Elderly FIL would like a holiday.

DA went trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas when she was 90.

What about Saga holidays? I have never been on one though, so can't say from experience.
He may find the travel insurance expensive, but it would be wise to take one out.

Do you think he'd enjoy a coach holiday? We went with Shearings to Switzerland last year there were 2-3 singles who got together.

Cruising is good. Lots of people in their eighties and nineties on the queens

Well done him. I'd call SAGA for advice- perhaps Malta would be nice- as everyone speaks English there.

My Dad went off on holiday to Italy on his own the year after Mum died - he was 83 then. Most of the other holidaymakers were younger, but they sort of took him under their wing. He took a bit of a shine to one lady who came to visit him once after the holiday, but then found someone else to marry!

My FIL did a similar thing on a coach trip at the age of ?86 and came back with a fancy woman of my age - they more or less stayed together until he died at 94. He was trying to get my OH to get some viagra for him!

Coach trips are good - we once went to Switzerland with Shearings (?sp) - we basically used it as a means of getting to the resort without having to fly, and then did our own thing when we got there; but there was a rep available and trips out if you wanted. It was not 5 star luxury, but it was by a lake and we were quite happy. There are lots of companies who do this and the price is reasonable.

Would he be happy to go on a singles holiday or is he expecting to go with your or someone else in the family?

I have heard mixed reports about Saga but some of the people I know speak very highly of them. Their holidays are undoubtedly more expensive but much more tailored to the needs of elderly people - and I think they provide insurance, which is difficult to get for the very elderly.

Coach holidays can, I think, be quite tiring as in my experience you spend an awful lot of time on the coach, especially when travelling to and from your holiday "base". Even though the coaches are much more comfortable these days, I'm not sure how healthy it is being stuck in a seat, with limited legroom, for hours at a time. I believe DVT is not just down to air travel but to anything which limits mobility for long periods.

There are different holiday by coach - some tour around and some have a base. There are plenty of stops as the clientele is usually not in the first flush. We lost two elderly ladies at one stop, until another passenger said "Where are Elsie and Lil?" - the driver had to turn off at the next exit and go back and fetch them - they had been in the loo queue.

If money is not an issue I heartily recommend Titan. My parents went away with them when they started getting a little infirm and mum took dad away with them when he was in early stages of dementia. They are small group holidays all over the world and do terrific trips to Canada. Not wishing to offend fans of coach trips but my parents would have been horrified if I even suggested such an idea. ...

Oh, thar kind of "lost"! Thought for a split second you meant lost especially after saying not everyone was in first flush!

Katek your mind obviously works the same way as my own! That was my first thought.

Hehe!

Mishap was that in Interlaken?? That's where we were based with Shearings. Beautiful views from the room balcony over looking the lake.

Personally I'd say it is a shame so many tourist companies go to Interlaken- too many Victorian style British Hôtels, horrible concrete flats, and far too many souvenir and tat shops. There are so many much prettier resorts further up the mountains.

oh and far far too many tourists (;)) it is a real tourist trap, sorry.

I'd recommend Saga cruises too....they have subtle 'single' mixer sessions and an atmosphere that positively encourages those on their own to mix. I think a certain level of travel insurance is included.

A friends in laws always cruise with Saga and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

No - not Interlaken nina - I can't remember what the lake we stayed by was called. It was several years ago.

Coach holidays are fine if you don't like flying and need to get from door to door. They are mostly older people but that is fine - I quite like older people!

Thanks for all your suggestions, I'll have a chat with him and see what he thinks. I quite fancy the coach holiday for him...at least there's a group leader to surreptitiously keep a bit of an eye on him!

Interlaken......memories of the Chalet School!

Try the sailing yacht Nile Delta on the river Nile. English hosts/owners who see to everything making it a holiday of a lifetime. Lovethenile.com

Have a look at Silver Travel Advisor I'm sure you will find something there
www.silvertraveladvisor.com/

Might Egypt not be a bit volatile? I think a cruise or coach holiday sounds lovely. Or maybe one of those "Treyn" holidays especially if he is a train enthusiast.

Perhaps a cruise would be a good idea.
We went on our first one last year and they organise meetings for single people to get together.

There is a huger percentage of older people on cruises and there is medical assistance if needed on board.

Excursions are arranged if you are interested.

You can get good deals on the cruise line if booking last minute so this could work out well if he wants to go soon.
Shop around on the Internet for a deal.