Ask Away: Travelling overseas is possible at any age

Angkor Wat is a temple complex in Cambodia. Photo / Getty Images

Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.

My grandmother has just turned 90 and told me she regrets not going to Angkor Wat in her 80s when she was a little more mobile. She can't always walk long distances, particularly over uneven terrain. Are there any organised tour options to Cambodia for someone with limited mobility?
Carolyn James, Auckland.

While Cambodia could be a challenging destination for someone of your grandmother's age, that doesn't mean it's impossible. And if it's somewhere she's always wanted to see, she should see it. As the kids say, YOLO.

In fact, on researching this question, I found a rather lovely account by a 19-year-old woman who took her 90-year-old grandfather on a trip to Cambodia. He also had limited mobility, but like your grandmother, wanted to see as much of the world as he could.

They did face some challenges — such as the bumpy tuktuk rides and steep staircases in temples — but overall it sounded like a really positive experience. The blogger found communication was key and alone time was also important — often her granddad would spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel while she did a bit of exploring on her own.
She also recommended planning activities sparingly and making sure lots of time is allocated. You'll want to follow your grandmother's pace, though it will be slower than yours — but sometimes being forced to take things slow can result in a more fulfilling experience.

Another thing to take into account is the heat — it can get very hot and humid in Cambodia, so you'll want to plan your trip at a time when the weather is agreeable. From November to March, the weather is cooler and drier in Siam Reap and the temples of Angkor.

I asked my contact Tim Cox at Adventure Travel Wellington for a few tips — and he suggests a tailor-made itinerary rather than a group tour. That way, the trip can be all arranged at your own pace, with flexibility for changes as you go. You could have a private driver and guide — which are quite affordable in Cambodia — and aim to visit temples that are more accessible. They could book you into hotels on the smaller side, with ground floor rooms for easy access.

He also suggests a side trip, perhaps to slow-paced and charming Battambang or even a beach on the south coast and the capital Phnom Penh.

And, as I'm sure you're aware, with a trip like this you will need to have comprehensive travel insurance and ensure you're both well covered in case of any medical events.
If any older travellers would like to write in about their experiences in Cambodia, I'd love to hear them and I'm sure Carolyn would too.

Email your questions to askaway@nzherald.co.nz

Eli cannot answer all questions and can't correspond with readers.

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