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Suggestions for a 13 day trip in September with an elderly mother with limited mobility?

Hello all,

I live in California, and was hoping to take my mother someplace nice for her 80th Birthday this September. We both love traveling, and immersing ourself in the local culture, history and especially cuisines. In the past we have typically focused on visiting Europe and Asia, unfortunately this year due to certain issues and events going on in the world that cant be discussed here, we felt it was probably better to avoid Europe just to be on the safe side.

With this in mind, we were looking at where else in the world might be good to visit in early September Preferably not insanely hot, or freezing and not soaking wet. My mother is in so-so shape. She can walk but, not super long distances before getting tired. Hiking elevated areas or stairs, can be difficult for her, although if not rushed she can do it.

I was thinking of the following possibilities;

  • Japan - I've been there recently, she was there in the 80's. They have a pretty disabled and elderly friendly infrastructure and the weather seems like it will be nice most places. Crowds may be an issue.
  • Hong Kong - Not so sure about weather, a bit on the long side for a flight from Los Angeles
  • South Korea - i have been, but only for business, and seems quite nice
  • Peru - Probably too harsh for my mother, with the mountainous terrain.
  • Turkey - Namely, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Etc.
  • Argentina/Chile? - I know it would be spring, so the weather may not be stable yet.

I didn't include Mexico ,because she is Mexican, and we visit Mexico regularly. Likewise neither of us are fans of domestic tourism- the US is boring to me and Her.

Any suggestions, or advice or other places would be welcomed.

Thank you!

Posted by
1701 posts

Take the train or fly to Vancouver, there is an Elevated Train from the Airport, and take one of the Excursion Trains across Canada. Or, if you want to stop, check to see if you can stay at the Historic Train Hotels (Lake Louise) or National Park Lodges in Canada. The Autumn Leaf show can be spectacular. Or, from Vancouver take a bus that goes on the Ferry to Vancouver Island to Victoria. Victoria is flat and easy to access Museums and Art Galleries, a Chinatown and many shops and cafes. In Victoria you can take a Whale Watch Boat ; we saw many Humpbacks just off Victoria last year. I'm a vintage person also and I enjoy Road trips, because you can travel at your own speed. We actually enjoyed a trip to Spokane and Pan Handle Idaho in the Lakes Area last year. You can stay in Casinos Hotels in many places in PNW. We enjoy staying in Historic or Boutique B & Bs. We stayed in an Inn style Motel in Spokane that had hot Buffet Breakfast and a Historic Brick School House in Bonners Ferry (ask for elevator access). You can usually get a discount if you have an afilliated card such as A**. Bon Voyage!

Posted by
1559 posts

I agree that Canada is a good choice. British Columbia, especially. Both Vancouver and Victoria offer a lot to see and do, and 13 days is plenty of time to explore both, and your time won't be eaten up with travel to/from. As suggested, getting out on the water in both cities is easy and rewarding. And September is just about the perfect time to visit. The exchange rate is still quite favorable (for now).