Holidays

ritnew

Not sure if this is in the right place.
I was wondering how you all manage when it comes to going on holiday, abroad or in the UK. My arthritis was just taking hold when we went last year, although it didn't ruin it completely it did stop us doing some of things we had planned to do.
Any tips of where to go how to cope and what to look for when booking would be a great help.

Rita X

joanlawson

Hi Rita

It is a bit upsetting when you can't do the things you would like to on holiday. I have experienced the same feeling of disappointment, and also guilty feelings of spoiling the holiday for my husband. He is very fit and we used to enjoy walking miles in the Lake District and other places. He is very supportive, but sometimes I feel I am holding him back.

I think you have to be realistic,and only tackle things within your capabilities.Have you seen those walking sticks with a handle which opens into a seat? They are excellent as you can take a rest wherever you go. Try to find activities which you can enjoy without tiring yourself too much, and break up the days into small amounts of exercise, followed by a rest. Choose a hotel/ place to stay with easy access and don't stay somewhere hilly.

I feel it is only right to allow my husband some breaks without me too. He cycled the whole route of Hadrian's Wall with our son last year, and goes walking and camping with our son-in-law. I rely on my husband such a lot, so it is in my interest too to keep him as fit as possible.

Joan

lindalegs

Hi Ritnew,

Don't know how badly you're affected by your arthritis or how your mobility is but when we go away we

Check the hotel/accommodation has a lift
Stop in accommodation that is central so I'm not wasting energy getting to a place
Get a good map so we don't get lost
We often chose not to queue to go inside places (if I have to wait 2 hours in a queue I have no energy left to enjoy the rest of the visit.
Have lots of stops (coffee/tea/beer/wine )
Find a bench to sit on when I've had enough and let hubby have an energetic, stroll on his own up hill and down dale.

.........I'm sure there are other things but these are all I can bring to mind at the moment. Hope they help.

Luv Legs

eckstardeluxe

Hi there

I haven't been on holiday since I started having severe symptoms but we are planning a break, we were going to go to Las vegas to renew our vows for our tenth anniversary since meeting but the long flight and walking involved going there made us decide not to go. We are thinking of Europe but plan an All Inclusive holiday with total relaxation. My hubby usually likes to go somewhere lively with lots of nightlife and it's actually surprised me how he just wants peace and quiet and pure relaxation. I think if that's the kind of holiday you're after then as long as you have all your medications etc with you, you should be ok. Just plan your trip well so if it involves a long drive you know where to stop. As Joan said you can feel a little bit of a burden because you can't partake in the activities you used to. The thought of never going on banana boats or rollercoasters again makes me feel down.

ritnew

Thanks for the replies, I'll keep everything you all said in mind when/if we book a holiday this year.

Rita

livinglegend

If anyone is holidaying in Scotland, then Calmac Ferries to the islands are half price for disabled people. Not all routes are reduced and the ferry must be booked well in advance by phone. Travelled with them for years. Easy to make a reservation as even I can do it.

Info at http://www.calmac.co.uk/customers-requiring-assistance.html

Joseph 8)

marief

Hi

My partner and I go away to north devon we also take our dog with us I book on line and most hoilday cottage company do have an search for disabled cottage and for pets ect which is good and you can see the place also .

Marie

jemima

eckstardeluxe wrote:

Hi there

I haven't been on holiday since I started having severe symptoms but we are planning a break, we were going to go to Las vegas to renew our vows for our tenth anniversary since meeting but the long flight and walking involved going there made us decide not to go. We are thinking of Europe but plan an All Inclusive holiday with total relaxation. My hubby usually likes to go somewhere lively with lots of nightlife and it's actually surprised me how he just wants peace and quiet and pure relaxation. I think if that's the kind of holiday you're after then as long as you have all your medications etc with you, you should be ok. Just plan your trip well so if it involves a long drive you know where to stop. As Joan said you can feel a little bit of a burden because you can't partake in the activities you used to. The thought of never going on banana boats or rollercoasters again makes me feel down.

What a shame you cancelled your trip to Las Vegas and what a lovely idea to renew your vows.

We go to the USA for our holidays as everywhere is very disabled friendly.

I arrange an airport wheelchair with the airline special services department before we go - this means no problems getting around the airport as they supply people to push you and you're also met on your arrival for the same system to get out of the airport.

I also arrange with the airline special services to request a seat with extra leg room. They don't guarantee you're going to get this type of seat but at least you've asked.

I drive in the US as all rental cars are automatic and I can no longer drive manual vehicles.

There are electric scooters in all large stores and supermarkets so that you can get around easily. If you have someone to push you, then you can rent a manual wheelchair in the UK to take with you (just make sure it's covered under your insurance) or you can rent one in the US.

Every restaurant, eaterie or small shop has a disabled loo available and people in general are very friendly and helpful to those with disabiities.

As far as rollercoasters are concerned, many are disabled friendly and are easily accessible. You probably won't be able to go on every single one of them but there are a good selection which will be suitable.