Budget-friendly getaways your parents will love

At some point in life, even the most adventurous spirits find themselves having to slow down to prioritise their families. The trips they planned to take get postponed in between holding hands to school every day, staying up through fevers, and working late to save just enough for a secure future, and before they know it, time slips away.

Here is a guide with spot-on insights that would help you plan the perfect getaway for your favourite grown-ups without breaking a sweat, whether you tag along with them or not.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Image

Cox’s Bazar

When it comes to budget-friendly, slow-paced vacations, Cox’s Bazar tops the list without a doubt. If you have been working a few years to save up for a trip within Bangladesh, this is one of the best places to start.

People with graceful salt-and-pepper hair do not want an itinerary packed with breathtaking adventures. Instead, they seek a tranquil spot where they can sit quietly by the beach (perhaps reminiscing about their honeymoon) and watch the waves as long as they want, feeling the sand and water cascading beneath their feet.

Reaching Cox’s Bazar is relatively hassle-free as well. You can book them flights for a quicker journey, or you can opt for the train and book a cabin if they hate the highway traffic but want to enjoy the scenic view. The food options are excellent. Whether they crave daal-bhaat or want to try the range of seafood, Cox’s Bazar has it all.

Image

Bandarban

Bandarban is like the slightly adventurous child, yet it knows how to please the parents. If your folks are in their mid-fifties, they might not mind a little walk, but then again, they would not be glad if you arranged an episode of Man vs. Wild. So, places like Nilgiri, Meghla, and surrounding viewpoints are the finest, as they can be reached by transport through the hills, winding roads, and clouds hanging over the lush green landscape.

The food holds up its end too, from steaming bowls of bamboo-cooked dishes to familiar Bangladeshi favourites made with fresh, local ingredients.

Travelling from Dhaka to Bandarban typically takes seven to nine hours. Night buses, particularly sleeper coaches, provide a convenient option as they can travel overnight and arrive in the morning.

Image

Nepal

Got a promotion and want to plan something international? Put Nepal on the list.

The ancient maze-like streets of Kathmandu, the Annapurna Mountain Range visible from Pokhara, the massive Buddha stupa, surrounded by the temples adorned with prayer flags, create a sense of calm that people often miss amid the hustle and bustle of Dhaka.

The country will allow you to build a trip around the comfort of your Ma and Baba that includes scenic drives, peaceful lakeside evenings, beautiful hotels, cosy cafes, temples, and mouth-watering momos.

Image

Thailand

Thailand is an obvious name in this list, even if it asks for a slightly bigger budget. However, it offers stunning beaches, shopping malls, and not to mention delicious food. Your parents would love to go sightseeing in the morning, find a nice café in the afternoon, and hop the markets at night, as relaxing as it can get. If Bangkok feels like a city with its volume pumped up to maximum, then opt for Chiang Mai. Nestled in northern Thailand, it has a slower and more peaceful rhythm, surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, gardens, and breathtaking mountain viewpoints.

If your parents grimace at the mention of health checkups, this is your time to shoot your shot. The country has several internationally recognised hospitals with comprehensive health-screening packages, so you can schedule a routine check-up for them, get basic tests done, and have a doctor consultation during the stay. It is very sneaky, but effective.

Image

Turkey

Before you narrow your eyes at Turkey because you feel it is expensive and question its position on the list, then lo and behold, it is not exactly.

While the per-day cost here can vary depending on your chosen level of luxury, Turkey is considered one of the most “worth every penny” countries in Europe.

Turkish food certainly deserves a shout-out. The charred, juicy lamb kebabs, and gozleme stuffed with cheese definitely have to be on your menu. However, just when you think you are done, baklava appears on the table. Crisp golden layers soaked in syrup and topped with nuts make you feel there is a separate room dedicated to desserts. Another interesting aspect of Turkey is its chocolate boutiques. You can sample the chocolates for free and choose your favourites (spoiler alert: you might want to grab them all!).

If any of your parents is not into food that much and rather enjoys the historical relics, you need to take them to visit the Blue Mosque.

Topkapi Palace has to be on the list as well. It was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years and was also the home of the sultans.