Additional Coverage:
- I took my 81-year-old grandma on an international trip. It was great, but I wish I’d known more about traveling with an older relative. (businessinsider.com)
Montreal Memories: Lessons Learned Traveling With Grandma
Last summer, I embarked on a memorable trip to Montreal with my grandma, mom, and sister. While the trip itself was wonderful, I learned some valuable lessons about traveling with an older relative. Looking back, a little more planning with my grandma’s needs in mind would have made the experience even better.
My grandma, at 81, is remarkably active, walking miles each day. I, perhaps naively, assumed this meant she could handle my ambitious itinerary.
Montreal’s charming cobblestone streets, however, proved more challenging than anticipated. Our first day nearly saw us missing afternoon tea due to my misjudgment of the pace we’d need.
Similarly, a nine-hour Three Pines tour, while fascinating, left us all exhausted.
Another oversight was restaurant selection. I prioritized ambiance, but dim lighting and small print made menus difficult for my grandma to read.
We resorted to reading aloud, a less-than-ideal solution. I now realize providing her with online menus or reminding her to bring reading glasses would have been helpful.
Extended time away from routine also affected my grandma. While she never complained, I noticed her enthusiasm waning as the trip progressed.
On our last night, she opted for takeout at the hotel while my sister and I had hoped to explore Saint-Laurent Boulevard’s shops. We compromised by picking up dinner, but abandoned our shopping plans.
My biggest takeaway? Less is more. The most cherished memories weren’t the planned activities, but the spontaneous moments: sharing wine with our B&B hosts, browsing an antique market, enjoying a speakeasy nightcap.
Despite these challenges, the trip was a success. I learned the importance of collaborative planning, considering everyone’s needs, and embracing a slower pace.
Walking hand-in-hand with my grandma through Montreal’s streets, I discovered the true joy of travel lies not in ticking off every item on a checklist, but in the shared experience. I’d gladly travel with my grandma again, armed with these valuable lessons.