I'm disappointed

Can you change your booking? If so, how about spending 3 days with your brother first, then the next weekend with your DS?

The hallowe'en camping wouldn't suit me either - for the hallowe'en events rather than the caravan.

Wouldn't suit me - why are you going for just a week? Gosh I couldn't do that. It would take me a day each to get over the flights itself and then , camping. No Thankyou. I wouldn't go, unless you are a seasoned and strong traveller . Hope it's all sorted for you .

Your trip is at the beginning of October? But Halloween is at the end of October! Was this a typo or is there something odd going on here?

septima that won't work as I'm flying out on Thursday (weekend with DS) then fly home the following Wednesday

crazyH I always do a very short trip (it's not a holiday or sightseeing visit) it's just to catch up with the family there. I've done that for the last ten years, luckily I never have jet lag

I'd be disappointed to find the family were going camping when you arrived. Was there any discussion about the best time for you to stay with them?

Surely they knew you were coming that weekend and would have discussed a change of plan with you before making their camping arrangements Sounds very strange - like a lack of communication.

You are fitting a lot in to a very short break in Canada. I wouldn't like a Halloween weekend either. I don't celebrate Halloween and I wouldn't fancy camping either. Could you change your dates so that you see them the weekend before or afterwards? I imagine that would be tricky though if flights etc have been paid for. They sound a tad thoughtless. I'd be hurt that I'd not been consulted.

Hope you can work something out.

scribbles that's not a typo, it's the American / Canadian way of "celebrating" Halloween. It goes on for weeks and is everywhere. Grumpy old misery me hates Halloween!

day6 my flights were booked in June after what I thought was discussions about the best days!
It's actually cheaper cancelling the flights than altering them

Halloween hasn't changed dates! It was predictable that a family with young children would be occupied that weekend.
Are you flying from UK?

jane10 if you'd read my original post you'd see that my visit was early October. In fact I fly out on the 3rd of October

I can see how you might be disappointed that your visit isn’t going to go like you expected.

However, try and focus on the positives. You son and his family want to spend time with you, have invited you to join what is obviously a fun family weekend and you still get to see them and your brother.

Win-win-win!

A month of Halloween? The mind boggles!
Is there somewhere you could stay close to but not at the camp site so you can have basic hotel comforts and food? Then you could spend some time each day with family without getting totally immersed in the Halloween nonsense. Not ideal, I know but it might help to salvage something from your trip.

Can you stay with your son when they get home from the weekend instead?

to "celebrate" what exactly? Devil worship?

I just don't get it.

summerlove that would be perfect but both parents are working full time & kids will be back at school so I wouldn't see much of them anyway

I like scribbles idea best of all

Wow! A month of Halloween!

I quite like it, but that’s mainly because it’s all over and done with in a day.

I think Scribbles plan sounds good, everyone should be happy with that.

Scribbles plan is good but have you seen where some of these campsites are in the US and Canada?
Miles and miles away from anything that resembles human habitation! Well lots of them anyway.

I hope you can find a nice hotel nearby.

I can understand if mum and dad both work and the kids are at school that the Halloween trip with friends would be something all of them are looking forward to. It would be a shame to spoil their plans even if it is their mistake. Could you not grin and bear it just this once. It might be fun to see your grandchildren all excited. It’s only a couple of nights could you not cope and then catch up on some sleep when you get to your brothers? They obviously want you to be with them so why not give it a go

I think it's great you'll be with all the kids at such a special time, pack your outfit and go and enjoy, it's so nice they want you with them

Do you go via CDG? My daughter was at McMaster for a year, in Hamilton, and I decided to go over and surprise her. My husband had just died and I was still in a 'fog' and nervous of going to Toronto alone, but really enjoyed the stopover at CDG, such a peaceful airport. I only went for five days - I don't think I felt normal for about two weeks upon return! Cracked a tooth at the airport too, those skinny chips are rock hard sometimes!

Enjoy your trip whatever you decide

I'd be disappointed too, but I would 'adjust my expectations' and make my mind up to be happy (I really do think that sometimes that is a choice) - and therefore I would go with the flow.

... at least they're not suggesting that you cancel.

Although I'm Canadian, I've never heard of Halloween camping event. At the beginning of the month, no less!

However, camping is a big part of many Canadian families, and some of the parks put on special events to entertain the campers. The weather will be cool at night, better to enjoy the evening huddled around the fire with a hot toddy! The leaves will be bearing their brilliant fall colours at that time of year. This may be an opportunity to experience something entirely new for you.
If your son has room for you to sleep, do consider it. You will enjoy the kids while they are having fun, and meet new people.
Also consider a nearby hotel and join the festivities for the daytime if there is no room for you in the family camper. Or you might be the coolest Granny ever if you rented an camper-van for the weekend and showed up to join them!

I have to admit I love the fall season. The air turns crisp, i get to wear my scarves and sweaters. Leaves turn and crunch under my feet when I walk. Root vegetables are in season to make yummy soups and comfort foods. Everyone puts put pumpkins and gourds for decoration. It kicks off the holiday season, big changes and excitement in the air. Halloween is a (small) fun part of it. Kids get dressed up, walk with their parents around the neighborhood trick-or-treating, meeting and greeting neighbors and friends.

It's my favorite season.

Yogagran, it's wonderful they want to include you on such a special family time. Perhaps take other posters advice and "grin through it". I'd advise against being grumpy or complaining. If you do find a hotel, be pleasant about it. Show you are excited to be included. Don't let on you are upset.

Keep it light and fun, you might surprise yourself and have a great time if you bring the right attitude.