Love this! So awesome - what a gift to have that special time and adventure together! You've inspired me to think about doing something similar with my Mom. She's not as great or comfortable with travel but I could figure out a different way to have an adventure!
I loved reading about your adventures with your mom! So happy for you two to be able to share such a special time together.
I've had the pleasure of traveling with 2 feisty 80 year olds who ran circles around my family and I (even the teens). One tip if you're traveling overseas, is to carry copious amounts of Immodium and electrolyte supplements to be able to aggressively treat any symptoms of traveler's tummy. The electrolyte imbalance stemming from the illness can sneak up on you & particularly hits young and elderly travelers quite hard.
Such an amazing trip! I would add one big suggestion for traveling with seniors: wheelchair rental. You can arrange for.a wheelchair pickup at the airport at both your departure and arrival destinations. It also helps your party bypass the lines and crowds! Wheelchair rentals are available at so many destinations around the country. Even if mom uses a walker, there may be times when there is just too walking. Have a seat and enjoy the ride! For more on this for our big Disney Disneyworld trip, see Alanna's blog post: https://periodicadventures.com/everything-to-know-about-wheelchair-rentals-at-walt-disney-world/
“This road trip reminded me that I’m my Mom’s kid, and she still misses me in the same way.” Made me cry. So good to remember that our moms miss us in the same way that we miss our adult kids - maybe with some of the edges worn down over time.
I'm a bit late to comment, but I just got home from visiting my parents and doing a trip with my mom, too. My mom and I went to visit my great aunt Alice a couple weeks ago. My mom is 76 and Aunt Alice is 104. I've always had fun traveling with my mom, and this trip was no exception, but the amazing part was Aunt Alice. She's truly a marvel. She didn't want miss out on anything, so went along with us on all our adventures. She lives in San Diego, so we went to the Wild Animal Park and to Hotel del Coronado, and both places she walked and walked (with her walker). We went slower, and didn't see as much as we would have if she hadn't been there, but the time with her was worth so much more than seeing the sights. It was also really fun! Her joy at wandering around the Del (Hotel del Coronado) was was delight. I live in Australia, so it is likely that's the last time I'll get to spend time with her, and it was such a gift.
Finding this late - and from Notes, in case you are curious about such things. I loved this piece. I have parents about your mom’s age who I last traveled with when they were in their early 70s. They were always “cruisers” and you couldn’t pay me to go on one of those (well, you probably could). Due to health reasons they don’t travel anymore, but your piece has me thinking a short road trip where I handle all the details is doable.
Also, as a Decemberists fan and a pun addict, I especially appreciated the Cucumberists/Decemberists mix-up. I’m thinking you could get the band to do a secret tour as The Cucumberists. Colin Meloy is on Substack; pitch it to him!:)
11 tips for road tripping with elderly relatives
I loved this!
Love this! So awesome - what a gift to have that special time and adventure together! You've inspired me to think about doing something similar with my Mom. She's not as great or comfortable with travel but I could figure out a different way to have an adventure!
I loved reading about your adventures with your mom! So happy for you two to be able to share such a special time together.
I've had the pleasure of traveling with 2 feisty 80 year olds who ran circles around my family and I (even the teens). One tip if you're traveling overseas, is to carry copious amounts of Immodium and electrolyte supplements to be able to aggressively treat any symptoms of traveler's tummy. The electrolyte imbalance stemming from the illness can sneak up on you & particularly hits young and elderly travelers quite hard.
Such an amazing trip! I would add one big suggestion for traveling with seniors: wheelchair rental. You can arrange for.a wheelchair pickup at the airport at both your departure and arrival destinations. It also helps your party bypass the lines and crowds! Wheelchair rentals are available at so many destinations around the country. Even if mom uses a walker, there may be times when there is just too walking. Have a seat and enjoy the ride! For more on this for our big Disney Disneyworld trip, see Alanna's blog post: https://periodicadventures.com/everything-to-know-about-wheelchair-rentals-at-walt-disney-world/
“This road trip reminded me that I’m my Mom’s kid, and she still misses me in the same way.” Made me cry. So good to remember that our moms miss us in the same way that we miss our adult kids - maybe with some of the edges worn down over time.
I'm a bit late to comment, but I just got home from visiting my parents and doing a trip with my mom, too. My mom and I went to visit my great aunt Alice a couple weeks ago. My mom is 76 and Aunt Alice is 104. I've always had fun traveling with my mom, and this trip was no exception, but the amazing part was Aunt Alice. She's truly a marvel. She didn't want miss out on anything, so went along with us on all our adventures. She lives in San Diego, so we went to the Wild Animal Park and to Hotel del Coronado, and both places she walked and walked (with her walker). We went slower, and didn't see as much as we would have if she hadn't been there, but the time with her was worth so much more than seeing the sights. It was also really fun! Her joy at wandering around the Del (Hotel del Coronado) was was delight. I live in Australia, so it is likely that's the last time I'll get to spend time with her, and it was such a gift.
Finding this late - and from Notes, in case you are curious about such things. I loved this piece. I have parents about your mom’s age who I last traveled with when they were in their early 70s. They were always “cruisers” and you couldn’t pay me to go on one of those (well, you probably could). Due to health reasons they don’t travel anymore, but your piece has me thinking a short road trip where I handle all the details is doable.
Also, as a Decemberists fan and a pun addict, I especially appreciated the Cucumberists/Decemberists mix-up. I’m thinking you could get the band to do a secret tour as The Cucumberists. Colin Meloy is on Substack; pitch it to him!:)