I have a question. Do they also think northern European countries (read: places where presumably other white people live) are also dangerous?
if you make them go someplace they dont want to go then all of yall are going to have a bad time...you will probably have the worst time and will also have to hear about it for the rest of your life...the consequences will never be the same.
While your intentions are certainly noble, I don't understand your reluctance to acquiesce to their wishes. If they don't want to leave the country, don't make them. If they don't want to deal with birth certificates, passports, and the hassle of long flights, don't make them. It puts them in an awkward position. Don't make this joyous occasion stressful. If you force them to go where you think they should go, that makes the trip about you and not about them and based on your post, I think you want this to be about them. Another idea, if you are comfortable doing so, is rent an RV and take a nice long drive.
Charleston, SC is nice. Lot's of different things to do: food, shopping, history, beach, golf, etc....
If this is to pay them back for past deeds how come you don't take their ideas?? That is like my wife getting me an iPhone even tho Im a windows fan. Just take said beach and amp it up as much as possible. Although I am fairly certain you cant get sea sick on a cruise line ship. lol, I was on a carrier and never felt the waves
If you want tropical and foreign-ish without being foreign....Hawaii fits the bill. Or for different -- with an 'all inclusive' element -- older folks seem to like Alaskan cruises. You can leave from Seattle instead of Vancouver if you want keep it made-in-the-usa, but you may still need a passport. (they'll always have a Canadian port -- and some cruises require them anyways).
^^^^ THIS I don't think you are going to win You Mother in Law seems set in her ways and set on doing what she going to do I don't think you gonna change her mind Remember. . . its for them .. . not you I know you want it to be memorable but You need to let them choose the memory they want Rocket River
I agree with a the other posters that you should do what your mother in law wants. I think it's a great gesture on your part that you want to give them an all paid vacation and I understand wanting to take them out of their comfort zone to show them the wider world out there. That said this is a gift to them and as such then it should be about what they want not what you think is best for them. This would be different if you wanted a family vacation and you were taking them because they are family. Then you have a point. Once though you've said this is specifically for them then it should be what they want. Even if you don't think it will be as fun of a trip as what you're suggesting.
I was thinking Alaska or Hawaii as compromises. There's many places in the US that are natural wonders. I mean just randomly drive around Washington or Oregon and you'll hit one without realizing it. Finding one in Florida will take a little more work but it's doable to have that mix of civilization and nature within 40 miles. I think what's in the way is your needs. You're spending a large amount for you and your wife to go as well, so you want the destination for you to be worth it. The problem is that if your MiL much more stubborn on the destination, then she might not enjoy it as much should you get your way, and that loss of enjoyment could negate the whole reason for having the trip. One way around this is to go to a place you've already gone and have enjoyed. To them, just going on a far off trip is the compromise. They've settled down and don't want to move too much outside their comfort zones. You could sell them on the points you like or at least give more assurance on what to expect. Maybe their reluctance is more from uncertainty, so even if they're still stubborn, at least you can address one part of their concerns for when they finally get there. A good gift is a thought out effort on what the recipient would enjoy and like, and that usually means what the recipient actually likes. When something like this is forced, it's more of a challenge for them to unwind and relax.
reminds me of that aunt who asked what you wanted for xmas, and no matter how many times you said a video game, she got you socks and a sweater
US Virgin Islands is your answer man.. St Crox, St. Thomas thats a perfect compromise.. Its off of the continental U.S. and you do not need a passport The US Virgin Islands is also way way WAYYYY better than Hawaii (and way way WAYYYY cheaper)
Is it truly better than Hawaii (from those who have been?) I've never been to either, and I've kind of been looking into both since starting this thread. I just thought they'd be more expensive than what I'm finding. Thanks for all the advice, guys. Truly appreciated.
Yeah Hawaii is pretty overrated. Its quite dirty with homeless people everywhere. Not saying Hawaii sucks, it certainly doesn't but I think the Virgin Islands is much more beautiful and scenic
Just to counter this anecdotal evidence, I'll offer my own. We love Hawaii, especially Maui. Not sure where there are 'homeless' people everywhere as I have never noticed an inordinate amount of homeless people on any of the islands.
