I'm looking for recommendations of where to take my 80 year old mother for a warm-weather winter vacation around the end of January or early February for 7 - 10 days. She's in great health but wants to go somewhere safe. We don't like laying around on beaches, or surfing, snorkeling etc. More into walking, interesting architecture, different culture, sight-seeing. Not interested in going to an all-inclusive with a bunch of other North Americans, or somewhere similar to home lol. I've travelled a fair bit, several trips to Africa and India, Cambodia, Russia, Ukraine, Europe so I'm not afraid of taking us to a different culture but she has to feel safe. Any suggestions?

Portugal and Spain...not incredibly expensive, warm but not hot, and beautiful architecture everywhere!

Portugal is on her wish list! Just not sure if it will be very warm then

Dawn Averages there in Jan and Feb are about 10 to 12 degrees

Greece in the springtime.

Cuba

Mexico City. So much to do there, and you can do an overnight trip to Taxco as well if you still have time.

Only a five-six hour flight, too.

And flights are so inexpensive! I got tickets for spring break. Excited!

Yes! This is my Winter vacation plan!

Honestly, it's such an easy and cheap getaway from Vancouver, some parts feel like you're in a European city, but you don't have the long flight and big time change difference! It's a popular misconception that MC is dirty and dangerous. I've always felt very safe there.

I couldn’t agree more. Mexico City is highly underrated. And a side trip to Pueblo is recommended. Gorgeous colonial city!

Kathy, have you ever gone to Taxco? It's a town built on a hill, kind of like Amalfi in Italy. Great side trip as well.

Gurpal Not yet. Next time for sure! I’ve heard great things

Corsica or Sicily are both great places. We have taken my 83 yo mother to both in the last couple of years.

Sardinia, Italy. It's gorgeous , safe and so much to do.

Or Amalfi coast. Make your base Sorrento. Every day you go to a new place on the coast. Gorgeous

Bali is lovely, but check on status of volcano before you book.

I suggest the south of Italy - Bari, Polignano a Mare, Cisternino, Lecce, Otranto...

malta

Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia

Cuba or Portugal

River cruise

Darn! I have a nice place on Maui for you!

Cuba??? Staying in a casa particular in Havana rather than doing the resort thing

My mom did Ecuador with a tour group a couple of years ago (67 years old with a physical disability). Included a tour of the Galapagos Islands. She said the whole trip was amazing. Because of her disability my Mom does feel less secure when travelling but didn't voice any concerns about this trip.

Costa Rica has beautiful jungles with bird and butterfly habitats to visit. Stay more inland where the volcanos are and away from the beaches.

Granada, Nicaragua, is one of the best preserved Spanish-colonial cities in the Americas. Founded in 1524, Granada claims to be the first European city in mainland America, meaning it's truly an old colonial city rather than a semi-modern lookalike. Also day many day trips including Laguna de Apoyo, Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve, the isletas. Google these I think you will find it would be perfect.

Latvia! Inexpensive for Europe. Tons of culture. And most of the older architecture was unaffected by the war, so still standing.

Cold in Jan Feb

Oh you’re right, I missed the warm weather requirement.

Take her on a Cruise, that way she gets to see different cultures in different countries.

Cruises are not really for seeing much of the culture - at best you usually have only about 8 hours in a port

Thanks for all the suggestions! My brother is taking her to Italy in the summer so I will definitely look at some of the other suggestions here for the winter. She hasn't been able to travel for the last several years so we're getting her out now as much as we can

Boy she’s fortunate to have such sweet kids.

Awe thanks. She's survived cancer, and Dad passed away last March after a long battle with cancer so she's way overdue for some fun times while she still can!

Dawn you and your brother are among the special few - all too often these days we see the elderly forgotten/left behind as family follows their dreams and desires.

Amazing. Can I ask where you're getting her medical insurance?

I loved Barcelona!

And I loved Bilbao and Oviedo and the northern coast.

didn't get to see the frank gheery museum in Bilbao:(

Singapore: safe, warm, multicultural, with easy flights to tropical islands or historical centres like Malacca. Anthony Bourdain loves the food, so it must be pretty good. Southern Portugal or Gibraltar might work too.

Havana and Trinidad Cuba were both safe and interesting.

Phoenix is.sunny and usually warm that time of year. Lots of museums, restaurants and other attractions to suit any age level. Flights reasonably cheap too.

How about Sri Lanka.

I personally loved Namibia and felt safe the entire time we were there. You can choose between seeing the animals up north, or going to see the sand dunes and deserted town of Kolmanskop. Or if you have the time, do both! Our group ranged in age from 30-70yrs of age and we all enjoyed it. I would definitely hire a driver & guide, as ours pointed out things that we would have otherwise missed.

We enjoyed at trip to Brazil and felt safe. We did not stay in Rio d'janeiro but in Copacabana. The Bus system is terrific and cheap...we also took several in country flights to visit the Iguassu Falls and Salvador. There are many other areas that would be worth seeing.

start in tulum and head south into belize.... vist the mayan ruins here:Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Cuba! Just not resort style. Totally felt safe there and Havana is beautiful

Portugal - Lagos. Great vrbo or airbnb. Friendly people, very safe. not too hot.

How about Copper Canyon in Mexico. You take a train to it. Might be fun!

Cuba Its relatively cheap close and different Hardly any Americanizations

Singapore! business is conducted in English the money is easy to understand. You must consider when traveling with an older person the streets and sidewalks are level. As you know when you’re a tourist you’re looking everywhere but down at your feet were you’re about to step. It is an amazing city. The hop on hop off bus covers every square inch of the city. So just sit down and enjoy the ride.The average temperature in January and February is 25 to 30.

Cusco Peru!

Oaxaca Mexico might be a good option. Good food, architecture, crafts and textiles. Pleasant weather. Not too far to fly. Safer than resort towns I think.

Cuba for sure

Thailand- especially Chiang Mai, wonderful people, beautiful things to see everywhere, cheap and easy to get around!

Agree, have been to Chiang Mai three times. There is generally a great respect for age in Thailand, your mom would be welcomed.

Thailand is way too long a flight for an elderly person with only having 7/10 days to spend.

Bermuda

Cuba! Havana is amazing + checks off everything on your list
I do recommend looking for/booking accommodations as far in advance of your trip as possible tho!

San Miguel de Allende!!! I think that fits the bill perfectly, although you have to prepare for cool nights. Sweaters, etc. Warm in the day though. So much history. Plenty to explore!

I am currently there. I agree about the architecture, history etc but walking is very difficult on the cobble streets up and down the many hills.Right now, the Holiday Season it's the noisiest place I have ever been in Mexico and I have driven everywhere since 96 . The explosions all night for a week leading up to the Festival of Guadelupe on 12 Dec was like a war zone and continued all night. I'm told the time leading up to Xmas (Posada) it will be even worse. Thankfully we are leaving to-morrow to another location, Ajijic which I know is warmer and not as noisy. If you like peace and quiet Mexico is not the place. Barking dogs, loud music, street parades and fireworks are part of the culture.

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This is a mistake. I can't take it off from my phone. Lol

San Christobal, Mexico....

Havana and the Vinales Valley in Cuba. The picture is Vinales

Below is Havana

Argentina, go to Buenos Aires. Warm climate, beautiful city, tons of history, and great food and wine!

Havana! We just spent 2 weeks there. Lots to do and lots to see. Very safe city and the food is good! We used Air b & b and stayed in Vedado. PM me if you'd like more info.

Thanks, Lisa! If we choose Cuba I'll definitely contact you for more info.

Cuba! For the win
But i also loved Oahu and Maui - air bnb or vrbo and rent a car

Both Cuba and Argentina! Cuba might be easier for access for your mom. Buenos Aires has wonderful colonial architecture, and with its big wide boulevards in the tourist area (La Recoleta), it is often likened to Paris. Then do a couple days in Colonia Uruguay. A short ferry ride away, and a UNESCO site. Wine is fabulous, and the food is a combination of the fresh South American fruits, veggies and steak - combined with Italian cooking due to the large early 1900’s Italian immigrant population. Probably the best in the world - and I’ve eaten in a lot of places!

I've been to Buenos Aires. I love the wide boulevards and it is very much like Paris in some instances. However, it is a really long haul to get there. Especially from Vancouver. Or Canada for that matter.

Australia

Wow, thanks everyone for chiming in! I've got some research to do now! I really appreciate all the great suggestions!

Italy!

Mexico Yucatán - Tulum, Chichen Itza...etc.

Palm Springs

We'll be there in a couple of weeks. Can't wait!

New Zealand - but a long flight

Lisbon

What about Costa Rica I Here that is lovely. Australia - Great Barrier Reef and Brisbane, Sydney all very lovely

Hawaii Italy or Australia !!

Ikaria

Oh, where's that?

Small lush Greek island. One of the Blue Zones. Best everything.

Cuba...go to Havana, Trinidad and Varadero regions and stay in casa particularas. (This is a safe and informative way to travel) The country is rich in history and very safe. Plus very economical.

Arizona or New Mexico

Right now Cancun has best temperature.

My 76 year old mother and her 83 year old sister last year went to Sri Lanka on a guided tour by a local. It was very reasonable and my mother raved about her tour guide. She said she would go again and she felt very safe. He organized everything. I can get his contact info if you are interested

I'd like your Sri Lanka guide contact if it's okay to ask that on someone else's post.

Ursula
[email protected] Pradeep Ferdinand

Cordoba, Spain. Amazing place!

cancun is s good option relaxing and good deal and Cuba even better. It will make my mum so happy

Go to Cuba take a guided tour. It was great and we learned so much. Look up
Cuban Adventures Cuba Tours on Facebook. Nicest people ever!

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires -- safe, amazing, cultural, good transit system, affordable and plentiful taxis...

she's always wanted to go to Greece. Not sure how stable it is there - any comments?

Currently, I don't think Greece is riskier than any other European city right now. I've been twice and recommend that you go to Zante for a couple of days if you can manage it.

Any protests in Athens are done peacefully and yes there is yelling but there is no intent to harm, especially against tourists. We've walked right through them a handful of times. Many rentals in the Cyclades leave their doors unlocked for us to arrive and instruct us to leave unlocked upon our departure. I can barely do that in my very safe hometown! The islands are safest as they have their own isolated tourist-driven economies that are healthy. I do not think it would count as a warm weather destination in Jan/Feb though!

Try OAT travel. They have both river cruises and land tours. We have done both and they are excellent with excellent group leaders.

Go, great place.

We are going to Charleston SC around that time. Visiting museums and doing walking tours. There are cruises to the Bahamas out of that port too, but may not interest you.

Loved Charleston, and highly recommend Two Sisters Walking Tour (check trip advisor) and the Belmond Charleston Place Hotel.

Sedona?

Be sure to read 'Garden of Good and Evil' before you go to Charleston. Puts a great perspective on the city.

Bali. 100%. Yeah, there are beaches, but then there's also Ubud, which has traditional dance, gorgeous architecture, a wonderful culture, and beautiful art galleries.
https://thegoin.wordpress.com/2017/02/16/how-to-ubud/

Virtually anywhere in Asia is the best bet for safety. You can even walk around at night and be totally safe. If you like cities, I'd recommend Singapore. It's a quality destination, easy to get around, very clean, and has a variety of attractions. Its not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

Sorry, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' is in Savannah not Charleston. But hey Savannah is a great place too

Japan.

Not so warm in most parts.

Portugal is awesome if you haven't been. Full of historic sites and ruins, very safe affordable. Average 300 days of sunshine each year.

Loved Portugal too. Do a week there and then a week in Greece.

Go to Sao Miguel Azores. Just spent a month there. Most beautiful place I've ever been and I travel at least twice a year after a 34 Military career where I got my travel bug.LOL. A great idea would be Azores first then cheap flight to Portugal or vise versa.You won't regret it. I'd do a week in both. I believe you can fly to Lisbon from Porto Delgado on Sao Miguel for about 50 euros. Flight to Sao Miguel are simple , Victoria to Toronto to Sao Miguel. Your travel agent will give you all details. I scoped out my prices on line then went to an Travel Agent and he got me an even better price. There is no where safer or cleaner than the Azores and the Portuguese people are very gracious hosts.

I agree with you the Azores are awesome. I'm from Pico. The weather in Jan/Feb can be a mixed bag but there's a lot of undiscovered beauty there.

Google Sao Miguel Azores and be prepared to be awestruck. Tons of You Tube Videos to verify.

costa rica is nice

Oaxaca and stay at Las Bugumbillas

I second this! Warm weather, great food, ancient ruins and colonial architecture and low prices!

Hong Kong but be warned that there will be a lot of walking about

San miguel de allende

There is many Canadians living there and is very beautiful place

Yes I recommend San Miguel 're Allende too

San Diego!

Oaxaca city is beautiful! Great food, safe, friendly.

Kyoto Japan Took my mum for 10 days. Absurd fabulous. Used tacos extensively so we could spend energy strolling and walking temples, gardens and paths. So many wonderful memories.

Absolutely and tacos not tacos! Lol.

tacos???

Dawn oh dear. Taxis.

Yes Osaka and Kyoto. FAbulous.

Costa Rica! Felt safe and it’s beautiful! Cheap flights through google flights

Am leaving Costa Rica tomorrow after 12 days here. Would also suggest it might be a good option. They are really focused on eco tourism. Great place to bird watch and for photography. People are genuinely lovely. Not a place to admire architecture but nature. I can suggest some excellent nature lodges.

I second the Hong Kong recommendation. It's mild (hi temp about 20 or so, lows around 14) and dry in late January, early Feb. Excellent modern architecture (do a little research), fantastic food, great shopping, efficient Metro and very safe. We stayed at the Luxe Manor in Kowloon for a week this past January and it was a great week.

Borneo is fabulous! Sepilok Nature Resort in a wonderful area close to Sandakan. Orangutans, proboscis monkey sanctuary ECT. The lodge is beautiful and there are so many things to do there. One question? How far does your mom want to fly? It's hard on elderly people to fly long distances. Good luck!

I loved Cuba for the history and super safe couldn’t believe how safe. Havana particularly. Lots to see and do not beaches but of course it is beach on the other side too.

Quito Ecuador. World heritage site. Amazing architecture. Lots of tours available to do, Amazon to the Andes