Travel advice for grandpa

[afathertobe]

[couldn't find a travel advice sub-forum, so this can be moved to a more appropriate place]

 

Hi all

My step-grandfather, 82 years young but of good health, will visit the Philippines with me for 8 days. He is very excited to go and wants to see things, rather than just take it easy on a beach chair for a few relaxing days. (sigh..) So here's my challenge: I want to plan a trip which includes a) Manila-BGC to arrive and relax for a day b) Intramuros, a bit of culture at a leisurely pace c) a place that combines a bit of sightseeing and the beach in its vicinity.

And all that without flying or driving too much (will hire cabs or a driver for further distances).

My dear grandpa wants to see as much as possible and be active (he travels by himself quite often as well back in Europe), but I really don't know how the humidity, stress of travelling, heat, food will affect him, and therefore not plan too much.

So any tips, location ideas are very much welcome. Initially I wanted to do Baguio/Banaue rice terraces but that's just too much driving I feel.

[chris49]

Gosh that's tough to say, but travel by a top level bus line eg Farinas or Partas going north would be a comfortable trip.

However from Metro Manila I would head for Tagaytay while it's cooler climate and spectacular views. It would be about a 2 hour drive to get down there, then have lunch overlooking Lake Taal and the Lake Taal Volcanoes.

Make it a 2 day trip and head down to Los Banos Laguna and spend a few hours relaxing in the hot springs. You could drive down there from Tagaytay, a few different routes, maybe 90 mins drive.

I have not been to the rice terraces but I have heard good things about them nothing negative. Here up north, Spanish Architecture, old churches and buildings would be the highlight. But an arduous trip and still some travelling around once you get up here.

Giving a choice, his age, I would go with the Tagaytay trip, first choice.

[Dave Hounddriver]

Do not automatically assume that your 82 year old step-grandfather will not enjoy a trip to Fields ave in Angeles.  A lot of old timers enjoy window shopping even if they do not feel up to making a purchase.

I suggest it only as a stop along the way, not a destination for the 8 day visit.  It will give him something to talk about for the rest of his life.

[chris49]

Ingats palagi pa Dave.

I have never been there, but I might take your advice and have a look one day.

On your recommendation of course.

[Gator]

1 hour ago, chris49 said:

Ingats palagi pa Dave.

I have never been there, but I might take your advice and have a look one day.

On your recommendation of course.

You could use an overnight trip to AC as a jumping off point for a ride up to the rice terraces. But instead of a bus I'd look into hiring a private driver as that would  give you more options for sightseeing along the way. 

[davewe]

16 hours ago, afathertobe said:

[couldn't find a travel advice sub-forum, so this can be moved to a more appropriate place]

 

Hi all

My step-grandfather, 82 years young but of good health, will visit the Philippines with me for 8 days. He is very excited to go and wants to see things, rather than just take it easy on a beach chair for a few relaxing days. (sigh..) So here's my challenge: I want to plan a trip which includes a) Manila-BGC to arrive and relax for a day b) Intramuros, a bit of culture at a leisurely pace c) a place that combines a bit of sightseeing and the beach in its vicinity.

And all that without flying or driving too much (will hire cabs or a driver for further distances).

My dear grandpa wants to see as much as possible and be active (he travels by himself quite often as well back in Europe), but I really don't know how the humidity, stress of travelling, heat, food will affect him, and therefore not plan too much.

So any tips, location ideas are very much welcome. Initially I wanted to do Baguio/Banaue rice terraces but that's just too much driving I feel.

My first concern is that you said 8 days. Are you flying in from Beijing? At first I worried that if you were coming in from a Western country, 8 days would be too crazy.

Next I would ask your grandfather honestly what he likes: Beach, cool or hot climate, malls, girls, provincial areas, cities? Depending on his answer it will be much easier to plan a fun 8 days. Don't forget a rest day or two. Even those of us under 82 need the occasional rest day when traveling.

[Gratefuled]

At 82 years, 8 days may not be enough time to see very much. If you and grandpa want to see Baguio and the rice terraces, plan that trip first. You may have to stay overnight in Baguio unless your driver can bring you back down that evening. 

The remaining days, you can see Intramuros, Fort Santiago on same day. Tagaytay and Taal Volcanoe another full day. Maybe you can squeeze in a day or 2 in Palawan and check out the beaches and the underground river. 

Mall of Asia and any cultural events going on at the time. 

Good Luck and hope grandpa enjoys his visit. Make sure his glasses are clean so he can check out all the pretty pinays the Philippines has. 

You are a good grandson. 

[chris49]

Palawan looks to be off the map in 8 days.

A few tours round Manila and a few nights out in Metro Walk or Timog Avenue or the clubs/bars of Ermita/Malate would fill the rest of the time.

[canadamale]

Luneta Park, would be a must for me, If you go to MOA a stroll along Manila bay is nice, some very beautiful sunsets to be seen. I would also try to show him a little of the poverty and just scenes of everyday life. If you can show him a few sites of whatever it is your grandfather did for a living, he might enjoy that. Please remember your grandpa is 82 and the sights sounds and smells of Manila can be quite over powering. Make sure he has a hat and drinks plenty of water. 

[i am bob]

my dad did a longer trip at about the same age...  he found that instead of concentrating on one area, he liked to pass through fairly quickly so he could get a better overall feel and enjoy more of the sites and scenery...  of course, when he met up with his brother that he hadn't seen in over 20 years, the rye came out and the bar scene was enjoyed quite liberally as well...  

the only big worry i would have would be your grandfather experiencing jet lag upon arrival...  allow for some early morning trips followed by a good nap before experiencing the evening events...  and, yes, maybe look into hiring a private vehicle - with a good aircon - for the longer trips...