Having Adventures with RA

[Ouchyjenna]

Hi looking for some advice on a holiday destintation whilst suffering with RA. I'm desperate for an adventure but struggle so much, most holidays just turn into to sleeping ones Nothing wrong with sleeping on a sun lounger for a week but I'm desperate to do something different, something I and my little family will always remember. I have a car so was considering maybe a drive to France but don't know if thay would be boring, I don't know, I've been googling for months and just can't make a decision any help would be appreciated

[EmilieD]

Hi Ouchyjenna.

I think driving to France might me a nice adventure. I'm from Canada and grew up having road trip holidays. I have very good memories of these times spent discovering new places as a family. When we were younger the way we typically did it was as follows. When we were small, we did some beach holidays. The destination was 15-20 hours non-stop driving. My parents were taking 3 weeks vacation. We would spend 1 week getting there, stopping at various touristy places (I remember seeing some caves, the Hershey factory, short hikes ...), then spent a week at the beach, and then another week coming back through a slightly different route, or at least stopping at different places. We did camping then, but that would probably make the trip more tiring. Maybe the beach destination can be replaced by something else which would allow you to really rest for a few days?

Now, neither of my parents had RA, and I didn't have it yet (that's very recent), and I don't have personal experience yet of doing vacation while having RA. But I think what I describe above would be interesting for the family and potentially not too tiring for you.

I hope this helps!

[Ouchyjenna in reply to EmilieD]

Thanks so.much for your reply. I would love to do something like that, stopping off at various places. Its 15 hr drive to Verdon Canyon in the south of france which is something in would like to see, I guess I could do.lots of stops on the way. I have a 8 year little girl who I'm not sure would appreciate a drive holiday as she's become accustomed to the aeroplane/pool/kids club holiday setup but I really want her to see more and do more. I'm so scared that my body will really struggle with the journey and walking aspects of it... But I'm going to have a big think

[helixhelix]

There's a reason France is the most visited place, as loads of choice. Yes the gorges of Verdun are impressive, but lots of other impressive things perhaps a bit nearer. What time of year do you want to go, and for how long? As that will influence how far you need to go for decent weather.

Generally I find it better to have 3-4 days in one place rather than moving every day. And only do about 4 hours/250 - 350km driving on moving days (depends whether use motorways of littler cheaper roads). And maybe factor in a special treat day for your little girl like a theme park, so she has something extra special.

[AmyDee207]

When I was younger I always went on family holidays to France and I loved it!! Some of my best childhood memories are there. My mum and dad would drive down and we would either get a ferry or the channel tunnel and we would stay in different parts in the north of France each year. I had arthritis at this age so we had to make a few stops for me to stretch my legs but it was a lot better than going on a plane where you are more restricted. We stayed in the static caravan campsites that all had parks and pools and activities and things near by. Brittany, Normandy etc are all lovely x

[medway-lady]

Look up Quiberon Peninsula, Carnac in Brittany. Ferry to Cherbourg overnight then about a 5 hour drive, Wonderful beaches, and great food. Lots to do and not as hot as the South, never get fed up with it and spent months there. Family favorite and we've been to Carirribean, always alond discussion where this year and by FAMILY VOTE back to Carnac.

[Ouchyjenna]

Thanks so much for your lovely reply I've googled each one and I THINK France is a go.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I said in an earlier post that I dream of going somewhere warm and sunny and I mean the south of France - we’re hoping to head for the Camargue in September this year. We have a camper so we go in that and stop at some of our favourite places on the way.

I’m a dreadful passenger and wouldn’t like the gorge, I scan maps and if the roads are too wiggly then unfortunately for my husband we don’t go there!

I think your daughter would absolutely love it all. It will all be so different for her. Teach her a few French phrases and encourage her to go in and buy your daily baguette.

Another of our favourite places is Ile de Re. It is a little island off the west coast, there are purpose built cycle tracks right round the island and everyone cycles so you’ve got to be able to ride a bike, there are little harbours, every village there has its own market on a different day, fabulous sandy beaches with amazing wildlife, lighthouses and you can get also the bus over to La Rochelle where there is an aquarium and all sorts of other things to do.

Some of my earliest memories are of driving to Spain with my parents when I was about 10 - my mother loved camping or tenting as she called it. I’m 70 this year and I still have so many memories of those holidays.

So I bet your daughter won’t be bored, in fact she will go on to treasure her memories when she’s an old lady like me. 😉