Hauling the parents and parents-in-law around Europe. Wish me luck.

[motion]

I've never done anything like this before. Its always been just me, or me and the wife, kid, buddy, etc. Never in a group. I'm not a group person! We have a 9 passenger van for the 6 of us. Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany. Its all on me and Mrs. Motion to pull this off. It was our idea to get our parents together for the first time - they're from Colorado and Russia.

I've been practicing driving slowly with both hands on the steering wheel. Not sure what else I can do. I guess I can't have a glass of wine at lunch. Taking off tomorrow. Any tips and words of wisdom appreciated!

[Scott Douglas]

Relax and enjoy the fact that they are still able to travel and enjoy being with their respective son/daughter.

I doubt my in-law's would even recognize me now on any given day.

[Jim Richards]

It was nice knowing you, Richard.

[impactbumper]

Man i would totally lose it with a group of 9 people. Good luck brother. Take some xanax or lexopro with you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Jim Richards

It was nice knowing you, Richard.

hahahahaha

[motion]

Xanax, check

[Bill Douglas]

That's the trouble with being the travel meister.

Relax, take two breaths, enjoy.

[BeyGon]

I don't know about you and your parents but I would guess her parents speak a few languages. I have studied a few but have forgotten most of them. Except ordering food, drinks and the check.
Have the parents met or talked much before, have a good time.

[look 171]

You know, I have to agree with my friend Scott. He beat me to it. just enjoy the trip. There are going to be things that will drive you nuts. Try to not allow that to bother the you two. Just enjoy their company. My wife has a little harder time with her folks and almost avoid trips or going anywhere with them. I try to tell her is not the destination, but the trip is what makes it. Smile, bite your lip and enjoy.

[motion]

My poor wife will have to do all the translating. Her Dad knows quite a bit of German, but my parents speak neither German nor Russian. We were all supposed to learn Italian as a common way of communicating, but they sort of all fizzled out.

Trust me, I will be relaxed. Mrs. Motion will have to deal with most of the problems

[look 171]

Originally Posted by motion

My poor wife will have to do all the translating. Her Dad knows quite a bit of German, but my parents speak neither German nor Russian. We were all supposed to learn Italian as a common way of communicating, but they sort of all fizzled out.

Trust me, I will be relaxed. Mrs. Motion will have to deal with most of the problems

I am just cracking up reading your last sentence and looking at that stupid smirks on your pic there on the side. It the perfect fit for this thread. Good one.

[recycled sixtie]

I am sure you are a good listener and facilitator. Trusting everybody gets along well it should be a great trip. It is a great opportunity for all of you to see the cultures of the different countries and yes the food should be great.

Patience is key. Don't drive too long in the day. Let us know where you go and some pics would be great. What kind of van are you renting?

Cheers, Guy

[jorian]

I did this 2 years ago. Mom had turned 80 and wanted see her best friend from high school one last time. My family is from the Netherlands. 7 of us went. Visited Netherlands and France. 7 days in the Hague, 7 in Amsterdam and 4 in Paris. Rented two cars in the Netherlands instead of one big van. In France we walked/took transit or cabbed. We had two Air BnB places in each location and usually had lunch and dinner together. We did most things together but had different itineraries for a few days to suit different interests. I would do it again.

I guess if I had one tip it would be not to get hung up on staying together every day, all day. if you feel yourself getting cabin fever you're probably not the only one. Ask about the bucket-list items each person has and try to work in at least one of those for each person (including yourself of course).

[Cajundaddy]

Just shut up and drive. Earplugs would be golden ( for your hearing protection only of course).
When we travel in a group we try to get in the "sights" in the morning and leave the afternoon for a walk through the town or leisurely sampling of the local Pils in a nice outdoor cafe with good people watching. YMMV

[JJ 911SC]

Bonne Chance

[motion]

One of the challenges I have is that traveling from one of the towns we have hotel reservations in to another, can be 5 hours on the toll road (boring), or 8-9 hours on the small roads. That turns into 12 hours once you stop a few times for espresso, taking photos, baguettes, picnic, etc. I guess I'll mix it up a bit, jumping on and off the toll road as time allows.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by motion

I've never done anything like this before....!

You starting an annual tradition??? ....be sure to keep us updated with lots of "selfies"

[Captain Ahab Jr]

Motion, I think this is your bravest trip yet

you're parents are going to freak when they look over your shoulder and see the speedo nailed on 100 while your driving about on country roads

don' t tell them its a KPH speedo as you could have a lot of fun the that

oh and good luck with synchronising bladders so you don't have to do a wee stop every 15 mins

[red-beard]

You are in a car. To help everyone prevent car sickness give them all Dramamine every morning. It is WONDERFUL stuff for the driver. Too bad my parents never figured this one out, with our yearly NY to Oklahoma trips.