So I heard y'all doubting y'alls ability to execute a flawless trip for your mother, father... that someone in your life who is over the age of 55? I know it to be true; I've got eyes and ears out in the travel streets. Today you're In luck because we have plenty of experience Traveling Unbothered with our loved ones, of all ages, but especially 55+.
Keep reading and be sure to share this with your besties and anyone looking to travel with their favorite ladies.
7 Easy Steps To Take When Traveling With Your 55+ Age Mother (or Father) On A Trip:
1️⃣ Book an All-Inclusive Resort
This gives options for food and included activities, that everyone can get into
Our taste in food, music, activities, people, etc. tend to change with age & maturity. To avoid getting hung up on specific inclusions and details, and driving both your parent and yourself crazy, opt for all-inclusive accommodations. There is something for everyone.
2️⃣ Book Airport Pick-Up / Drop-Off
I don’t like my mother waiting, especially internationally. A seamless travel experience is always the goal
Preparing ahead of time by having a scheduled transport service to keep the travel experience from landing, to check-in at the hotel/Airbnb, easy, simple & unbothered.
3️⃣ Have Hella Patience
She’s probably going to ask a lot of questions or do things her way that you may find different (some would say “annoying” 🥴), but have patience. Allow her to be her, unapologetically.
And remember, someday you will be her age. Someday you will be the elder your children internally rolls their eyes at. So be cool. Stay kind. Don’t make your parent feel like a burden or an afterthought.
Not to mention, you might not ever notice how “boujie” or “uppity” your parent really is, until you are the one footing the bill.
Remember all those times you had to have the new pair of Air Jordan’s, as opposed to the other just-as-functional Nike sneakers? Or the time when staying just 2 days on vacation was simply not enough? Yea. Their time to be choosy & boujie, on your dime. C’est la Vie.
And with that being said...
4️⃣ Take Her To Get Her Souvenirs
Whether she wants fridge magnets, a shot glass (and doesn't even drink - i.e., my mother), or postcards -- let the lady get her souvenirs.
Don't quote me, but... I'm pretty sure it's scientifically proven that the older we get, specifically after becoming a grandmother, the more we overpack. Or perhaps I made that up. But listen, not only will your mom be looking for souvenirs for herself, but also souvenirs for the grandbabies.
It's quite normal to go shopping on vacation -- but typically you end up needing an extra bag to carry all of the new cute finds back home...
Keep momma ready with our Overflow RollUp Stowaway - Multi-Use Bag.
It's conveniently compact for carrying & transporting (it rolls up & zips closed for easy packing into your carry-on luggage), yet spacious & mighty when unzipped, unrolled, and time to use--this stowaway bag holds plenty! Click the link above to see all of its specifications and why your mother will love it.
5️⃣ Don’t Leave Her Behind
Once you get to the resort, don’t just set her up in her room and leave her to figure it out on her own. She’s there for a good time, not a long time 🥳
Just getting her to another state or country is not the end of your responsibilities—unless of course that is agreed upon beforehand or your parent desires the space and alone time. Otherwise, you’re not ready to take your parent on a trip. Do both of you a favor and don't bother.
6️⃣ Try Something New With Her
Enjoy the many activities the resort has to offer.
For example: yoga, water aerobics, a day at the spa, hiking, wine tasting, etc.. This trip will be a memory she will never forget.
Upon arrival to the resort or upon boarding the cruise ship, request their schedule of activities or browse their website for the latest list of events. This way you can plan ahead and include scheduled activities into the itinerary.
7️⃣ She Wants To Be Involved & Included
She secretly likes Tik-Tok; give her 1 dance move to do and stick with. She’ll have a blast creating it (as you can see in our video below).
By the way, in case I need to mention this: you do not have to post the video on social media, if that is not your desire. You can share it amongst your family or just with your parent(s). Or, you do not have to share the video at all.
BONUS TIP: HAVE FUN & ENJOY YOUR MOTHER’S COMPANY!
She used to be your age, probably had more fun than you. Give her a chance to catch a vibe and feel good under the sun with her child (you).
Sometimes all we need is one or all of these: quality time, attention, love, and/or space to be our selves. Try to provide them all on the trip. The objectives are to bond, relax, create lasting memories and for some, to decompress.
Comment below if you’ve ever been on a trip with a parent. How’d it go? And please leave any tips you feel should be added to this list.
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