Where shall I take DM for a trip of lifetime

[dizzydizzydizzy]

So, in about a month I will have lots and lots of cash to spend. DM has just turned 80 but Is generally fit and well.

I'd love to take her to somewhere warm and sunny in January or February but would consider any time of year except school holidays.

Where shall we go? I want somewhere quiet and beautiful. We'll want to go on short walks and have good food. I don't need a 5* hotel (although that's not out of the question) but I do need a comfortable bed and a warm welcome. Happy to fly to a big city and stay overnight for a day or two if that is necessary. 2 weeks max, so not Australia.

Maldives is boring unless sitting on a beach is your thing or water sports.

For the holiday of a lifetime there are amazing places to explore but it totally depends whether she likes wildlife (safari), culture (think of numerous cities), like others said New England, cities - New York, Washington, Chicago.

I'd start with what she likes doing then look.

My godparents went to China in their 70s on a guided tour for 2 weeks and had a fabulous time.

We have travelled a fair amount.

Safaris are amazing but the early mornings are not always for everyone! Incredible experience though if you get the right place (I can recommend an amazing lodge around 4 hours from Jo'burg if you're interested).

For me though, out of everywhere we've been, I would go back to Vietnam time and time again. It is the most incredible country - and if you could add in some days at the Six Senses on Con Dao your life would be complete;-)

What about New Zealand?

As beautiful as NZ is, Op has said no to Australia as she’s only able to go away for 2 weeks and the travel time to NZ is even longer.

Costa Rica is fantastic for wildlife - monkeys, sloths, giant lizards, hummingbirds, turtles. Food is good too (kind of Caribbean like). Tropical climate all year round (though can reason a lot). Beaches. Avoid the capital city but otherwise it's fantastic.

Without a doubt I would be thinking Italy 🇮🇹 Beautiful weather, people and food… so much to see and do as well. Maybe along the Amalfi coast? Or stay up north in Lake Garda (home of George clooney) from there you can take day trips into Switzerland. For me Italy= relaxation, beauty, luxury and fun!

At a similar age I took my mum to Cambodia, in fairness we lived in Asia so that broke up the travel. She adored it, totally out of her usual frame of reference, treated like a queen as Asian culture is very respectful of elderly people, our guide was delighted at her age and very determined to be accommodating.
For 2 weeks, I'd go to Singapore and regather then go to a second Asian country for an adventure somewhere Cambodia, Vietnam then back to Singapore before the return leg.

Definitely a cruise. Waking up somewhere new every day is lovely and a far east cruise at that time of year would be lovely

www.tui.co.uk/cruise/asia-cruises/

What about going later in the year and doing a European river cruise. Lots of beautiful scenery to see while you sit on the boat and many interesting stops and things to see and do.

Both my Inlaws and parents have done a Amsterdam to Budapest River cruise and loved it - their highlight being the concert in Vienna.

A safari. My mum and I went to Hoyo Hoyo in Kruger which was absolutely incredible.

New Orleans has a wonderful vibe is she likes jazz music. Amazing food too. Could be incorporated with somewhere else in the US.

I was going to say Japan but otherwise a Silver Wind cruise - ultimate luxury and small cruise ships to interesting locations.

Just had a nose at Silver Wind cruises, they look amazing but unless I win the lottery, probably not for me 😂

Mauritius. Beaches plus more cultural things to do (temple visits, tea plantations, capital of Port Louis, botanical gardens, boat trips, zoo with giant tortoises, including tiny baby giant tortoises...) anyway the point being it gets talked about as a 'beach' destination but there's much more to it.

Svalbard - absolutely beautiful, very quiet, unique. Either go for winter darkness or later for the sun. Remote but accessible, good hotels and food and lots of options for activities. Best holiday we ever did!

Safari in Africa would be my pick. Oman is also incredible if you’re happy to drive!

Israel and Jordan, Jerusalem's Old City is literally like stepping back 2,000 years and Petra really is the experience of a lifetime, utterly magical ... Trailfinders organises tours as do other travel agents!
www.trailfinders.com/tours/the-middle-east/israel/tour-israel-and-jordan-uncovered

Cape Town /South Africa amazing food, stunning scenery, history culture markets and lots of lovely restaurants

The Galapagos Islands.

You’re Iranian suggestions look marvellous,@b83.

Safari - Madikwi is maleria free, amazing traversing so you'll see lots.
Swiss Alps
St Lucia
Seychelles one of the smaller islands
Canada - Lake Louise
Alaska after Canada

I think safari. Have a look at a company called tourdust I went to Morocco with them and it was amazing. You can build your own holiday and they have some safaris that look fabulous.

Kauai, one of the Hawaiian islands. It’s back country Hawaii, the original island so ancient and extremely beautiful.

You can fly direct there from a number of US west coast hubs. It’s very very far from the high rise and shopping Mecca that is Waikiki on Oahu.

Do check on insurance before booking anything.
Sea cruise insurance for an 80-year-old will be staggering - no matter that she might be fitter than someone much younger.

Not sure whether "trip of a lifetime" would apply to Madeira, but it would be suitable in all other respects.