Should I or should I not

I would go. The thought of preparation can be daunting, but you will enjoy it once you’re there. I’m the same every time we go anywhere. You won’t need a lot of stuff for a week somewhere hot. Maybe some light trousers or skirts and t-shirts for the day and a couple of dresses for evenings, depending on your preference.

Hi, I understand your concerns, but if you turn down this offer will your family feel it’s ‘no’ for all time and not ask you again?
The positives as you list them, I suspect outweigh the negatives. You don’t have to take part in all that’s planned, in fact it might give you all a bit of a break if you do things that appeal to you…or simply take a book, snooze in the sun/shade by a pool - bliss.

Do go. I am sure you will enjoy it.
My DH died nearly 2 years ago and my DS suggested I go to France with him and his family.in September.
I did go and it was great. My 10yr old DGS was such nice company too.
I hadn't seen them for 4 years as they live in NZ so it was extra special.
Now I am tempted to visit them in NZ.

Definitely go , it's sounds like your son and his family would really like you too. Take some books for relaxing around the pool . Have a lovely time

You should go without hesitation yes there is a lot of preparation but do it.

I think you should go or you may regret not joining them. Have you got a good friend who could help you with the preparations and turn them into fun to take your mind off things?

I think as well as the practical advice above its tough because probably you are used to quite a bit of time when you dont HAVE to socialise - time out - and its hard to change familiar patterns. Chat to family as in saying you will probably not join in everything, bring books/compute, may be a bit shy foe any big "do's". I'm sure they will understand and accept.

I'm sure a lovely gran here who has done it would even furnish you with a "must take list" to tick off. Yes you'll be nervous but I agree its a sign of caring and love and you never know what doors it may now open.

Apart from one camping holiday abroad in my twenties I had never been able to afford holidays as a single mum of three children. When I retired one of my sons asked me to go on holiday with his partner and two grandchildren. Although hesitant at first it became a great motivator to get fitter, lose weight and buy a new wardrobe! For two weeks I enjoyed being looked after and relaxing for the first time in my life. I was able to read more than I had done for years and loved the time spent with my grandchildren. Go for it 4allweknow. It's only a week and I'm sure you'll love it. Then you have the lovely memories.

Some great advice here already. I expect you'll need to renew your passport so make sure you do that in good time. I do hope you go as it's a kind offer and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the break. Good luck!

Oh do go. They have asked you so want you with them. You will have a fabulous time. Good luck. What a generous family you have.

After living in the Far East for 4 months of the year for ten years I would take light, loose Cotten trousers, loose Cotten tops and a some Cotten or linen dresses. 2 pairs of shoes, one for evening and one comfortable pair of sandals for daytime walking around. You could take a pair of the longer shorts if you are comfortable wearing them. Also a Cardi or two just in case it’s cooler at tomes, a wrap is rather nice for evening. Don’t take to much and enjoy, it’s lovely that your family want you to go, they must love you very much

I can imagine why you feel nervous, but as others have said, I think you should go. It’s only a week, you won’t need too many clothes, we all take too much and there are probably laundry facilities available.

Also, you say your GS is 11. Believe me, he will soon be 17/18 and by then maybe not so keen to go on holiday with parents and granny. Make the most of it while he is still quite young.

Hope you go, I can see how daunting it is for you but ' nothing ventured nothing gained '! You most certainly wouldn't have to mix with others if you prefer not to. Read and relax in a quiet spot. Explain your anxieties to your son , he will understand I feel sure. All will be well!

How lovely to be invited. Say yes please but I might need a hand with the preparations.

I think you should make the effort and go. Do have a wonderful time.
Start preparing by checking you have a valid passport, European health card -EHIC, and arrange travel insurance.
I am sure your family can help you with things like that if you feel overwhelmed.

Post Brexit, Esspee, it’s a GHIC card now - Global Health Insurance Card. We had to apply for ones this year and they took ages to arrive.
Hope you decide to go, 4allweknow - lovely to be invited!

Just make the effort and go. Do all the legal stuff, passport etc then concentrate on what clothes you will take. Enjoy that valuable time with them. Just do it.

Go, you have plenty of time to sort out clothes and basics for a holiday. But as others have said sort out Passport and Insurance, health card before you go.
You won’t need much for 1 week, I just take T shirts, shorts, swimming costume with a wrap, so that you can wander around (get drinks) without having to get dressed. Flip flops for pool area, a couple of light dresses for evening with a wrap in case it’s cool and plenty of ebooks on my iPad.
I’m sure you will have a lovely time.

Go, Go, Go. You have had a difficult few years and the sad loss of your DH. It is too easy to just hunker down and feel, understandably mentally, as well as physically exhausted.

Your son's wonderful suggestion means he and his family will be with you, so you will have somewhere to retreat to if anything becomes overwhelming and breaking away to do something you haven't done for many years will revitalise you and encourage you when you get home to help you build a new life for yourself now you are alone

Go, Go, Go

I would do it if I were you. I am similarly placed to you, although I was widowed 2 years ago.

This summer I went with all my family (14!) to Provence and I had a wonderful time - it was very hot and very windy some of the time too but it was a joy to be with everyone, I was lucky in that I was able to travel with one DD and family so I did not have to negotiate all that on my own.

But I have also been clear with them that I do not see this as a precedent - and that they will not have me tagging along on their holidays in perpetuity. For this reason I am taking steps to have my holiday planned and booked for 2023.

I am sure you will have a lovely time. I am very sorry to hear of your loss - it is painful I know. But I hope you will find comfort in your family and other things as time passes.

Definitely go.

What a lovely invitation! You have time to prepare and fret in equal measure, but it is only a week.
I'm sorry for your loss and I'm sure you are finding all sorts of adjustments tiring, quite apart from coping with your own emotions. A holiday sounds just the ticket.
Have a super time.

Of course you must go. It is only a week - a couple of light tops and trousers, a pair of sandals or flip flops and you will be sorted. Let the others do all the bother of organising and you just go along and enjoy yourself.

Don't "overthink" things. You'll be fine.

Absolutely you should go. My DH died in April and we had already booked a holiday with DD and her menfolk for this July. I was reluctant to go so soon after his death, but in the end it was both cathartic and very enjoyable, and yes, the right decision. It will give you something to look forward to, will do you good and the preparation will give you something to focus on. And I found being with my grandson such a joy.