people who are anxious and high-maintenance was a very good idea.
Why don't you go to Frommers and search their China forum and their past articles, you will probably find some. I think Pacific Delights was one I remember, and maybe Smartours.
This is their page with mentions of tour groups and comments
http://www.frommers.com/destinations...330023531.html
Actually, I didn't think renting an apt. in a foreign country for people who are anxious and high-maintenance was a very good idea.
May 26th, 2007, 11:19 AM
#75
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fishee, you are so sweet to want to take your parents! I agree with those who think they (esp. your father) should be in on the decision-making. Is your mother enthusiastic about China? It would be nice to have them both enthusiastic, although it sounds like you and your mother will have a better time if your father is happy.
I am casting my vote for Vienna because it's beautiful and the old part of the city is compact. It's very easy to walk around and there is a lot to see, as well as lovely towns outside the city which are easy to reach by train or by boat on the Danube. I love the food and the coffee house culture.
I think you should get 2 rooms in a nice hotel-- I love the Alstadt but it might be too out of the way for them. The Konig von Ungarn is very popular and looks really nice. Staying in an apartment would be too confining for me; you will want your space!
I've flown on Austrian Air to Vienna a couple of times and it is a nice airline, and Vienna has a very manageable airport.
Good luck and keep us posted!
I am casting my vote for Vienna because it's beautiful and the old part of the city is compact. It's very easy to walk around and there is a lot to see, as well as lovely towns outside the city which are easy to reach by train or by boat on the Danube. I love the food and the coffee house culture.
I think you should get 2 rooms in a nice hotel-- I love the Alstadt but it might be too out of the way for them. The Konig von Ungarn is very popular and looks really nice. Staying in an apartment would be too confining for me; you will want your space!
I've flown on Austrian Air to Vienna a couple of times and it is a nice airline, and Vienna has a very manageable airport.
Good luck and keep us posted!
Oct 19th, 2007, 04:01 AM
#78
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, it would be interesting to know what was decided. Being of the age of the "elderly parents" I am feeling pretty good about us!!
Personally I would take them back to Paris and have a wonderful relaxed time. I would also get two hotel rooms and NOT an apartment. This way the front desk gets to give advice, the breakfast is what the hotel serves, etc. Paris is such an "accessible" city with walking, buses, and Metro. Hire a guide like Michael Osman to show the little hidden things and especially for the museums.
Maybe take a couple of days and drive through Normandy on one or the other end of the trip.
If they get stressed easily, simplify the trip. A good guide will do that. Stopping often just to people watch? Paris!
We just took our grandchildren on a dinosaur "hunt" in Colorado--70 can be the new 50!!
Personally I would take them back to Paris and have a wonderful relaxed time. I would also get two hotel rooms and NOT an apartment. This way the front desk gets to give advice, the breakfast is what the hotel serves, etc. Paris is such an "accessible" city with walking, buses, and Metro. Hire a guide like Michael Osman to show the little hidden things and especially for the museums.
Maybe take a couple of days and drive through Normandy on one or the other end of the trip.
If they get stressed easily, simplify the trip. A good guide will do that. Stopping often just to people watch? Paris!
We just took our grandchildren on a dinosaur "hunt" in Colorado--70 can be the new 50!!
Oct 19th, 2007, 06:24 AM
#79
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Personally, fishee, I would stand up for your mother. Take her to Paris, then let your father decide if wants to tag along. He sounds rather abusive and controlling.
My favorite travel journalist is Rudy Maxa. He is certainly finds the classiest things to do in the destinations he reports on. If you have high definition channels, he is on public television's high definition channel.
He has certainly done videos for Paris, Vienna, and all great European destinations. And, he has a new series of videos of the Pacific Rim--Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Hawaii, Western Canada, etc.
Click on one of these two links to for more info:
http://www.rudymaxa.com/television.php
http://www.travelvideostore.com/inde...=1&sort=4a
My favorite travel journalist is Rudy Maxa. He is certainly finds the classiest things to do in the destinations he reports on. If you have high definition channels, he is on public television's high definition channel.
He has certainly done videos for Paris, Vienna, and all great European destinations. And, he has a new series of videos of the Pacific Rim--Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Hawaii, Western Canada, etc.
Click on one of these two links to for more info:
http://www.rudymaxa.com/television.php
http://www.travelvideostore.com/inde...=1&sort=4a
Oct 19th, 2007, 06:49 AM
#80
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fishee: how does the story end? There I was happily rooting for Paris/Mom and then noticed the date...I can really relate to the difficult Dad syndrome (wondered if you were my long lost sibling at one point!), but we all went to Paris with my Dad and had a great time. Saved Rome for my Mom who was way more go-with-the-flow..
