Hello lovely people..Have you any tips on going on a foreign holiday ?

[Rockpool60]

This is going to be the first holiday since being diagnosed with RA and don't want to spoil things for my family if I am not up to doing things everyday. I don't know whether to do a Geneva- Milan rail trip or a fly and flop. What are your views. Gentle hugs. xxxx

[Hidden]

Hi tricky one... trains have as I found out a long step up and down from them to the platform and If you have to carry your own case its v difficult in deed, however if you can pre organise ramp access and luggage carrying it would be nice.

Flying ok but needs planning I wouldnt recommend the large airports without a buggy and or boarding assistance as I struggled badly at Gatwick!!, this year and disease is far from stable and I awaiting a meds decision its Zante aylkes(quite flat Im told) and BHam airport were I have asked for assitance in boarding.

You need to look at a) the mode of transport and b) the suitabiltiy of the final destination.

[Rockpool60]

Hi Summer. Thank you for that info. I have found that sitting a long time my knees are not happy. I am on 17.5 mg MTX weekly injections and Hydroxy and a review at the RA clinic in May but this is with the head specialist nurse not the consultant. My yearly review is in November. Looks like maybe fly and flop then is a better way instead of lugging luggage and sitting for a long time. Have a lovely holiday xxx

[Hidden]

Hi - make sure you have a letter from your doctor to go with the injectable MTX - especially if you are flying as it shouldn't go in the hold (too cold). I tend to think you should go by the means of transport that makes you feel most relaxed and happy. I travelled around the UK on my own last June using a mix or transport (bus, train and plane) and I did suffer at the end for a while but it was worth it and I really enjoyed looking out of the windows and feeling independent. Different when you have your family of course - travel the way that makes you feel least stressed and that your family will derive most enjoyment from. Tilda x

[Hidden]

Hi there,

I am a pretty seasoned long haul traveller mostly because of keeping in touch with family. I must say a train ride thru italy sounds wonderful, I would do it in a minute, if I could get on the train. I have two replacement knees with barely any bend so most forms of public transport are out for me! So my advice, is take the train if you can and watch the world go by. Wishing you a wonderful trip.

Jennyxx

[cathie]

I think the advice here is good - having just returned from a trip to Paris where I experienced high steps on a train and also long corridors in the airport. Lots of walking. I didnt need help but it was quite a long way and I'm glad I wasnt in a hurry. So allow plenty of time.

Also my consultant said that if I was worried about carrying injectables in heat abroad, then take pills. I hate those little yellow mtx pills but that does sound good advice. Can you do Italian lakes? Boat not far from the station in Como.

XX

[Rockpool60]

Thank you ladies for your wonderful advice. We will be flying from Edinburgh airport so that is small..to Genea..then train to Milan ..trip to Bologna and Florence and then fly home. Depending on how I am feeling we might make it down to Lucca ( my favourite place) Will have to see..hubby might have to shove my bum on to the train lol..take care xxxx

[cathie in reply to Rockpool60]

If you're flying budget from Edinburgh you may find boarding via stairs at both ends

That happened on recent flight. Could cope ok but not everyone can

[helixhelix]

My vote goes for train too, as I like being able to move around and enjoy watching the world go by. Geneva airport is also fairly small, but there are a couple of the gates that are quite a way from the terminal and over a bridge across where the planes park so it can be quite a hike. The station is downstairs, and regular trains to central Geneva station which takes about 10 minutes. Some mainland European trains are double deckers, which gives a great view but stairs to climb. Can't remember whether the Geneva - Milan route is single or double, but great scenery anyway. There's lots of useful info re train travel on the mainland from the man in seat 61....seat61.com. Polly

[7thheaven]

What about a cruise everything is on your door step, a doctor on board. They have lifts,and cater for all your needs you can do as much or as little as possible. The food is excellent and so is the service they cannot do enough for you. The entertainment is fantastic, and they have all types of workshops and talks, I went to an art class on board. Then you can walk around the deck which is flat. They cater for everybody. We are thinking of going again this year. Happy holidays!!