Travel/Holidays

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  1. I've been wondering about if/when I might pluck up courage to go on a short break or even a holiday. I had a total hysterectomy in early October 2022 for stage 1a Grade 3 (Serous) cancer,  followed by PDR brachytherapy in December 2022. I recovered well from the op although had some minor urinary issues following the brachytherapy. I walk most days and have started a yoga class once a week. I've also started going out for meals and to the theatre.Since taking early retirement in 2011 travelling has been my main interest, often as an intrepid solo traveller, sometimes with specialist solo groups and occasionally with friends and family. I was due to go to New York in late September 2022 but have, optimistically, put it forward to September this year. I feel like the cancer diagnosis has really affected my confidence and, whilst I've been on the verge of trying a short break in the UK, I can't bring myself to do it. I'm also considering either cancelling or postponing the New York trip as this does feel a bit ambitious. I live on my own,  have no children and most of my close friends have partners but, in normal circumstances, this wouldn't be a problem as I really enjoy independent travel. Wondered if anyone has any advice or suggestions?
  • Hi SH53.

    Travel can be such a wonderful tonic, I wonder if there were some options that could feel easier to achieve? Not sure what type of things suit you but here are a few ideas to play with:

    • Find a tour in new york to join for the middle part of your trip - this gives peopke support, focal point and flexibility to rest/go easy at start + end after international travel
    • Join a travel group forum and see if any like minded travel fancies joining you for some or all of the trip
    • Do a little UK trip first, perhaps fly to other end of country and do some unplanned discovery travel there to see what works and what is a bit more challenging
    • Look at your NY trip and see if you could break it down into flexible bite sizes chunks that can be swapped around depending on how you feel on the day

    And if none of the above felt helpful, I hope that in itself helps you narrow down what is most important for you Wink

  • Hi SH53, I was diagnosed back in July 19, had my hysterectomy in August 19 luckily I was confirmed stage 1a grade 1 and needed no further treatment. I was booked on a walking holiday  with friends in the UK in September 19, after some indecision I decided to go, though I knew I probably wouldn't do much walking .I felt fine and managed to walk on two days, I promised my husband who doesn't like holidays that I wouldn't over do it and I would get the train home if I felt I needed to. I'm glad I went, especially staying in a hotel and not having to cook. Then of course COVID happened which I think 8n a way made me a even more wary about travel, a trip to Shetland in June 20 was cancelled but did take place in 2021. This year so far I've been away a few times with friends and family but only in the UK, though I have just renewed my passport which expired during COVID. One thing that I'm slightly worried about with traveling abroad is how much I will have to pay for insurance. I think if you take a short trip in the UK it will do wonders for your confidence, then maybe you would feel better about going abroad. Being diagnosed with cancer really effected my confidence but I have found with doing short trips it has gradually come back. I'm hoping I'm confident enough to try a trip abroad next year .

    Good wishes and I hope you take a short trip soon.

    Carolina61
  • Thanks, all very useful ideas. When Covid eased I couldn't wait to start travelling again in 2022. I managed a trip to Cyprus in May and a break in Northumberland in June before I got my diagnosis. As I felt quite well I did have a few days on the Yorkshire coast whilst I was waiting for my op. Just need to take that first step!

  • Thanks for replying & lots of useful tips. I always found travelling solo very liberating and exciting, nothing daunted me. Now I feel quite vulnerable. I need to 'go for it'! I've done some research re insurance and it's possible to get some reasonable deals.

  • SH53 - Those trips sound lovely. I wonder if looking back at photos or just the feeling you had on those trips could also help you re-engage with your travel passion? Revolving hearts