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Holiday,what to do

(43 Posts)
kircubbin2000 Sat 20-Apr-19 17:30:03

My son and his new wife have invited me to spend a week driving round Spain.My immediate reaction was to say no as I have become very anxious travelling. Last time I went with him I was ill with food poisoning the whole week.Im also worried as he has only passed his driving test and had never driven in Spain.I think I'd rather have a quiet week at home but don't want to offend them.

David1968 Sun 21-Apr-19 10:26:31

1 agree fully with Nanny123. It has to be your choice. If you're not feeling happy about the thought of going, then don't go. A polite refusal now could save you a week of unhappiness later!

DanniRae Sun 21-Apr-19 11:11:20

It's a "NO" from me too! confused

Pix5 Sun 21-Apr-19 11:14:52

I feel sick thinking about the heat, the car, the anxiety, I would say no.

NannyG123 Sun 21-Apr-19 11:29:53

Decline the offer explaining the reason. I'm sure they will understand. Perhaps suggest a long weekend away with them at another time.

ReadyMeals Sun 21-Apr-19 12:24:55

No don't explain the reason! If you tell him you're scared you get food poisoning when you go away with him and you're scared he can't drive properly, he'll be offended. Instead say you'd love to go another time and you're really pleased he asked, but for some reason you just don't feel like it this year. By the time next holiday comes around it may be somewhere with cleaner food and he might have proven his driving skills and you might want to go. But if you tell him why you're not going this year you might not be invited again :D

Ginny42 Sun 21-Apr-19 13:44:49

I'm on the inclined to go with them list. They're thinking of you. Do you go on holidays? If not perhaps they're thinking it would be a treat for you. It's only a week and there are so many lovely places to see which you may not get the opportunity to see again. Unless he moves at the speed of F1 drivers you can't get that far in a week if you're going to stop off for sightseeing.

You don't have to be with them all the time. You can say you're going to read and have a siesta. Let them go for dinner alone a couple of nights, say you're a bit tired and want to write some emails/postcards whatever. I think it's also a lovely alternative idea to fly out to where they are for the final couple of days.

Cars have air-con and are cool, it's when you step out of the car it's very hot.

A lot depends on how active you are and whether you can keep pace with them.

sarahellenwhitney Sun 21-Apr-19 14:16:11

It appears son and wife, in your words 'are not youngsters' and son having just passed his driving test is not what I would rate 'an experienced driver'.?
That alone would put me off this holiday plus he is not used to driving on a different side of the road. You have to say NO and if he does not like it then tough.

Aepgirl Sun 21-Apr-19 14:53:02

I think you should say ‘yes’. If you refuse you might not be asked again. Just be thankful that you have been in included.

M0nica Sun 21-Apr-19 16:19:49

Why on earth would they be upset if you just said 'Thank you for the offer, but as you know I was quite ill last time and I am not getting any younger so I do want to risk spoiling your holiday again'

If it was my son that is what I would say and I cannot imagine him taking any offence.

Theoddbird Sun 21-Apr-19 16:30:06

Can't think of anything worse...say no.

Lily65 Sun 21-Apr-19 16:47:26

How old are they?

Grandmama Sun 21-Apr-19 20:23:51

It would not be my idea of a holiday. Spanish driving is not like UK driving- and on the other side of the road possibly in a right hand drive car shock - I'd thank them for thinking of me but I'd stay at home.

Eloethan Mon 22-Apr-19 00:33:42

More than food poisoning,I'd be worried about a newly qualified driver driving in another country on the "wrong" side of the road and with different traffic regulations.

It's very nice of them to ask but I would politely say no on the grounds that driving around in the heat is likely to be tiring for you and may make you feel nauseous.

lovebeigecardigans1955 Mon 22-Apr-19 08:32:06

I think that M0nica has it just right. A polite but firm no, "Thank you for thinking of me but I must decline".

Razzy Mon 22-Apr-19 09:55:36

I would say no, but say you would like them to ask you again, especially if closer to home.

henetha Mon 22-Apr-19 10:01:50

I'm with Monica on this.

kircubbin2000 Mon 22-Apr-19 12:03:01

They are in their mid 40s and quite adventurous so I decided not to go .Last time they were away they went hiking in S America!