Peter Greenberg: Vacation Ideas for Mom

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-02-16

I'm wanting to take my 78 year-old mother on a vacation. She is in good health but can only walk small distances. I was thinking about a Hawaiian cruise; she doesn't want to visit Mexico. We both love flowers and birds. She has been to Hawaii before, in April; I have not. She is willing to go again. Do you have any other ideas we should consider?
-Kathy, Lowpoint, Ill.

Hawaii is, rightfully so, a very popular destination. And if you're into nature, then Hawaii could be a great choice, because it offers an array of truly unique natural beauty. One added bonus is that as part of the U.S., Hawaii is subject to the Americans With Disabilities Act. In general, this makes it a lot easier for people with mobility problems to get around.

An alternative destination to consider is the Caribbean. There are hundreds of possible ports and dozens of countries you could visit in this region. If you're into warm weather and seeing a variety of locations, this could be the right choice for you.

Carnival Cruises offers a six-night cruise, starting at $439 per person, in March 2009. It leaves from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and visits Key West, Fla., George Town in Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Carnival also offers an interesting seven-night voyage departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and visiting St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, and St. Kitts. Yet another option would be Costa Cruises seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruises departing Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, the Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk Island. This voyage starts at $549 per person.