Globe Syndicate
For Release on Friday March 7, 2003
The Sandwich Generation . . . Helping Your Aging Parents
by Carol Abaya, M.A.
VACATION
474 WORDS
MULTI-GENERATION VACATIONS =
JOYOUS TIMES
Question: My father, 68, came to live with us last year after my mother died. He
did not want to live alone. So far he and my two teenage sons get along. But his
latest “thing” is that we all take a vacation together this summer. Where can we
all go where the kids won’t be bored silly?
Answer: There are many resorts and nature organizations that offer
multi-generational activities. Activities are geared to different levels of
physical capabilities and interest.
One specific place I can suggest is the Grand Canyon; starting with a ride on
the Grand Canyon railroad. The ride is prefaced with a wild west show, which
engages the interest of all generations and ends with a train robbery. The dome
on the first class car offers three-way view of the countryside. Once at the
Canyon there are two first class hotels with restaurants on the rim; shops and a
Hopi museum.
Those who are adventurous can ride mules down to the bottom of the canyon. After
a night typical of old west roundups, the ride up is just as scary. There is
also superb white water rafting on the Colorado River and helicopter rides over
a broader section of the canyon.
Those who are not so physically oriented can take shuttle buses (free) up and
down the rim, stop at key vantage points, and soak up the wondrous nature. There
are also bus tours, so you don’t need a car at the canyon.
The restaurants offer marvelous views as does the walkway along the rim. The
Hopi Museum is a definite must visit for everyone.
The railroad office can arrange for someone to pick you up at the Phoenix or
Flagstaff airports or train station, and make reservations at hotels in Williams
(the train starting point) and the rim. At least an overnight stay at the rim
and another in Williams gives time to really enjoy the areas. Reservations can
be made at 800-843-8724 (800-THE-TRAIN) or visit the web site www.the train.com.
Question: My mother, 72, wants to take my daughter (15) to England this summer
to revisit her old home. I don’t trust her to know what to do in a strange
country or know if she can handle my adventuresome daughter. How can I tell her
this?
Answer: Don’t! Help her find a tour group that would do all the arranging and
oversee everything. The guide can keep an eye on both your mother and daughter
in case of any problems.
Traveling overseas opens up young people to other cultures. In today’s world
this is very important.
The last overseas trip my father took was to Israel at age 84. My 16-year-old
niece was with him. they had a ball.
Go for it! Not against such a trip.
* * *
Do you have a question? Send it in. Although letters cannot be answered
individually, appropriate letters will be answered in this column whenever
possible. Letters may be edited. Send letters to Ms. Carol Abaya, mail direct to
her at PO Box 132,Wickatunk, NJ 07765-0132 or contact her through her web site:
thesandwichgeneration.com.
Carol Abaya is an international-award-winning journalist and creator of the
unique magazine The Sandwich Generation: You & Your Aging Parents.
NOTES TO EDITORS: text = 474 words; other material = 108 words
We would appreciate it if you would include the "Globe Syndicate" bug at the end
of the column.
©2003 by Globe Syndicate, all rights reserved.