Planning a trip to England for an Octogenarian

[kevrosmith]

I am hoping to draw on the wealth of knowledge among the members here on the forum to help me plan my Grandmother's trip to England. My Grandfather passed away at the end of last year, and my 88-year-old Grandmother has now expressed a desire to visit England. My parents are looking to take her sometime this year, if possible. My parents (both in their 60s) visited England last year, and got some great deal in J flying Royal Brunei out of BNE (BNE-BWN-DXB-LHR).

I've suggested they will have to go minimum Business class, and preferably fully-flat (not angled flat) bed, as I don't think Grandma would cope the long trip in Y or Y+ otherwise. (She has never been overseas before). None of them have any status with airlines, so I don't think they are worried (as much as it pains me!) about trying to stick with any FF program in particular. I've also encouraged them to look at flight schedules that would actually work for Grandma: do they want more or fewer connections? Do they want night-time or day-time flights? Do people have any suggestions about which airlines and routes might best suit an 88-year-old to get to England? Any other considerations that we may need to know about? They could do ex-BNE, but I've suggested they might be better ex-SYD or MEL to get more/better flight options on better aircraft with better seating options.

We are thinking June, July, August or September for about 6 weeks. There is a large family reunion back in Australia in late September (100 years since our family arrived into Australia), and Grandma wants to be back for that, and I don't think sending her in late-Autumn or Winter would work.

Is it even possible to get Travel Insurance for an 88-year-old? Grandma is in pretty good health, though a bit less mobile than she used to be. (Uses a walker when out and about, but can cope without it for shorter distances though she's certainly not immobile). Should we be concerned about DVT or other conditions more-so than usual?

Accommodation-wise, although I'm not sure of their itinerary, I've been trying to get them to think about spending a bit more on *nice* accommodation, rather than just getting the cheapest that they find, and then find themselves in drab, run-down places which are difficult for Grandma to get around in (she doesn't cope with steps the best). I stayed with Fraser Hospitality apartments in Osaka, Japan a year ago, and I notice they have some apartments in Canary Wharf (Fraser Place Canary Wharf: Serviced apartments in Canary Wharf, London. London hotel and riverside apartments offering self-catering accommodation in London near The O2 Greenwich.). I like apartments as there is a bit of space to spread out in, and they can cook meals if they so choose to - or at least boil the kettle for a cuppa. Do others have any suggestions about accommodation options in London and then around places (I've not been to England, so don't really know what the tourist locations are). Anyone know a good house-flat or apartment-style chain (thinking Quest, Mantra etc.) that is in England? Dad had a bad experience with B&Bs over there last time, where one house was way too busy with wall decorations and trinkets on every surface, and he was kept awake half the night by the smell of B.O. on the doona! (Ughh!)

And overall, is this realistic to have an Octogenarian traipsing around the English countryside and through the city?

Well, I know this is long and bunch of random thoughts, but I guess I'm hoping to get some feedback, comments, suggestions and advice on any of these issues, or others, that members may wish to contribute. All manner of replies will be gratefully accepted. Especially hoping ones who may have done something similar (taking an Octogenarian on a travel excursion) or those who are based in UK or travel their frequently may have some great practical advice.

Cheers
Kevin

 

[trooper]

If US (or AA) have another of their better miles sales deal I'd suggest at least looking at that!

I've booked for my Mum (late 70's) and brother to Germany in Business class using US miles.... all up was about AUD$2600 each... I think they are still amazed....

Other than that.....There are some good deals out of Asia if you can find a way to get them positioned for those flights in reasonable comfort??

Getting TI for someone over 80 might be the stumbling block....

 

[BindiBratz]

I took my elderly mother to the UK a few years ago. A superb experience for us both, and one that will live forever in the treasured memory box

Although she wasn't quite as old as your grandma, age isn't always the factor, it's the mindset and the physical capacity they have comparatively. It sounds like your grandma has both, so would make the trip worthwhile when all factors are given full consideration.

Have just quickly googled travel insurance for over 80's and it is definitely available, at a premium of course, but that's to be expected.

We travelled from late August, and were away for 7 weeks, and I feel the weather was perfect for mum to cope with. As the UK caters for more cold weather than heat, the capacity for cooling in some buildings just isn't there, and can make life very uncomfortable. Also, the end of August is when school holidays end, so is not as busy as during the summer school holidays.

We travelled in Business Class, during daylight hours (as much as possible), which mum coped with well. Arriving in London during the early evening meant not only a stunning vista as our plane cruised above the Thames allowing her to view those amazing landmarks of London from the air, it also enabled her to be settled into the hotel at a typical bedtime time. Yes, we were up early the next morning, but what a time to wander the quiet streets . . . . .

We stayed in hotels and B&B's and the occasional apartment . . . non of them chains unfortunately so can't help you there. Tripadvisor can be a wonderful tool for accommodation ideas, if you carefully screen who is actually submitting reviews. And the various location experts can offer a wealth of advice.

It was a dream for my mother to visit the UK, and within a short time her health deteriorated to a degree that travel has become impossible. Making her dream a reality is something I am grateful for.

Wishing your grandma safe and enjoyable travels . . . . .

 

[Pushka]

I've taken my elderly mother overseas too. Fabulous memories.

However she is now 85 ish and I wouldn't take her again. She's still very healthy but tires quickly. She now is stressed and upset easily. Long haul travel is hard work even for much younger people.

Travel Insurance I've found impossible to get for 85 plus. I've looked for a small trip she's taking in Australia. Perhaps some others may have had more luck.

 

[Aggi]

I was able to obtain travel insurance for my 88 year old mother-in-law recently with 1cover. You will need to complete a very detailed medical questionnaire and get it signed by a doctor. However they will not cover any pre-existing conditions, even if the condition or illness occured many years ago. Is there some reciprical arrangement with medicare in the UK though so your grandmother may be partly covered?

 

[Jos888]

My brother took our Mum to the UK and France when she was almost 92. She has always been a keen traveller and at the time was in good health, other than quite a bit of arthritis (to be expected at that age!)

She was fine. They flew in Economy from Perth to Singapore, stayed 2 days here in Singapore with us, then Business class Singapore to Paris, picked up a hire car and toured around for a couple of weeks, then flew to London. Spent about 3 weeks mainly in Henley-on-Thames. Then flew London to Singapore, a few more days here, then back to Perth. Your Grandmother might enjoy a stopover in Singapore (or Hong Kong, Dubai etc). Breaks up the trip and the time spent on the plane. I can recommend some hotels here if you're interested.

Also, if you don't already know, the airlines provide a wheelchair service. You just need to request it ahead of time. It's a great service. They will take her through immigration, duty free, the Airline's lounge if you want and right onto the plane.

Mum always managed to get travel insurance, not sure who through. I think she just had to provide a Doctor's certificate.

I hope your Grandmother has a wonderful trip.

 

[VPS]

Just about anywhere you go in Europe and UK there are steps so always ask about how many steps and if there are lifts before booking accommodation. Apartments are much better IMO than hotels especially if they get a 2 BR unit they are all in the same space rather than two rooms. Lots of friends have used AIRBNB but choose ones that have a number of different recommendations over time. Japan Airlines have flights that leave Sydney in the morning travel all day arrive about 17.00 I think and a night's accommodation is included - they take you from the airport to the hotel and back - and then you leave about 11.45 the next day and arrive in Heathrow about 16.30 which is a good time to arrive so you can have dinner and go to bed at the normal time and minimise jet lag - good luck

 

[kevrosmith]

Thanks all so far for the information and suggestions. Very helpful to expand the range of options and things worth considering. Like the idea of flying to PER first (Grandma wants to visit her brother in PER some time this year anyway), and also like the idea of flying day time flights via NRT. Have been adding all the suggestions into the bucket of info for consideration.

Keep any other suggestions coming.

Thanks!