Help, mom is turning 80 this summer (late June) and I would like to send she and her significant other (also 80) away for a long weekend or longer. Both are pretty healthy and active but I think I need something close to an airport where they can be picked up by a hotel shuttle or similar situation. We live in the Boston area and I will try to use my ff miles for their tickets. Mom has never traveled west of Ohio and loves to take tours. Thought Colorado Springs would be great but it's 90 minutes from the airport and if I can avoid a rental car for them I would prefer that. Any suggestions?

There is probably a travel company in Boston that organizes short excursions that appeal to older folks. You could get a brochure and let your Mom and her companion decide.

hey bogger

I've never been on one because I think I'm not old enough but my father in law swears by Elder Hostels. They're kind of educational programs for seniors and they usually stay at colleges or other spots. By the way, my father in law is 85.

DUH...I completely forgot about those excursions and I think they are posted in our newspaper every weekend. Yes, I think Elder Hostel is a good suggestion but it might take more planning and I'm running out of time.

There's an airport in Colorado Springs but there's really nothing for them to do without a car there. How about San Francisco?

Palm Springs?

Bermuda?

Arizona? Good weather and plenty to see. I am sure there are tour companies to show folks the museums, native ruins, etc.

Why do you think you are running out of time regarding an Elderhostel program? You can them in Boston phone for a quick reservation after looking over the offering on line or in catalogue. Many folks do register late. And they can arrange transportation from an airport.

Hey, you rarely stay on college campuses anymore (although some of us don't mind). Locations now in motels and sometimes very nice ones, too...or resorts, lodges, etc.

Ozarks Bill (been to 21 EH programs)
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bermuda was a good suggestion, also what about jackson wyoming? beautiful country

santa fe? palm springs? even vegas!

Some of the above suggestions are great, such as Arizona, Las Vegas, etc. But assuming you're sending them in late June (since that's when her birthday is), I think those places would be waaaaaay too hot. Unless you plan to put the trip off for awhile, I'd avoid desert locations. Since your mother likes tours, you might want to check out Grand Circle Travel, since they seem to cater to older travelers and have a pretty good reputation.

The altitude in Colorado could also be a problem for an older couple. You might want to check with her doctor. What a great gift!

Why not give your Mom some choices and let her pick? Would the Grand Canyon be too hot then? Mesa Verde, Monument Valley to the SW Rockies (Telluride?)? That would be awesome! So many wonderful places to go!

Yeah, I agree with Orcas. Why not let Mom choose. You might ask "where would you like to travel to that you've never seen but always wanted to?" And you explain that this is your gift to her.
Ozarks Bill

I haven't been, but Branson Missouri is a hot spot for older folks isn't it? I believe there is a lot of entertainment that they would enjoy.
I also like the Bermuda suggestion, just beautiful there.

Yep, Branson is quite a place. For some. There are lots of shows with a variety of music and dance. Some are quite good. Many bus loads of seniors come from all over. We go to some ourselves (and are among the oldsters) yet prefer other destinations. It might in fact be a good idea for the 80 year old mom.

There are various ideas about the area posted on a thread Come to the Ozarks.

ozarksbill