Her adventurous parents sparked a desire to see the world.
But as theyve gotten older, this traveler is learning to slow down.
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
The clouds were upside downor at least thats how they seemed to me.
From left: The author and her parents aboard the Viking Forseti; Peta and Tony in their stateroom on the Viking Forseti.Credit:Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon
I set about brainstorming.
My first thought was an ocean cruise, something both my parents have enjoyed in the past.
We would sail the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, past beautiful vineyards and chateaux.
A Viking ship near Bordeaux, France.Courtesy of Viking
Id requested wheelchair assistance for my mother, who can walk but with some difficulty.
I sensed that both my parents found the bustle overpowering.
K. D. Leperi/Alamy
One thing hadnt changed: we still enjoyed a drink together.
Bordeaux’s city center.K. D. Leperi/Alamy
Finally aboard theForsetiafter a 19-hour travel day, we clinked cocktails during the welcome briefing.
I reminded myself that the whole point was for us to spend time together.
And skipping the excursions ended up having plenty of advantages.
In the evenings, theyd strike up conversations with our fellow passengers.
Our trip made me painfully aware of their mortalityand, by extension, my own.
I think Id enjoy another Caribbean cruise.
And I realized with relief that my fears may have been premature.
Our family has plenty more trips left to take.
Google Flights lets you search a wide range of carriers to find the simplest nonstop options.
Request Special Assistance
Rather than handle everything yourself, take advantage of services offered by airlines.
Wheelchair assistance, pre-boarding, and order-ahead meals can make travel days easier on everyone.
One activity a dayor even every other dayis enough when you slow down to savor each moment.
