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Grans Travel choices

(34 Posts)
David49 Fri 03-Jul-26 07:26:08

We are seeing an advert today on GM for Nambwa Tented Lodge in Namibia, this reminded of a trip I made 10 yrs ago.

Same area just across the river in Botswana, it was an "Explore" group holiday camping in the bush for 14 days, real wild camping canvas tents, bucket shower, campfire cooking. We met at a hotel at a Maun central Botswana, my travel companions were 3 ladies, 2 from Devon one from Lancashire and I was the youngest

They arrived in what they stood up in their bags got left at Johannesburg, so I shared some extra shorts and T shirts I had they called at the local street market for saris and other essentials, were they bothered - not a bit, so off we went in a jeep with a guide and 2 camp boys.

It was hot mid day cooler at night no aircon, no pool too many crocs to swim, did have a 2 night break at Victoria falls then camping again, 2 ladies got bags back on day 9, the other never did see bags again.
Wonderful wildlife, lovely travel companions, not a single grumble the whole trip.

Lesley60 Mon 06-Jul-26 07:11:21

I’m so pleased I did all my long haul holidays when I was younger and in good health, we traveled quite a lot to many countries and have wonderful memories my favourite being Australia whereby I was sorry to be coming home after a month travelling.
We now do mostly cruising as my mobility is not great and I don’t like flying anymore, but I’m making an exception in 2 years time for my 70th as we are going to book a holiday in Canadian rockies and the Rocky Mountain railway as I really fancy this
Does anyone have any tips about must sees we will be going in July.

SunnySusie Sun 05-Jul-26 19:19:24

My favourite country was Cuba. Everyone said go whilst you can because it is changing fast. How right they were. I visited twelve years ago when locals still gathered in the squares in the evening to chat and play chess. We dined out under the stars in an ancient building in Havana, there was live music everywhere and absolutely no advertising or commercialisation. Locals had just been allowed to open their homes up to take paying guests and to serve food to strangers and there was a thriving small restaurant trade and really genuine welcome by people sharing their very modest homes.

petra Sun 05-Jul-26 17:25:54

Visited a lot of the countries mentioned and love them: except for Egypt 😱
I don’t know if this trip counts as a holiday.
We took a year off to sail through the French canals and rivers from Calais to Marseilles.
In our Motohome we have visited every country in Europe, including the less well known. Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia.
Favourite, Slovenia. Never again, Switzerland. No sense of humour.

Nanny27 Sun 05-Jul-26 16:56:23

Travelled with a group of friends from West coast to east coast USA last year. Loved every minute of it. Stayed in all sorts of places and met some amazing people.

Aveline Sun 05-Jul-26 16:48:16

Gosh - a train trip from Bosnia to Leeds!
Awful about the ladies killed by elephants. Always a risk if entering their territory.
The Cape winelands are lovely but I'm not going back.

Susieq62 Sun 05-Jul-26 16:38:31

PS go by train to Bosnia from Leeds , amazing trip

Susieq62 Sun 05-Jul-26 16:37:06

Aveline go to Northern Spain you will love it!
I had a colleague who died on an African trip last year! She and her cousin were killed by a charging elephant . She was a very seasoned traveller too .
I wouldn’t return to South Africa despite liking Stellenbosch and Cape Town but it left me cold ! Give me Cambodia any day for food, scenery, people absolutely loved it

MartavTaurus Sun 05-Jul-26 16:22:01

Inspiring thread.

Mentions of Switzerland on this thread have spurred me on to book a few nights there to break my flights later this year. Not the prettiest place, (Basel), but if I like it enough, I will return to do a Swiss rail trip as suggested.

Aveline Sun 05-Jul-26 16:13:37

I've often fancied northern Spain. I saw a programme about gardens there.

Frenchgalinspain Sun 05-Jul-26 15:31:14

The Atlantic Coast of Galicia going north from Baiona to Santiago De Compostela ..

Quite unforgettable stays in the Parador Historic Hotels ..

semperfidelis Sun 05-Jul-26 14:40:54

There is a coastal footpath all the way round Jersey with magnificent views. It's challenging in parts. I walked it with a friend when we were both about 65.
It also has a fascinating history as it was occupied during World War 11 and restrictions were imposed upon the residents.
Jersey has lots to offer for people of any age.

Aveline Sat 04-Jul-26 21:09:30

Eek MissChateline!

MissChateline Sat 04-Jul-26 14:00:36

I’m currently looking at travelling the 5 Stans next spring with a small group company. It’s 3 intensive weeks of travelling with simple hotels, yurts and camping. I’m 72 and I suspect that if I don’t do it soon then I may never do it.
I’ve done a few hiking trips in Turkey and Portugal with this company and they were great.
I hope I never lose my wanderlust.

Aveline Sat 04-Jul-26 10:30:22

You've certainly been around GrannyGravy13!
I suppose I have too but find myself returning to old favourites - Madeira and Jersey. Just for relaxing holidays. No wish to be intrepid travellers any more

GrannyGravy13 Sat 04-Jul-26 10:25:53

We like parts of Australia, but not others, unfortunately I love the East Coast and DH loves Western Australia 🤦‍♀️

I do not think there are any places that we have visited other than Dominican Republic that we have said we wouldn’t return to. Dubai I can take or leave.

Love all the ski areas in France, Italy, Austria, Andorra and Switzerland. Really enjoy the not so touristy Mediterranean countries.

Loved Brazil the rainforest and of course Copacabana Beach. Thailand (not the tourist destinations), Hong Kong was fascinating. America is just, American.

Kenya was stunning, wasn’t over impressed by Egypt, would go back to Jordan in a heartbeat if there wasn’t the ME situation.

Love the laid back Caribbean Islands.

I know I am very very lucky to have traveled, I hope I still have some adventures left to enjoy.

David49 Sat 04-Jul-26 09:29:37

All time favorite Zambia wildlife was recently on TV, live its just stunning. Switzerland for scenery you just can’t beat, US has so many different experiences, people are lovely just don’t talk politics.
All are experiences I no wish to live in any of them

Aveline Sat 04-Jul-26 08:56:28

Where were people's favourite countries visited? I, quite unexpectedly, loved Australia. I was just there for work but absolutely fell in love with the place. I'd love to go back but can't face the flight.

MT62 Sat 04-Jul-26 08:54:19

GrannyGravy13

Up close to our tent deck

Wow 😳

David49 Sat 04-Jul-26 08:41:13

MartavTaurus

Now, wine definitely is an experience holiday for me! A whole week in Burgundy took me to heights I'd never been before.

Staying on an actual wine estate might finish me off though!

The wine was top rate and half the price of UK which is a shame because I can’t drink like I used to

MartavTaurus Sat 04-Jul-26 07:07:28

Now, wine definitely is an experience holiday for me! A whole week in Burgundy took me to heights I'd never been before.

Staying on an actual wine estate might finish me off though!

Aveline Sat 04-Jul-26 07:02:17

I've been to Cape Town several times. For work then family reasons.

David49 Fri 03-Jul-26 20:11:21

Aveline

I've stayed at an animal lodge in Sri Lanka. Just didn't find it very interesting somehow. Elephants are OK but not my favourite animal.
I like the heritage side of life in Jersey. Interesting war time relics and stories.
I've holidayed in lots of places though and am off to CapeTown next month the a Swiss rail holiday in September. They'll be experiences. I enjoy the planning more than anything else I suspect.

Cape Town is lovely, cheap to eat out , Stellenbosch as well where we stayed on an excellent wine estate.

Aveline Fri 03-Jul-26 13:52:06

I've stayed at an animal lodge in Sri Lanka. Just didn't find it very interesting somehow. Elephants are OK but not my favourite animal.
I like the heritage side of life in Jersey. Interesting war time relics and stories.
I've holidayed in lots of places though and am off to CapeTown next month the a Swiss rail holiday in September. They'll be experiences. I enjoy the planning more than anything else I suspect.

AmberGran Fri 03-Jul-26 13:00:34

Well Aveline I also enjoyed Jersey recently - and I'm just shy of 70 😄I think every place is what you make of it and although I would enjoy a safari I don't want it for every holiday.

In Jersey we walked for miles, enjoyed the nature from flowers to birds to animals, walked through stormy waves on the beach and visited some beautiful churches. That wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea either - but I did notice that a lot of the walkers were young adults, not retirees.

David49 Fri 03-Jul-26 12:26:04

Wild animals are great but they are Wild. On the Botswana trip we were charged by a Hippo, thankfully our boat was far enough offshore but he got within 10 ft, they are notoriously bad tempered.

Best viewed from a safe distance.