Accompanied by My Elderly Grandmother: Revised Strategies for Future Journeys (1) Reconsider Transportation Methods

In the scorching summer of 2024, I embarked on a voyage to the heart of Montreal with my granny, ma, and sis.

I kicked myself later for not pondering more about my granny's physical prerequisites during trip planning.

A bit more downtime for the family crew would have been a nice addition to the agenda.

Now, I admit that although miles separate my 81-year-old granny and I, our bond is unbreakable. We share a common love for "Downton Abbey", the sewing art, and a kick-ass cup of coffee. I wouldn't have swapped a single summer afternoon at her sunlit kitchen table in central Minnesota for anything else.

But then again, I'm not exactly oblivious to the fact that my quality time with her might be numbered. That's one of the reasons my family and I decided to embark on a grand adventure together to Montreal, Canada, last summer.

I feel grateful that we managed to pull off this journey, but it could have run smoother if I had understood these three essential lessons about traveling with an elder family member.

Neglecting my granny's physical requirements could lead to trouble

I was the frequent globe-trotter in the family; so, I took charge of the trip planning, adopting a no-holds-barred approach, similar to my solo adventures.

I reckoned my granny would be ready for the long days. She trots away three miles daily and maintains a healthier diet than yours truly.

However, I failed to account for the challenges posed by Montreal's rough cobblestone streets. We almost missed an afternoon tea reservation during our first day in the city. I hadn't thought about slowing down to cater to her pace.

I also underestimated the energy drain of an all-day Three Pines tour. Although it was fantabulous – with stops at a monastery, a local museum, and a five-star resort for lunch – the nine-hour visit to the fictional crime series' villages left us all exhausted.

Our tour guide's van served as a mobile nap zone throughout the day. When we finally returned to the bed and breakfast, my granny grumbled about the day's length, and I had to concur.

I overlooked her physical limitations when choosing restaurants too. Although they were scenic – think bougainvillea-covered courtyards and avant-garde interiors – it was difficult for her to read the menus due to the dim lighting and minuscule font size.

My siblings and I attempted to help by reading the menus to her line by line, but that soon became tedious.

In hindsight, I wish I had insisted on solutions. I could have accessed the menus online prior to our visit to help my granny zoom in on my phone, or reminded her to bring her reading glasses.

A lengthy vacay means a new routine

Every traveler ultimately reaches that point where they yearn for home. But I submit that this longing is more pronounced in elderly adults, such as my granny, who may take only one or two trips a year and treasure their daily routines.

Although my granny never vocalized any displeasure towards me, I detected a decline in her enthusiasm as the days progressed.

For example, on the last evening, my sister and I wished to explore the shops on Boulevard Saint-Laurent. However, my granny preferred to dine in the hotel.

We compromised. My sister and I headed for the boulevard for dinner, but we reluctantly abandoned our shopping spree, feeling guilty leaving my mom and granny waiting.

More free time for us all would have made the trip more enjoyable

Instead of cramming each day with new engagements, I should have slowed down – for my granny's sake and mine.

By the time we reached the fifth and sixth day of the trip, I no longer felt inspired to tackle the activities I had planned. I wished I hadn't planned them at all.

The most beautiful memories of the trip, however, weren't forged in the museums or tours, but in the impromptu moments: sharing a bottle of wine with our hosts, scouring an antique market, and enjoying a nightcap in a pub.

Despite the hurdles, I'd love to travel with my granny again

To those considering a multi-generational trip, I encourage you to take the leap. But ponder the needs of everyone involved, and embrace the leisurely pace.

When I strolled through the city hand in hand with my granny, I learned that it's okay to skip a couple of activities. The true joy comes from the connections you make.

Additional Insights:

For older travelers, it's essential to consider their mobility and health needs, including the accessibility of transportation, accommodations, and popular destinations.
Choosing appropriate travel companies that cater to seniors and offer flexible schedules and activities can create a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Maintaining a consistent routine can help provide a sense of stability and familiarity for older travelers.
Preparing for emergencies, such as ensuring medical assistance and having a plan for medication management, is crucial when traveling with an elderly relative.

Next time I plan a trip with an elder family member, I will prioritize their physical requirements, considering factors such as the accessibility of transportation, accommodations, and popular destinations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
In another travel with my granny, I will advocate for a slower pace, setting aside more time for relaxation and impromptu moments, which often create the most beautiful memories.
I will also pay attention to the dining atmosphere and menu accessibility, either by pre-reading menus online or ensuring proper lighting and larger font sizes to make them easily readable.
Understanding that older adults, like my granny, may treasure their daily routines and feel more homesick during long vacations, I will plan for more flexibility in our schedule, allowing for rest and routine moments when necessary.

Accompanied by My Elderly Grandmother: Revised Strategies for Future Journeys (1) Reconsider Transportation Methods