Reply to Minor rant: in Europe with completely useless in laws and a toddler

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]IL's like yours on a first time trip overseas usually go on tours where everything is done for them because they are basically clueless about how to get around. Have they complained about how late people eat? They will when they get to Rome! And why doesn't everyone speak English? Those damn Italians! Good luck! [/quote]

Well, in Rome, nearly everyone they'll come in contact with will speak English, so that won't be a big issue.

Honestly, if I were your in-laws and taking my first trip abroad, I can't imagine wanting to go with adult kid, spouse, and toddler. I would think they'd want to have some couple time for themselves in two of the most romantic cities in the world.  Can you suggest that they might enjoy some days and/or evenings for themselves?

Maybe that is what they'd prefer but they think your feelings will be hurt if they suggest that? You all can spend some separate time and then come together for a lunch or dinner, so a combo of alone time and together time so you all can enjoy the activities you like best. 
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OP here. We’ve suggested that to them and they say “oh we would have no idea where to go or what to do.” They got lost trying to do a hop on/hop off bus tour and said they were afraid they’d be out all night by themselves. They did afternoon tea on their own because we arranged the whole thing for them. They were actually ridiculously excited to go with us and the baby. [/quote]

Why did they agree to go on this trip at all? Who is paying for it? Was there a purpose for the trip, other than simply vacationing in Europe? Is there a special anniversary or birthday that you all are celebrating together? How old are they: 60s, 70s, older?

Also, why is it that they haven't traveled much? Lack of interest or were they saving money and taking care of their children's needs all those years?
Sorry for all the questions, but you might get different helpful suggestions depending on the different possible situations. 
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Everyone is paying their own way. DH suggested it to them. They haven’t gone because “it’s too expensive and we wouldn’t know how to plan anything.” They’re 65. They’re enjoying seeing things, but just no end to complaining about the logistics and traveling around. Then there are comments from my MIL about the British Museum: “everything was old and it all looked the same to me.” [/quote]

Well, I can see that if this wasn't done on their own initiative, they might just not be that interested in travel. And that's fine, but now you're sort of stuck for two weeks. They really shouldn't have ever agreed to go on the trip if they weren't that into it, it is not fair to you or them.

Just make the best of it. Take pictures, keep a journal that includes the funny things they say, breathe a sigh of relief when it's over. My dad apparently decided that his mom needed to travel so he and my mom took her on a few trips before they had kids. I'm not sure she really loved it, but they all had some nice memories of the trip, and some cute stories. So, maybe just look at it as doing a good deed, even if it turns out that it really isn't  their thing. People like and dislike different things, and maybe travel is just in their "dislike" column, and that's okay. 
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I don’t know. All they kept saying is how excited they were. DH suggested it because they had always talked about wanting to go. I put together the itinerary based on everything they told me they wanted to do. [/quote]

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