When the going gets tough
Published: Sun, 02/23/20
I have received several notes from readers recently, eager to travel but concerned about their ability to keep up on walking tours, to climb a lot of stairs, or to carry heavy bags.
I hear you.
In June, I went on a river cruise in France with Vantage Travel. It was a gorgeous trip along the Seine from Paris to Normandy, filled with delicious culinary experiences, walking tours of lovely villages, and even a macaron baking class in Rouen.
I was in pain the entire time. I was taking ibuprofen around the clock, using railings to haul myself onto buses and up stairs, and barely sleeping because I couldn’t get into a comfortable position at night. I was always the person at the back of the pack.
Turns out, I have osteoarthritis, a condition that will only get worse over time. I’m now doing what I can to minimize pain and maximize mobility.
But, what about travel?
Well, this experience, along with questions from and stories shared by readers, has taught me a few things and also led me to search out information for anyone who might encounter mobility issues while traveling, whether temporary, due to an injury, or more permanent. I could use your help. I would appreciate hearing from you if you have any tips to offer, stories to share, or questions you would like me to consider while researching this article.
In the meantime, I will be starting an education/physiotherapy/exercise program soon, with a goal of being able to do a walking tour with The Blue Walk in Umbria in late spring.
Now, there’s some motivation!
Upcoming Travels
Here's an update on our travel plans.
- I was planning to take the train to Montreal for a few days earlier in February, but there have been some service disruptions of late. I'll get there eventually!
- Janice is headed to Morocco with Just You in March.
- She'll then be taking a train trip to San Francisco in April.
- I'll be doing a culinary walking tour in Umbria in late May.
We are! Please follow us and re-pin some of the beautiful pins Janice has been creating there. And if you haven't already, please join me and a quarter million other travelers in the Solo Travel Society on Facebook.
Happy travels,
Tracey
P.S. If you're planning to travel soon, you may find these helpful:
- Going Alone? Travel Insurance is a Must - why I never travel without insurance, how I've used it to recover losses, and how to buy it.
- VPN for Travel: What, Why and an Easy Setup Guide - it will protect your identity on public WiFi and let's you browse the net in English even if you're in a foreign country.
- Solo Travel Deals Page. Updated monthly, to our knowledge this is the only list of tours with no or low single supplements on the Internet.
- Bare Minimum Packing: Here’s Your Packing List - our ultimate packing check list which I continue to use for every trip.
- The Wits & Wonder Travel Course Solo travelers have given the course 4.4 stars out of 5 and 79% say they are likely to recommend it to a friend. Many already have!