Help me help me elderly parents with holiday plans

[Emmaheather]

My parents (especially dad) are slowing down and have some health/mobility issues. They haven't been on holiday just the two of them since pre-covid. They are keen to go away but not sure where to start. Definitely looking for some sun, around February or march time.

They are independent and quiet people, who like their own space and enjoy experiencing different cultures. All inclusive with entertainment would be their idea of hell. But they would like an easier holiday, and help with transfers from airport to accommodation would really help with stress levels. Any suggestions/advice much appreciated.

I’m in the same boat, I started looking at Saga and then have been googling bird watching holidays etc as that’s their interest.

How far do you think they’d be willing to fly?

Would they consider a cruise? They don't have to be massively sociable, on most ships they would have their own table for meals and could either explore the ports independently or join some organised trips with transport etc. included.

Depending on budget a cabin with a balcony would give them their own space for coffees, drinks etc.

A lot of cruises seem to be set up for older travellers who appreciate some help with mobility etc. There are often programmes of entertainment so speakers to listen to, films, gentle dance or exercise classes if that's their thing.

Again, depends on budget but they could go with Cunard sailing from Southampton so no issues with airports.

I was going to also suggest a cruise.

Discovery Tours - HF Holidays These offer the opportunity to take part in daily tours and a group leader on hand in case of any issues. But no one cares if you chose to do your own thing instead.
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My parents go on cruises now, usually Viking ones, they've just been on one to Turkey. They enjoy all the transfers and trips being organised and going to different locations in comfort. They aren't massively fond of organised entertainment or hugely sociable ( well Dad isn't) but they actually find meeting people from different places quite entertaining!

Thanks for the suggestions. Definitely not up for a cruise. Any other ideas?

Martin Randall cultural tours. Pricey, but very good!

Europe ideally - perhaps southern Spain or maybe the canaries. They visit my brother every other year in Australia so can manage long haul but would prefer not too - it takes them several weeks to recover! In the past they have stopped en route but now just focus on getting there and I think would find European culture easier.

I'll take a look. Thanks

Would they be up for a river cruise? Much more sedate and relaxing than a ocean cruise. Saga do them aswell.

My folks would rather burn in hell than go on a traditional cruise liner but have done a couple river cruises now and absolutely rave about them. They used to do lots of cultural/city tours but would struggle now so this way they still get to travel in style and with a guide and everything organised and if they don't feel up for sightseeing one day there's no pressure. They enjoy the on board dining, use the pool and spa but the boats they have been on only have around 100 guest (& similar number staff) so no big razzmatazz shows or the like! They've done a week on the Danube and a longer Vietnam one and just booked one for France next spring.

That's how my parents got used to the idea of a cruise, river cruises, I think they have now done one in France and Portugal and the Danube!
They never go a big cruise ship.

How old are they OP? My DPs (80 and 76) favour cruises with Noble Caledonia (posh, expensive, small ships, very nice, good food, unusual destinations, although not necessarily far-flung ones and definitely not the huge cruise ships you're probably imagining). They also did a Kirker Holiday long weekend in Salzburg and are fans of Sunvil (Greek specialist holiday provider that has lots of small, boutique and/or family run hotels, not rowdy resorts, very popular with older travellers, but not FOR older travellers IYSWIM. They also do destinations that aren't Greece). Saga has many different trips for different ages and abilities, inc. some that are very adventurous. My aunt (80s) has been on several in years past.

@cheezncrackers I don't think they'd be up for any type of cruise, at the moment anyway. Thanks for all the info tho - sounds great and will look those up

I can't recommend a company as my PIL went with a local travel agency but they did bus tours, 2-3 days in one location, a guide for things to see or they could potter around a town on their own.

They were taken to the airport, then collected and taken to a hotel for 2 days, and then 10 days around Andalusia in May. They also did it in England (they live in Germany).

These were tours specifically for over 60s, some sightseeing was included from start, the other were bookable there if they wanted.

They loved it and only now stopped as they are over 85.