Let’s be honest… he doesn’t need another tie, money clip, or mug with the kids or grandkids’ faces on it, First name / friend 

 

What does he  really want? Time together, and maybe a little adventure.  

 

I planned a great trip for my Dad, Sam and the boys to Wyoming. Fly fishing, a stay at Yellowstone, hiking, a cabin in Jackson Hole.  My father was so excited and looked forward to it for months.   Being the hyper-planner-control freak that I am, and always anticipating the next travel disaster…as Sam and the boys were getting into Uber for the airport I yelled out: "Don't hurt my Dad". 

 

I was only semi-joking. My Dad had a special talent for getting into trouble on trips.   At 1:00 AM the phone rang, and it was Sam.  

“We have a problem”

“What happened?”

“your Dad fell out of the loft, we are waiting for an ambulance”

( that loft, the one on I had told Sam NOT to put my Dad in)  

 

My father fell a full story and landed on the coffee table in the great room below. Fractured ribs, vertebrae, concussion, bleeding head.  And belligerent when the Park Service and EMT arrived.  Bourbon allegedly was involved. 

 

He recovered. He was really bummed he missed out on the entire trip.   I 

rearranged  everything and we flew him to California where he met my mom to recuperate at my sisters. There was no way he could have flown back to Savannah.   Boys were thrilled since they got to skip all the outdoorsy stuff since Grandpa was in the hospital.   This was the last trip I ever booked without travel insurance…I think out of pocket was $10,000.   

 

So….if I have not totally turned you off  " travel with Dad" here are some ideas!

 

Whether he’s into history, bourbon, golf, or game day , these destinations are perfect for making meaningful (and seriously fun) memories together.  

 

Just don't let him sleep in the loft. 

 

Tee off at the Old Course, sip single malt at the 19th hole, and take in sweeping views of the North Sea. St Andrews is golf’s holy ground, paired with castle ruins, coastal walks, and the charm of a proper pub.

 

⛳️ Why He’ll Love It: He’ll get to play on legendary greens while soaking in the history and heritage of golf’s birthplace, before winding down the day with a dram and a view.

👉 Pro Tip: Book early for a tee time at the Old Course! It’s on every golfer’s bucket list. Or play nearby Kingsbarns for a hidden gem feel.

Tour iconic distilleries, enjoy tastings in charming small towns, and take a behind-the-scenes look at bourbon making. Add a scenic drive, barbecue, and live bluegrass, and you’ve got a trip that’s relaxed and full of flavor.

 

🥃 Why He’ll Love It: He’ll feel like a kid in a (bourbon-filled) candy store, with tastings, barrels, and enough character to satisfy every whiskey-loving dad.

👉 Pro Tip: Add a hands-on blending session or a private tasting for something special - and don’t skip the Hot Brown in Louisville!

Catch a Premier League match, tour Wimbledon or Lord’s Cricket Ground, and explore iconic sports pubs in between visits to Big Ben and Borough Market. You can pair this with a few days in Manchester or Liverpool if he’s a real diehard.  Sam and my Dad did this, they talked about it for years.  

 

🏏 Why He’ll Love It: He’ll be in sports heaven, where stadium chants, passionate fans, and pub-side game recaps make for the ultimate match day.

👉 Pro Tip: Want VIP vibes? Let’s snag hospitality tickets or arrange a behind-the-scenes stadium tour before the match.

Stand on the beaches of D-Day, walk through medieval towns, and visit WWII museums that will move you both. It’s a powerful destination filled with stories, perspective, and striking coastal views.

 

🪖 Why He’ll Love It: He’ll be moved by the significance of standing where history happened, and walk away with a deeper appreciation for the past.

👉 Pro Tip: Consider a private guide who can personalize the experience based on your family's interests or service history. It truly makes all the difference!

Let’s plan something he'll never forget. These trips aren’t just fun… they’re intentional, thoughtful, and built around shared memories. You might even earn “favorite child or wife” status… just saying'

 

P.S. Did I miss something your dad might love? Hit reply and tell me what he’s into so we can talk it through!