Alone time on holiday?

[andbreathe555]

Hello! First time posting as I couldn't find any posts that gave advice similar to a situation I'm in!

I'm currently on holiday in the Far East to see my uncle, aunt and cousins. My grandparents in their 80s found out I was going and thought it would be nice for us to go altogether.

I didn't have an issue with this at the time as assumed that as they've been here many times in the past that they'll have their own things to do and know how to get around and we can do a few things together and as a whole family and it would be a nice trip.

We're now into a week away and each morning I'm greeted with 'what is the plan today?' And I'm then expected to organise them, where we're going and what we're doing. They also continually bicker with each other, moan about the heat and find it difficult to walk for more than a few minutes without having to stop.

AIBU that I am happy to spend a few days with them and even part days just not every second of the day? I have paid quite a bit for my flights and work very hard and would love a bit of time to relax and unwind before I fly back.

So far, I've only managed to escape for a few hours in the evening and tomorrow I want to pluck up the courage to say that I would like to spend a day touring by myself - I've got no idea what I want to do yet, maybe just read my book in a scenic location or visit some of the sights - not quite sure how I'm going to phrase it and I feel immensely guilty, particularly after today when they said how much they loved spending the day with me.

[Springwalk]

I would say you hope to go hiking/running/mountaineering /to a spa (something at 80 they couldn’t do) to save their feelings and offer to take them to dinner instead?
You absolutely need a break. They won’t mind! They will probably be very grateful for a rest. I know I would be if I was their age in that kind of heat.

[andbreathe555]

Springwalk - thanks for replying. That's such a useful and kind suggestion - thanks very much. Hiking probably not but I'll think of something equivalent

[Chamomileteaplease]

I would also suggest that you put it to them as a fait accompli.

Do not say things like "do you mind?" Otherwise you may find yourself backed into a corner!

YOu could say, "I hope you enjoy doing your own thing today." " I am sure you understand."

I think you are lovely to have done it in the first place!! Best of luck.

[woolduvet]

Choose something they couldn't do
Tomorrow morning I'm doing x, it doesn't sound like your thing do should we meet for dinner.
Sadly your thing may be cancelled so you did y. But you'll try to do x another day.

[Dishwashersaurous]

You don’t actually have to go hiking, o or BASE jumping or anything but you can use it as an excuse to disappear for the day.

Of fact just say that you are heading out really early tomorrow so will probably be gone before they wake up

[andbreathe555]

Thanks for all your advice. Turns out I was worrying about nothing and they wanted a day to rest today!

[SavageBeauty73]

Have a great day!