Best country to visit with old parents

Best Country to Visit with Old Parents

Planning a trip with your parents, especially when they're older, requires careful consideration. You want a destination that doesn't offer steep hills, doesn't leave you absolutely exhausted after exploring but that also offers cultural experiences, sights and most importantly good transport and accessibility.

In this post we will walk you through 7 different countries which are excelent if you're traveling with older parents, want to take it slow or you're just looking for places that won't require a lot of walking and moving around and yet they offer stunning views and superb experience.

Join us to discover why Italy, Switzerland, Thailand, Mexico, Estonia, Denmark and Netherlands are the best countries to visit with old parents.

Italy, for the History, Once in a lifetime views and absolute charm.

Your parents will love it, ancient roman ruins, renaissance masterpieces, history comes alive in every corner. And a lot of places you've seen in the movies.

Italy will marvel you in the past AND in the present with its pizzas, delectable cuisine, and charming towns create a truly immersive experience.

Accessibility: Major cities like Rome and Florence boast well-developed public transportation systems. Many historical sites are accessible with minimal walking. Consider pre-booking tours with skip-the-line options to avoid long queues.

Train between Florence and Rome is quite comfortable and easy to access so just take it easy, go slow and dedicate more than a couple days to each place.

Places That Don't Require Much Walking:

• Rome: Enter the Colosseum, go to St. Peter's Square, and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, all within walkable distances. The Hop-on hop-off bus tours are also a great option if you just want to be easily transported between the "must-see" attractions.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
  • Food to Try: Pizza, Pasta (of course!), and Gelato - indulge in the classics! Don't miss a Saltimbocca (thin veal cutlet) for a taste of Roman cuisine.
  • Recommended Stay: 4-5 days
• Florence: You go here for the Renaissance art, with visits to the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery. Explore the magnificent Duomo and stroll through the charming Piazza della Signoria. Take your time to sit around the Duomo and just chill.
  • Best Time to Visit: Similar to Rome, spring and autumn are ideal.
  • Food to Try: Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine steak) - a hearty meat lover's delight! Sample local Tuscan wines for a complete experience.
  • Recommended Stay: 3-4 days

Remember:

• Purchase a Roma Pass (Rome) or Firenze Card (Florence) for discounted entry to major attractions and free public transportation use.
• Consider guided tours with senior-friendly walking distances.
• Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for taking breaks and people-watching.

Switzerland, for the Nature Lovers

Switzerland gives a good blend of natural beauty and accessibility. Nestled amidst breathtaking mountains, charming towns, and serene lakes, Switzerland promises an experience your parents wont forget. You'll end up with a lot of really good pictures with the perfect background, it is an ideal place for senior travelers if you don't mind the cost.

Accessibility: Switzerland has an excellent public transportation system. Trains, trams, and buses connect virtually every town and city, allowing easy navigation without a car. Tourist destinations are pedestrian-friendly with well-maintained sidewalks and designated walking paths. You need to consider that Switzerland in general is not a flat place.

Places That Don't Require Much Walking:

• Lucerne: Lucerne is your typical fairytale town nestled around a lake. This place is recommended for a leisurely boat ride, taking a look at the iconic Chapel Bridge, or explore the Lion Monument, all within easy walking distance.
  • Best Time to Visit: May to September for pleasant weather.
  • Food to Try: Fondue - a must-have Swiss cheese experience! Don't miss Rosti (shredded potato pancake) and Raclette (melted cheese scraped over bread).
  • Recommended Stay: 2-3 days
• Interlaken: In between two lakes (as you can imagine from the name) Brienz and Thun. Interlaken is a car-free resort town. We recommend exploring the shops and taking your time to indulge in delicious pastries at cafes, or take a scenic cogwheel train ride up Harder Kulm for the panoramic views.
  • Best Time to Visit: December for Christmas markets and winter wonderland vibes. May to October is best for pleasant weather.
  • Food to Try: Berner Oberland Platter - a selection of local meats and cheeses, perfect for sharing.
  • Recommended Stay: 3-4 days
• Montreux: A famous place situaded in the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux offers stunning scenery and a relaxed atmosphere. Take a stroll along the lakefront promenade, visit the captivating Chateau de Chillon, or enjoy a scenic train ride to the Rochers-de-Naye peak for panoramic views.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Food to Try: Chocolate! Switzerland is a haven for chocolate lovers. Indulge in local specialties like truffles and pralines.
  • Recommended Stay: 2-3 days

Remember:

• Purchase a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on public transportation.
• Consider purchasing a Swiss Half Fare Pass for a more budget-friendly option.
• Many hotels offer senior discounts.
• Pack comfortable shoes for short walks and uneven terrain.

Thailand for tranquility and relaxation.

Thailand is the exotic beauty, we will always love. Here you will be able to explore ancient at your own pace or pamper yourself in a spa.

Accessibility: Major tourist destinations like Bangkok and Phuket have well-developed infrastructure, catering to travelers with mobility limitations. Many hotels offer wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Places That Don't Require Much Walking:

• Chiang Mai: Explore the walled city with its intricate temples like Wat Phra Doi Suthep (accessible by car), and immerse yourselves in the vibrant night markets. Take a scenic boat ride on the Ping River for a relaxing experience.
  • Best Time to Visit: During the cool and dry season, November to February.
  • Food to Try: Pad Thai - a classic stir-fried noodle dish. Sample fragrant curries and fresh seafood specialties.
  • Recommended Stay: 3-4 days
• Phuket: Relax on pristine beaches like Patong or Kata. Explore nearby islands like Phi Phi by boat for stunning scenery. Many resorts offer luxurious spa treatments to unwind completely.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to April for dry weather and sunshine.
  • Food to Try: Fresh seafood dishes are a must! Sample local curries and explore the vibrant street food scene.
  • Recommended Stay: 4-7 days (depending on how much relaxation you seek!)

Remember:

• Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available for short trips.
• Consider booking tours with transportation included.
• Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere.

Cancun, for even more relaxation!

We won't go to deep into why Cancun is perfect for seniors in this post. But with its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and Mayan ruins, Cancun offers a good blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.

Accessibility: The Cancun Hotel Zone is known for being pedestrian-friendly, with most resorts, restaurants, and shops located

If your parents are the type of people who don't want to move from the resort, enjoy the all-inclusive, relax by the pool with perfect weather and white soft sand beaches. Cancun is the place to go.

Best Mostly flat countries to Visit with Old Parents

These countries and cities deserve the honorable mention. They're easy for senior travelers since they're mostly flat ! So walking around is easy, there are plenty of things.

Tallinn, Estonia

The Tallinn Old Town is a less known gem!

The medieval town is a small yet magical place. The Town Hall Square and the imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are sure to make you travel to a different time while you wander through charming streets lined with unique shops and cafes. Many guided tours are available with minimal walking required.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (May-July) for perfect summer or autumn (September-October) for the characteristic autumn colors. December offers a magical Christmas market experience, just be sure to bring a good winter jacket!
• Food to Try: Sauerkraut soup (a local specialty), smoked fish, and sweet pastries like "kringel". We particularly enjoy a dessert called Kirju Koer (Spotted Dog).
• Recommended Stay: 2-3 days

Remember:

• Purchase a Tallinn Card for discounted entry to attractions and free public transportation use.
• Many restaurants offer outdoor seating in charming courtyards during the summer, perfect for taking breaks and relaxing.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark, is a mix between chill, vibrant, historical, modern architecture, and a relaxed Scandinavian vibe. Explore Viking history, indulge in delicious pastries, and enjoy stunning waterfront views.

Accessibility: Copenhagen is a very walkable city with most major attractions concentrated within the city center. An excellent public transportation system with metros and buses makes getting around easy.

Places That Don't Require Much Walking:

• City Center: Marvel at the changing of the guard ceremony at Amalienborg Palace, and stroll along the picturesque Nyhavn harbor. Hop-on hop-off bus tours are also available.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (May-July) for summer, (September-October) for autumn, both offer pleasant weather. December offers a charming Christmas market experience.
  • Food to Try: Open-faced sandwiches (Smørrebrød) - a Danish specialty, and indulge in delectable pastries like "Kanelsnegl" (cinnamon snail). We particularly liked the bread and coffee in Lagkagehuset.
  • Recommended Stay: 3-4 days

Remember:

• Purchase a Copenhagen Card for discounted entry to attractions and free public transportation use.
• Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying people-watching and the lively atmosphere.
• Canal tours provide a comfortable and scenic way to explore the city.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Explore the charming canals by boat, marvel at the iconic Rijksmuseum, and wander through the vibrant flower market, all within easy walking distances.

Many canal cruises are wheelchair accessible.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and manageable crowds.
• Food to Try: Poffertjes (tiny fluffy pancakes) - a delicious Dutch treat! Sample local cheeses and indulge in fresh seafood.
• Recommended Stay: 3-4 days

Remember:

• Purchase an IAmsterdam City Card for discounted entry to attractions and free public transportation use.
• Canal cruises offer a comfortable and scenic way to see the city.