Having aging parents doesn’t mean that you’ll have to spend a week lazing on the beach doing nothing during your family vacations. If your parents are fit enough to travel, they can certainly do loads of fun stuff!
From nature photography and boat rides to scenic drives and gentle, manageable walks, here are some of our favorite things to do with OUR parents!
1. Visit the Grand Canyon
Unless you’re an infant, the vastness of the Grand Canyon never ceases to amaze folks of all ages. From the bustling South Rim to the quieter North, a drive around the Canyon and short walks around places of interest will entertain you for many days. And if your parents are in real good shape, there’s always the Bright Angel Trail for a tougher challenge. Word of caution: It is not a stroll in the park, even for us!
2. Visit the Geysers at Yellowstone National Park
The popular geysers are located near parking lots and the area is relatively flat. Their spectacular eruption is a sight to behold and the wildlife is spectacular. Along the way, look out for grizzlies, bison, moose, elk, and black bears, but stay in your vehicle!
3. Drive Along the Pacific Coast Highway
One of the most jaw-droppingly scenic drives in the world, the PCH in California takes about 10 hours from north to south. However, why do it in a stretch when you can make dozens of pit stops along the way for some beach time?
4. Go on a Cruise
Cruises don’t have to be all about cocktails and pools, as many operators have tons of activities like dancing and theatrical performances. Or if your parents are party-goers, some pool parties on cruise ships are legendary.
5. Go to New Hampshire in the Fall
Like many northeastern states, New Hampshire in fall explodes in a dazzling display of colors. Do some scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway or if your parents are active, hike the Falling Water Trail which is a gentle trail that goes along three waterfalls.
6. Visit Las Vegas
Las Vegas is one of the top tourist destinations in the US for a reason. The “Sin City” attracts over 40 million people each year and is well-equipped to handle visitors of all ages. Maybe your parents would like to try their luck on a game of roulette or craps just for fun!
7. “Flightseeing” in Alaska
There are loads to do in Alaska, including taking a scenic train ride, a cruise, or going for a flight to view glaciers. Look out for grizzlies and polar bears, and if you (and your parents!) are brave enough for the cold, the Northern Lights is an absolute must.
8. Chow Down in Florida
With its mild winters and sunny weather, Florida has long been popular with retirees. The food scene is excellent, so save your appetite and be prepared to pig out on some choice seafood!
9. Drive Route 66
Established in 1926, Route 66 was one of the first highways in the US. It runs through several states from Chicago and Missouri to Arizona and California with plenty to see along the way so be sure to stop at some historical towns to go back in time.
10. Visit Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a peaceful, calm lake that has many facilities for the mobility-challenged or seniors. Go for a leisurely boat ride or if your parents are paddlers, you can hire a kayak and spend a day out fishing on the lake.
11. Beach Hop in Georgia
As the throngs flood California and Florida each summer, one of the most underrated states for beaches is Georgia. Beach hop your way across more than 100 miles of coastline and visit one of the 15 barrier islands just off the coast. The more active can enjoy loads of low-impact water sports like kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and floating, or you can simply laze on the beach and work on your tan.
12. Go on a Winery Tour
If your parents are wine aficionados, head to one of the wine regions like Napa Valley in California, Willamette Valley in Oregon, or Columbia Valley in Washington. For something on the east coast, New York’s Finger Lakes is an excellent choice.
13. Stargaze in Big Bend National Park
The universe is massive, and one of the best ways to marvel at its sheer magnificence is from Big Bend. Located in South Texas, the park is a certified Dark Sky Park, which makes it ideal for stargazing. If your parents are feeling particularly energetic, you can also hike many of the easier trails in the Chisos Mountains and around the Rio Grande River.
14. City Bus Tours
Tired of driving? Explore lesser-known cities all around the country on buses instead! Drive to several cities you and your parents want to know better and jump on one of the many bus tours for a fun day out without the stress of making decisions. Most operators also allow you to jump on and off whenever you want so you can explore a little on foot.
15. Go on a Mississippi River Cruise
The mighty Mississippi River stretches a whopping 2,350 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, and one of the best ways to see parts of it is to go on a river cruise. Along the way, you can make pit stops in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, St. Louis, and Vicksburg.
16. Chill Out in an All-Inclusive Resort
Feeling a little too lazy to plan a road trip and organize accommodation? Pop into an all-inclusive resort and let the professionals take care of everything. All you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself! A few notable resorts are The Lodge in Georgia, Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado, and Castle Hot Springs in Arizona.
17. Hit the Museums
If your parents are history buffs, the US is famed for its collection of world-class museums, many of which prioritize accessibility so everyone can enjoy them. Key museums include the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York, the Smithsonian in Washington DC, and the Getty Center in LA, California.
18. Rent an RV
If your parents like the great outdoors and don’t fuss too much about creature comforts, one of the best ways of touring the nation is with an RV. You can easily rent one and hit the road, visiting National Parks and scenic campgrounds along the way. And there’s nothing like a campfire at night and a couple of cold ones for some quality bonding time!
19. Fly to Hawaii
If flying is possible, a trip to Hawaii is always satisfying. Skip the tourist-laden beaches like Waikiki and Hanauma Bay and head further north for some peace and quiet. Visit Haleiwa and watch crazy surfers charge the massive waves in winter or drive to the northeastern beaches that tend to be quieter.
20. Golf and Spa Retreats
If either of your parents play golf, you could spoil them with a couple of days on an award-winning course. And if golf isn’t their thing, there are usually spas and other lavish facilities that you can easily spend a day in.
21. Bird Watching and Photography Tours
If your parents are big into nature, bird watching, or photography, you can sign up for the many tours around as a family. Not only will they participate in loads of enjoyable activities but they can also stay fit with some light walking and exploring on foot.
22. Enjoy Arts and Culture with Operas or Symphonies
If your parents are music enthusiasts and a good performance is in a nearby state, it might be time to take a road trip! The best orchestras in the nation are the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia, and Cleveland.
22. Go for a Train Ride
Spoil your folks with a luxury train ride to enjoy gorgeous landscapes and delicious food. Some of the best train rides in the US include the Rocky Mountaineer in the Canadian Rockies, Hickory Creek Car between New York and Albany, and the Bourbon Excursion in Kentucky.
24. Shop at Flea Markets
Some people are crazy about flea markets, and if your parents are such, you can visit the numerous flea markets around your area and shop for anything under the sun. There are few things more satisfying than finding something you love for a fraction of the cost!
source https://eyecatchingconfidence.com/24-vacation-ideas-for-those-traveling-with-aging-parents/
No comments:
Post a Comment