Is it normal to refuse a vacation because of a frustrating grandmother?

82% Normal
5 Comments

My maternal grandmother frequently likes to give my family a trip as presents for big events (significant birthdays, graduations, etc.). This sounds great in theory, but she always insists on coming along and adding a significant number of changes to any plans we make. I am a college student who is very active, loves history, and enjoys being outdoors and traveling independently. My grandma is addicted to shopping and marrying (6 or 7 husbands by this point), loves staying in five star resorts, enjoys large tour groups, has little appreciation museums or historical sites, and is very frail and out of shape. On a more superficial level, she has had multiple plastic surgeries and wears inpractical designer clothing, even while traveling. Because she pays, the trip is typically organized according to her preference. We are unable to do any of the activities I would enjoy at a location, and spend most of the trip comforting and coddling my grandmother as she complains about the quality of service in the hotel we stay at. I even feel unable to communicate with locals or other travelers, as she quickly takes over any conversation. This drives me absolutely mad, to the point of wanting to refuse any future gifts of the sort, but my other family members think I am insane for it. They say I should just adapt and enjoy what I can, since in my current financial situation I would be unable to go on such trips without her money in the near future. Is it normal to turn down a trip to an amazing location in the future if I know it will be controlled by my horrible grandmother?

Voting Results
82% Normal
Based on 11 votes (9 yes)
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Comments ( 5 )
  • ArmusWasTheFirstTroll
    8 years ago

    I feel you. My brother wants to go hiking around the cities we visit and I want to go to museums. Fortunately, we can compromise.

    I think it would be better to go somewhere and not do everything you want to do, than to not go there at all.

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  • Ellenna
    8 years ago

    Don't go, that's not a holiday that's an ordeal.

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  • thegypsysailor
    8 years ago

    My ex-wife's mom was like that. We solved the problem quite simply, by not accepting any trips or gifts from her and keeping our distance at all times except the mandatory holiday horrors.
    If you don't accept gifts from her, you owe her nothing in return.

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  • toofgod
    8 years ago

    I completely get what your saying lolz. That's a personal decision your going to have to make

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  • thefuckup
    8 years ago

    I think that your grandmother is awesome and you are a little bitch.

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