Seeking Vacation Destination for Family with 85-Year-old and 2 Babies

Depends on how much $ you want to spend. And how old the babies are. If you haven't visited, you would be surprised how entire family friendly Disney World is. The resorts are so close, you can go back to your rooms for naps and meals, you can do one park or all with Park Hoppers, and there is really something for everyone. We were planning an entire family trip (parents, 4 siblings with spouses and 10 grandkids) and my mother-in-law is in a wheelchair after having two major strokes. She decided she didn't want to take a trip right now but we still may go. Or I have heard a cruise is good. That way you can have someone watch the kiddos and do adult day excursions or dinners. Whatever you choose, you can make it your own. My friends went to the Florida Keys right after he had knee surgery and just relaxed by the pool at a rented house and played at the beach. Whatever you decide to do, good for you for planning the trip. It sounds wonderful and you will make lasting memories. Take lots of pictures and make everyone a memory book when you get home.

Good luck,
K.

Mazatlan Mexico! Its the BEST! Not too pricey its easy to get around, and they have a great beach. Make sure you stay In "The Golden Zone" though everything else is too far from town. Have fun!
B. O
The MOM Team

If you could let us know what you and your family like to see or do, and how far you want to travel, that may help us give you more relevant suggestions. Also, how active is your grandma - can she walk around much?
I love to visit Seattle. It is fairly temperate, though it will be cold for awhile still. Seattle has a great free, downtown bus system and there are tons of things to see- art museum, science center, space needle, ocean front markets, etc. It isn't too far to get to the mountains or the ocean if either of those sound appealing. But Seattle is quite a ways from Colorado, and hotels can be fairly expensive, though probably not much different from other big city destinations.

It really depends on your budget, one of thoses all inclusive resorts would be great because there is built-in childcare and all kinds of activities. A cruise has the same conveniences and many older retired couples go on cruises so your grandmother would have plenty of new friends to meet that are close to her age. I met a very sweet 92 year old man on a cruise once, he was there with his "hot, young" wife who was a mere 62 years old! And the childcare is usually first-rate. There is also medical staff available if nessesary and you never have to worry about meals as they are included in the cost. Good luck and have fun!

I had the same situation, and solved it by renting a timeshare. Do a search on the web. We used RCI but there are others out there. If you use a timeshare organization be sure to check it out with the state better business bureau. There are a lot of timeshare owners who are not able to use their weeks, so they rent them out as individuals, also.
It costs less than a motel and is a home like atmosphere. That means that you have a full kitchen with equipment to handle special dietary needs of old and young alike. Some of the units are also handicapped accessible, so the bathtubs have grab bars, and are easier for the 85 year old to enter. Be sure to ask when you inquire about availability, and then confirm your need for special accommodations at the site before you leave home. Most units are rented from a Friday p.m. to the next Friday a.m. or a Monday p.m. to the next Monday a.m., You get a week for decent price. Most sites also have kid play areas and some even have programs for the little ones to enjoy.
My mother has since passed away, but my children and I look back at the memories we created while she was with us with a quiet joy inside. Take the time to make the future memory happen. I don't think you'll regret it.
N. H.

Hi B.,

How about a Beaches resort? They are family-friendly, have activities for adults and kids, and are all-inclusive. They're located in a number of places, e.g. Jamaica. They are a sister resort of Sandals which is adults-only, where I honeymooned.

Have fun!
Warmly,
S. Mesh
Development Director
Cultural Care Au Pair - www.culturalcare.com
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It would definitely depend on your budget, but a great place to look at would be the inclusvie resort Beaches. They have certified nannies and programs for babies and kids of all ages and caters to parents and grandparents. And there are even all multiple levels to choose from for your all inclusive trip. If curious their website is www.beaches.com, and there is tons of information as well as pictures on the website.

Our family loves cruises because it works for all ages...but how old are the babies? Having done it with 2 babies, I would really recommend from age 3 and up since you can have them in the kids clubs for a few hours a day then too! The grands love it 'cause they can be as active or inactive as they need yet still get to see lots of ports!