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Elderly parents
Original poster

Holidays for older singles!

12 replies

hpertrophywife · 05/09/2024 20:03

Like SAGA?! Thinking about an elderly, widowed parent (80) who lives independently but is not very mobile. Travelled widely with her DH and misses it. We can do long weekends, but aren't able to do anything further afield/longer! Is there such a thing. (Apologies if it looks like I'm trying to set her up - that's not it!)

OP posts:
twentysevendresses · 05/09/2024 20:29

Does she actually want to go on a singles holiday at '80 and not very mobile'? I mean, good for her if she does, but I'd be a bit concerned if my dear old mum (sadly no longer with us) suggested she holidayed alone when she was 80, and also not very mobile.

HeyPrestoAlakazam · 05/09/2024 20:31

Cruises often have older single people and daily solo meetups. Lots to get involved in. Shows to watch and company at dinner if she wants.

Howdull · 05/09/2024 20:35

There are lots of meet-up groups that do holidays, also TourRadar. You can filter for easily accessible holidays with TourRadar

Original poster
hpertrophywife · 05/09/2024 20:46

I've used the word 'singles' wrongly! But yes - she wants to go on holiday!

OP posts:
Bumply · 05/09/2024 21:16

Passion for Cruises specialises in cruises for solo travellers (when a lot of bookings either don't allow solo or charge you for two). They have website and FB group advertising the trips and you can chat with others going on your chosen cruise and meet up on board.

They have an associated FB group for booking hotel based holidays.

I'm also on an FB group for "Women over 50 Travelling Solo and Loving it" which is really good for inspiration and just hearing what others get up to. Lots of hints and tips.

EmotionalBlackmail · 05/09/2024 22:44

The local paper and bus company advertise coach trips which appear to be aimed at older people. A few nights away in a coach to a hotel with everything provided. Would have to be fit enough to get up the steps to the coach though!

Crikeyalmighty · 06/09/2024 13:35

One thing to mention is my 85 year old FIL- who is very 'with it' mentioned that his travel/health insurance won't cover sea cruises over a certain age - only river cruises

Gardendiary · 06/09/2024 13:42

Your mum, might not be ready for this, but my Gran went to Merton House well into her 90s and was picked up door to door. She had a fabulous time, met people and made a friend who she would meet up with there on a yearly basis.

http://www.web190536.clarahost.co.uk/merton/index.html

Home

http://www.web190536.clarahost.co.uk/merton/index.html

HeyPrestoAlakazam · 06/09/2024 13:46

Crikeyalmighty · 06/09/2024 13:35

One thing to mention is my 85 year old FIL- who is very 'with it' mentioned that his travel/health insurance won't cover sea cruises over a certain age - only river cruises

You can get specific insurers that cover high risk conditions, being very advanced in years etc for cruises but you have to shop around and they can be extremely expensive.

Mischance · 06/09/2024 13:57

Saga is eye-wateringly expensive. I am retired and widowed so have been looking into all these things.

The problem with these organised trips is that they include lots of excursions - which bore the brains out of me - traipsing around towns and cities does not float my boat, however beautiful they are. What I sued to do when I was well was find a cottage in the middle of nowhere, possibly by the coast, and go for lovely walks. None of the companies cater for this, and any with walks are too strenuous.

I have been looking into coach trips where the hotel is on the very sea front/shore, so that if you want to miss the excursions, you can enjoy the sea view with a good book or a gentle stroll. Leger and Shearings have some like this.

Beware the single supplements!!

Meadowfinch · 06/09/2024 14:03

My dm, in her 80s, went on coach trips, with organised hotel stays along the way.

Scotland was a favourite, and the Languedoc. She did one to the tulip fields of the Netherlands as well. I think Shearings was one company.

It meant she had companions to chat to, or not as she chose. Travel and accommodation were included, she didn't need to be too energetic if she didn't feel like it.

FairyPoppins · 06/09/2024 14:06

My 87 Yr old mum does the coach trips... she skips the trips out if she doesn't fancy them
She tried Shearings, but they expected her to get on a feeder coach, travel 75 Miles North to get the coach that was going to the final destination, and come all the way back south again on that coach.
She's found a small company, who pick up in our city, and include a taxi from home to where the coach sets off from.
She says there are people with varying mobility issues. She always books a hotel with a lift, and as these holidays are generally Mon-Fri, a cabin sized suitcase with wheels has always been manageable

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