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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

Where to take 80 year old dad on holiday?

13 replies

doistayordoigo · 01/05/2022 10:51

Hi, hoping for some ideas for holiday destinations/resorts.

My mum died a month or so ago but my dad is really keen to go on holiday, it seems to be what's keeping him going. My DH and I have some time booked off mid to late June and are happy to take him away for a week with us, but he's only just sent off his passport for renewal, so not sure whether this is achievable or not. My two DSs would also be coming, they're 21 & 19.

Can anyone recommend a good location? We want some nice sunbathing weather, ideally close enough to a resort for dad to be able to take a potter along the front if he needs some space, and not too long a flight. Eldest DS doesn't like it too hot so has ruled out Greece and not Italy or Croatia either, as that's where mum and dad have been together.

TIA

OP posts:

ivykaty44 · 01/05/2022 10:54

Portugal, lagos or nearby
Majorca over in Port Pollensa

JudgeRindersMinder · 01/05/2022 10:55

We took my then similarly aged dad to Portugal a week in June, it was the best week for a million reasons

Whitney168 · 01/05/2022 10:57

Given the timings and the current reported passport issues, I'd be taking the stress-free approach and looking at Jersey or Guernsey.

Original poster

doistayordoigo · 01/05/2022 11:24

Whitney168 · 01/05/2022 10:57

Given the timings and the current reported passport issues, I'd be taking the stress-free approach and looking at Jersey or Guernsey.

I know, I'm not planning on booking anything until he has it back, but he's adamant he wants to go abroad, so Jersey or Guernsey wont' cut it I'm afraid! Unfortunately my DH can't change his leave dates either.

Portugal will probably be out as he's been twice but didn't particularly enjoy either time for some reason.

@ivykaty44 Will have a loot at Puerto Pollensa, thanks.

Does anyone know what Tosaa de Mar is like?

OP posts:

Ihaveamagicwand · 01/05/2022 11:30

Madeira, preferably in Funchal.

Original poster

doistayordoigo · 01/05/2022 11:35

Ihaveamagicwand · 01/05/2022 11:30

Madeira, preferably in Funchal.

Loved the look of Madeira, saw it on Susan Calman's recent cruising programme. I'm not 100% sure but I think mum and dad were booked for Madeira before the pandemic hit and never got to go, so not sure whether he'd be up for that yet or not...

OP posts:

BreakorMake · 01/05/2022 11:36

For something a bit different, have you considered Nice? No offence but it is a popular place for all age groups, and the ahem, elderly are very visible on the Promenade des Anglais, doing there daily"promenade". Very civilised too.

It can be a tad expensive to stay, but air b+b might work. You can get the tram/train to most places along the coast, it is very accessible. There is fab shopping, great grub and well, it is just a bit different to a sun resort.

Other than that I would recommend Malaga city, not the costas nearby. Fab place, with a beach, beach shack restaurants, tapas bars, more shopping, and plenty to see and do. The train will take you up the coast to places like Fuengirola if you fancy a day on the beach etc.

Original poster

doistayordoigo · 01/05/2022 11:50

@BreakorMake Nice would be fabulous for us, love France and have been a lot ourselves, but dad is, shall we say, a but fussy when it comes to food? The one time we took him to France before he complained constantly about the food, and we vowed never to go self catering with him again

OP posts:

BreakorMake · 01/05/2022 11:56

doistayordoigo · 01/05/2022 11:50

I get it, at your Dad's age he knows what he likes and what he doesn't, and you want to make it special for him. I'm sure you know that restaurants in France/Nice have recognisable stuff too. It's not all Michelin stars and moules mariniere!

But if it's the case that Dad won't eat local food, I'm afraid you might be stuck with Costa del Egg n Chips!

midsomermurderess · 01/05/2022 12:33

Madeira is very lovely. A 4 hour flight. Beautiful gardens to visit. The food is not that fancy.

helpfulperson · 01/05/2022 12:43

Tossa del mar is nice. It has a massive waterpark near by which might appeal to the younger people. Easy to get to Barcelona. Boat trips and water sports.

Madeira is nice but I didn't really take to funchal. Very busy with cruise ships.

Original poster

doistayordoigo · 01/05/2022 12:58

BreakorMake · 01/05/2022 11:56

But if it's the case that Dad won't eat local food, I'm afraid you might be stuck with Costa del Egg n Chips!

Show quote history

It's more that he says he'll eat anything, but he really won't! Last time we went to France he complained about the way a steak and a burger were cooked, nothing wrong with either of them Didn't like my DH's home cooking either, and DH is a great cook! Even in the UK it involves walking past every.single.restaurant and not liking any of them, With a half board buffet he can get anything he likes the look of and if he doesn't like it it doesn't matter as he can always get something else.

OP posts:

Original poster

doistayordoigo · 01/05/2022 13:00

I like the look of Madeira for DH and me in September, temperature looks nice although a bit of rain possible?

OP posts:

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