Forgot to add, this would be my 3rd trip to London and Paris and I have seen all the major sites.

If you have seen the major sites, why not go to the theater a lot in London and do river cruises in both cities and eat a lot of good food? If I had a trip to London and Paris already booked, I think I'd hire a wheelchair and go anyway. It's been too long since I've been.

Walking two hours a day is a LOT for many people. When I started reading, I was figuring, you are in a walking cast or are confined to a wheelchair.

You can walk, rest, sit, walk some more, and share experiences w/ your friend. If I was 'limited' to two hours walking . . . I'd never consider canceling. That really isn't much limitation unless you were doing major hiking.

You must have been very lucky up to now health-wise . . .

I could never get bored on London or Paris. I would take a leisurely boat trip on the Seine or Thames. I would take the hop on hop double decker on an infinite loop around and around. I would sit in a cafe or park and people watch all day long. I wish I was going...I'd find a way to enjoy two of the top world class cities.

IF you don't go, will she still go? How will that impact her cost? Will she have to pay for hotel etc on her own, for the full amount? It seems unfair to dump this on her. If you are able to go, you should even though it won't be what you thought you'd be doing. A nice time might still ensue, it could even lead to a few unexpected things.

If she won't go alone, I think that is another set of issues. How will she feel about that and will she lose HER money if she doesn't go?

I think you really need to go. Hey, you may just surprise yourself and have a grand adventure.

"I think I'd hire a wheelchair and go anyway."

I don't see a wheel chair as necessary, or even desirable. You aren't that disabled. Just slowed down a bit.

I have had many enjoyable trips to London and Paris despite some mobility issues. It's up to you, of course, and you say that you don't really want to go if you can't walk for hours and see everything you want to see.

In my case, I take buses and taxis, plan ahead so that there won't be that much walking between points. I enjoy concerts and theater. I find that I take better pictures when I am parked on a bench for a while and see things in more detail than when I am moving around. I suspect that many people read my trip reports and think I have covered a lot of ground without realizing how little walking I actually do.

The best times I've had in both Paris and London have been doing just that - sitting in cafes and pubs and watching the world go by.

Settling in somewhere for the afternoon is such a luxurious pasttime...I wouldn't even think twice about going.

I would take taxis and avoid going to places requiring a lot of walking. If you have been to all major sites, it seems you can be selective in your choice of itinerary. I have been to Paris many times, and it would be the top city in Europe I would continue to vist when I can no longer move around easily.

Hi Britomart, just wondering, are your hotels in Paris and London centrally located?

"My friend says it will be okay and that we will take lots of bus tours or hang out in cafes and pubs. She is also limited in her ability to walk due to sciatica."

Your friend sounds like a good sport who really wants to go on this trip.

Like the others above, I hope that you do go...

Go go go. It's Paris! You'll make the adjustments you need.

Hi Britomart,
You really have to wrap your mind around the fact that this might be the way you will have to travel forever. Just in case your injury doesn't heal up properly. Are you really willing to never travel again? Or are you willing to adjust the way you travel and still be able to travel.

During our 6 week trip this year, my back injury flared up really really bad for the last three weeks (darn those spiral church staircases), where I really just wanted to stay in my room some of the days and do no walking whatsoever because of the pain.

I had to make the choice that I still wanted to see what I could, but at a much much slower pace. My husband knew the pain I was in so we just took it at a different speed. Many more taxis than we normally take, buses when we would have normally walked etc.

We adjusted just fine and had an absolutely fantastic time. I do not think now of what I did not get to see, but what wonderful beautiful things I DID get to see. Kind of the glass half full approach.

On a trip with a niece nursing a bad knee we minimized walking by taking lots of buses in both London and Paris as opposed to using the tube/metro (which often entails significant amounts of walking including stairs within stations and when making connections.) Worked out quite well, actually, allowing us to see more while traversing the streets above ground.

Here's another huge recommendation for going and using the buses. The bus networks in both cities are excellent and minimize walking (and no stairs or long walks for connections as with the tube/metro).

One of the joys of having been around to all the major sites is that you can slow down, do less, spend more time just enjoying the scene.

Though "touristy", we ride the double decker hop on/hop off buses every visit for the magnificent scenery all over.

You don't even need to spring for the hop-on buses. The regular buses are fine and fun. I love to ride on the top deck because the upper stories are more interesting.

I sympathise, but only a little. I've limped around Vienna, Budapest and Venice (click on my name for the Sore Foot TR ), and more recently tackled Japan and South Korea with a badly sprained ankle, but I certainly didn't regret carrying on. If you can walk for two hours, you just need to plan carefully.

My rules of travel.

1) Sit when you can.

2) Stand if you must.

4) Walk if you have to.

Would you be scared to travel in any case, or is it the destinations that give you second thoughts?
If you think that London is "too big" to enjoy it without a certain level of fitness, why not take the direct coach from Heathrow to Oxford or similar?
A small town where everything is just 5 minutes away and which has a slower pace than the capital could be less stressful. You have a multitude of organized half day or day trips into the countryside to choose from, like from Oxford to the Cotswalds or to the houses and gardens in the vicinity.
And since you have seen all major sights in London already, it should not be the only option to go or not to go to England, assuming that you can still cancel your London hotel.

Are the mobility /walking issues the only problem?
I wonder if something else about the trip or your travel partner might be bothering you.

Thanks for the responses. I think it is the destination that scares me. If we were going to Hawaii, I would have no issues and be content to sit on the beach and read. The mobility issue is 95% of my concern.

I have always been the type of traveler who is always on the go. I figure I can sit in a cafe or a pub where I live. Is sitting at a cafe in Seattle as great as sitting in one in Paris? Of course not. But I don't go to Paris to do things I can do and see at home.

We booked all of our hotels thru the hotel sites so they are still fully refundable. My friend might pay a bit more to get her own room, but I don't think it would be that much more.

I didn't know that about the buses vs. the subway. I have always only taken the subway in both London and Paris. Good to know about the buses and it makes a lot of sense.

The two hours is definitely MAX, there might be days where I can only walk an hour. Especially if I overdo it the day before. Currently I am walking 1.5 hours every other day, and 45 min on the other day. I am HOPING I will be at 2 hours in 3 weeks time. But by the end of that 2 hours I will be limping back to the hotel.

michele_d, supposedly this is only temporary. What concerns me is that the tendon can potentially rupture when it is overused. My MD said it is unlikely at this point though. I admire your dedication to travel despite the difficulties you face. This is my first time having to travel while not being fully able-bodied, and I guess I'm just scared of the unknown.

I am okay with using a wheelchair at museums. I guess my main concern is what if something happens that forces me to be on my feet for hours and I have a major setback in my recovery? 6 months ago I couldn't walk for more than 5 min. I guess I'm afraid of overdoing it.

cowboy, we considered going somewhere like the Lake or Peak district, but again, if I go there, I want to walk walk walk and see all that beautiful scenery.

Forgot to mention--the hotel in Paris is in the Marais and the one in London is in Bayswater. Both are steps to the metro/Tube. I assumed we would get around that way... We stayed in Bayswater last time and I like the fact that there are lots of cafes and pubs close to the hotel. Same with Le Marais. But maybe we should re-book something that is on a major bus line?

There is a bus line that runs through the Marais, and masses of buses in the Bayswater area.

http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/cartebus.php
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/bayswaterqueensway-2017.pdf

"But maybe we should re-book something that is on a major bus line?"

There's no such thing in London as a "major bus line". Nowhere's more than a few yards from a bus stop (though not all bus stops have seating), and bus mapping is fabulous. If I had walking difficulties, I'd not even think about the tube, but plan my life around near-100% use of buses, with occasional cabs in emergency. Use the bus and accessibility pages (including http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/default.aspx) at www.tfl.gov.uk to organise your London holiday.

If you're iffy about a wheelchair, a shooting stick or other easily portable seat is essential in London. But armed with that, and a proper understanding of our buses and facilities at all museums etc, you'll be fine.

I absolutely would NOT visit Oxford. Though distances appear short when your legs are working, it's a surprisingly accessibility-unfriendly city when they're not. Pavements aren't good for wheelchairs, and distances between places you want to see and places buses or cars drop you are remarkably long.

Having guided one previous respondent on this thread round the place, I've discovered it needs immense amounts of preplanning and special access negotiations to work if you've got difficulty walking. A car is essential - and for most people, Oxford is the last place on earth to take a car into.

"what if something happens that forces me to be on my feet for hours "

very (VERY) highly unlikely. In central Paris no place is very far from a taxi rank and cabs are super easy to hail on the street in London. And especially in London, there are bus stops everywhere. There is really no reason to be on your feet any more than is comfortable. Even at major sites like the Tower, there are benches where you can sit and rest.

London/Paris makes MUCH more sense in your situation than the Lakes or the Peaks.

But I might suggest you change your hotel to something a bit more central than Bayswater. It is a long way from most everyplace.

Personally I would think it WOULD impact your friends costs quite a bit, sharing a room is almost always a lot cheaper then paying for it all yourself, a single room is a bit cheaper then a double twin room but not half.
I think cancelling now would be a bit mean personally. Also, your friend may have alot of trouble rebooking singles at this late date and may end up having to keep the rooms booked.
One can easily take tours/ buses / taxis and do fine. You are content to read on a beach in Hawaii, take a book and read at a nice cafe, you can sit at one for hours for the price of one drink, they don't boot you out on a timer.

You say you have tendonitis. And then you say it might rupture. Have you discussed some sort of cast with your doctor and a shot of cortisone? I, of course, don't really know what or where this injury is. What about a cane to minimize the use a bit.
I had plantar's fasciitis one time (in both heels), and rupturing (accidentally by skiing) was actually the cure that allowed me to enjoy our family trip to Europe. I could hardly walk before.

OH, definitely another vote for the bus use. We hate the walks and the stairs in the Metro--speaking of limited walking.

Britomart,

My daughter’s (early forties) right foot became painful and somewhat immobilized in recent months. The orthopedist prescribed a cast which seems to be working although it is cumbersome and very itchy in this summer heat. Hopefully, she will be out of the cast soon.

You said that you have had this condition for six months. If I may ask, what was your treatment with this injury so that you have been able to increase the amount of time when you can walk each day? Did you have physical therapy? Do you wear some sort of a brace on your foot?

Also you wrote:

“We booked all of our hotels thru the hotel sites so they are still fully refundable. My friend might pay a bit more to get her own room, but I don't think it would be that much more.”

I would recommend that you and your friend have separate rooms if possible. That is the only way I travel with a friend. The cost for a single room is not as expensive in Europe as in the states.

Also, as the above posters suggests, Bayswater is quite far out. My preference is for the Trafalgar Square area where you are in the middle of things. I always recommend the Strand Palace for convenience and price – only 3-4 minutes from Trafalgar Square with plenty to do and see.

In any case, I wish you well. Please let us know how it goes….

I traveled to Italy one month after meniscus surgery and had a good time, even though it was a different time from what we had originally planned. Taxis or buses were great in Rome. Rental car was perfect for out in the country and by the time we got to Venice, I was comfortable walking around, even over the little bridges. That was easier than the cobblestones in Rome.

Another time I sprained my back the day of arrival in Rome. Again, we had to rethink our more ambitious travel plans and still had a good, but much more restricted visit. Fortunately, we were staying in a very central part of the ancient part of Rome. I hope you will consider going, but stay in a very interesting central part of Paris and London where you will have easy access without much walking.
Be sure to take it easy the first couple of days after you arrive. My orthopedist says that is when your muscles, etc. are more vulnerable to re-injury.

I think I could have a great time staying in the Rue Cler area of Paris. There is so much to do in easy walking distance, Eiffel tower, Rodin's garden, Napolean's tomb, army museum. I could be pretty happy just sitting in the rose garden, surrounded by sculptures or in the pavilion in the evening, watching the Eiffel tower lights twinkle. There are plenty of restaurants close by to choose from. I am sure there are many other very attractive and interesting central locations to choose from.

I have gladly sat for hours in a cafe in Paris and not once thought, I could do this at home. It is Paris ! They have buses, great way to see the city, they have the Bateau Mouches, where you can see the city from the Seine, they have bicycles you can rent, they have a wonderful Metro to get from one neighborhood to the other. And all those cafes where you can take lots of breaks.
Sit on a park bench in the Tuilleries for a few hours :- )
My husband had nerve damage in the bottom of his right foot for a couple of years.. we spent 2 weeks in London and Paris. Nothing stopped him, we just took more breaks and used public transport more than walking.
We rented an apt on rue de Grenelle at rue Cler .. Paris Perfect.
It was fabulous in all ways .. seeing the Eiffel Tower from the bedroom and dining room - priceless :- )

I sympathize - since when we travel we do a ton of walking - and being New Yorkers we already do a lot of walking at home - so trekking 10 miles a day (not straight line but in and around things) is normal.

However, you are going to 2 cities with incredibly extensive public transit systems (subway and bus) and it will be possible for you using either them or taxi (often not that expensive for 2) to cover most of the distance for you. These are also two cities that have a bunch of fascinating neighborhoods and lots of cafes, art galleries and museums where you can minimize walking and maximize sitting/sightseeing.

I think you are suffering in part from depression due to your injury not healing as quickly as hoped - and should try to overcome it. As long as the trip won't worsen the injury I would just suck it up and go. With a little planning you will see a lot of things you never have before and will get the benefits of being away from home in a different atmosphere.

Another voice for the bus.
The buses in both cities are fantastic.
________________

London, in particular has those incredible Spider Maps posted at most stops. They show all the places you can go from that stop with color-coded lines for each bus.

You can download PDF spider maps from the Transport for London site for your neighborhood. Go to:

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/maps/buses/

Click on View Borough Map (halfway down page on right) and the click on your area. You get a list of spider maps for all the major stops in the area.
_______________

Paris does not have spider maps, but the RATP site lets you download individual PDFs of each bus route.

First go to: http://www.ratp.fr/fr/ratp/r_23865/plans-bus/

Then click on "Grand plan des bus avec rues".

Download this map - it shows all the lines with streets. Make a list of the lines you're interested in, and go to:

http://www.ratp.fr/informer/pdf/plans-bus/plans_bus.php

Put in the bus number to download a PDF of the route.
________________

Armed with these, you can plan each day to visit your sights with the least amount of walking...and you can do a lot of planning before you leave home.

I know this might seem like overkill to some...use as much or as little of this information as you see fit.

SS

Buy the Michael Middleditch guide for the buses and metro.

Ah britomat,

Been there, still there to some extent, but I try not to let it get me down.

Love the buses in both cities, have upped my taxi budget and focus more on small museums and houses, defined areas I can explore a bit at a time, lazing in the Luxembourg Gardens, long lunches, theater and concerts, etc.

You will be fine IF you can change how you're feeling about it right now.

I think the main thing right now is to check with your doc to be sure that you will not be setting yourself back in the recovery process by taking this trip, or that re injuring your self is a good possibility. No trip IMO is worth that, even if it is Paris!

Busses are always my choice instead of subways, anywhere, as one sees more. I would change my hotel to somewhere more central and go!

Dear Britomart,
If you were the kind of traveler who was always on the go, it is time to wake up and learn to smell the roses!

As Seng-Ts'an said, "The faster they hurry, the slower they go."

I'm discouraged today. Up until last week, I have been alternating walking 1 hour with biking for an hour. This week, I have been trying to walk every day to prepare for the trip. Woke up today with pain, which doesn't usually show up until I've exercised. So, I might be only able to walk every other day on the trip.

The tendon is the post-tibial tendon. It holds up the arch of the foot. If it ruptures, fallen arches is the result and it can't be fixed via surgery. It's in both feet, so a boot was ruled out. Tried a brace, made it worse. MD said cortisone shots would increase the risk of tendon rupture. It has gotten better through rest, then by slowly increasing my activity, then physical therapy was a huge help. It has been a year.

nytraveler, I have definitely been depressed about it.

I know I should go and shouldn't let my friend down. And that I need to learn to deal with it and try not to let it get me down. I try to tell myself that it could be much, much worse, but I really miss my mobility.

I am re-thinking our hotel in London... I tried finding something more central, but couldn't find anything for under $140 a night. What about Kensington? I have read that the Kensington High Street is good for restaurants and cafes? What would be the best area, if, worst case scenario, I have to spend the day close to the hotel, reading in a cafe? Our hotel budget is under $130 a night for two twins.

And if it were up to me, I would stay in a hostel, but my friend won't stay in one...

flanneruk, what is a shooting stick?

A walking stick w/ a seat

Also, how difficult is it to get tickets to the Paralympics? I read these will be going on while we are there.

As for Kensington - better/nicer than Bayswater but still too far west for most sites.

Depending on your dates you might be able to stay at one of the LSE residences. Although a lot of the rooms are single no bath, there are en- suite twins at reasonable (for London) rates, and in excellent locations. See http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/ I really like the Bloomsbury - Holborn area, handy for the British Museum, transport, and restaurants.

But if I'm going to take the bus everywhere, does it matter if I'm further out from the city center?

You can check online for Paralympic tickets...but as far as I can see they are sold out...

Britomart, I also have posterior tibial tendonitis in both feet. This is one of the factors contributing to my inability to walk distances. Have you tried custom orthotics?

I am the poster whom Flanner says he showed around Oxford three years ago. Since then I have lost over eighty pounds and had two total knee replacements, the last one just four weeks ago. But in those three years (and before that, when I was doing worse) I have had several extremely successful and enjoyable trips abroad. I am glad I didn't stay home waiting for a time that I would feel better.

As for taking the bus, it is my experience that buses in London can take a very long time due to traffic, so staying in a more central location can save a lot of commute time.

I think there are tow issues here and the OP is conflating them.
One is, limit in the amount of walking, which can be mitigated by choosing more sedentary activities, possibly changing hotels, taking buses/cabs etc.
The other is that this is not exactly a chronic condition, it is a condition from which the OP is in RECOVERY. And as she has said, recovery involved good days, bad days and pain some days, with the scary possibility of further injury if things don't go well.
Based on the story so far, I would incur the wrath of my friend and stay home, or see if it was possible to postpone.

Nikki I would LOVE to talk with you more about this condition. I have been wearing my custom orthotics in Brooks running shoes for the last year. Would you mind e-mailing me at untraveled@gmail.com?

On one trip to Paris I survided and had a great time inspite
of a bad foot and had to wear slippers. (they looked like sandels) On one trip across Paris, my arm was in a cast due to a bike accident. That trip turned out to be my favorite of all the many trips there.

Hi again, Britomart,

“But if I'm going to take the bus everywhere, does it matter if I'm further out from the city center?”

It does matter. In my view being centrally located (again I am partial to Trafalgar Square/Piccadilly area) would make it much easier to be in the heart of the city without taking busses. If you wanted to rest, your traveling companion could just stroll about in the area- there is so much near at hand.

Has this person been to London and Paris before?

Nikki wrote:

“I also have posterior tibial tendonitis in both feet. This is one of the factors contributing to my inability to walk distances.”

Thank you, Nikki, for sharing this info. As I mentioned above, my daughter has this problem in her right foot, exacerbated by weight she has gained in the last ten years.

I commend you on your weight loss – it’s not easy. Always enjoy your trip reports on Paris and wish you a speedy recovery from knee surgery.

Many museums have little folding seats you can grab as you enter. Sit as needed. Enjoy a cafe.

Fortunately, you've been to both cities and you've seen them. Now, you can enjoy them like a local. If your hotels are refundable, have you considered taking an apartment instead of a hotel? Then you wouldn't have walk to get something to eat, if you don't feel like it. You could linger at "home" some mornings and read a book if your leg hurts.

I sprained my ankle in Prague, fortunately, I had been there before so I didn't mind slowing down. It was an enjoyable trip.

See something relaxing. I wish you well.

"But if I'm going to take the bus everywhere, does it matter if I'm further out from the city center?"

IMO it absolutely matters. You are already disappointed about not being as mobile as you are used to. Add to that the extra time you'll have to spend on buses if you stay farther out.

And if you are smack dab in the center, you can actually walk some places, even w/ your limitations.

I absolutely agree with staying in the center. If you are really having a bad day you can easily return to your hotel, and your friend can continue on with her day and you can join up with her later if you want. Being farther out means even more time on buses.

It's all a matter of attitude. I had a broken heel and limped all over Paris. I injured my knee another time and hobbled around. DH came down with shingles on a UK trip and he injured his back on another trip. We could have cancelled and stayed home (or gone home) but we carried on and had great trips albeit slower paced than usual. You can have a good time on your trip if you choose to.

I hope you decide you feel comfortable making the trip, and that all goes well once there. Just a thought, but can you both ride bikes comfortably? Doing a Fat Tire sightseeing/orientation tour might work. Or, if you're interested in Normandy and the D-day beaches Fat Tire (and other companies), have day excursions. That would give you several hours resting on a bus and I would guess you could decide how much walking you wanted to do once you got there (though you should research that). It might limit what you see, but still might be an interesting trip.

Or, what about a trip to Champagne country: http://www.o-chateau.com/day-trips-from-paris

Or, one of the day tours of the Loire region (again, you should ask some questions about how much walking is necessary. You might not have it in you to walk into and around all the chateaux and gardens, but you might see enough from the bus and with some limited walking to make it enjoyable). This one has been recommended by Rick Steves: http://www.accodispo-tours.com/english/index-excursions.html

Good luck!

My SIL had a lot of problem walking distances and/or standing for more than a fee minutes (but has now had a hip replacement and hope it will improve her mobility a lot).

What she used to solve this problem was a small folding canvas seat that looked a lot like a golf umbrella when folded and could be hung on your shoulder. When she got tired she could simply pick anywhere handy to sit and rest for a while so as not to stress her hip further. This was a big help in museums (where there are often not enough seats), touring houses and gardens etc.

And I would get a much more central hotel. Have you looked at Priceline

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=umbrella+folding+chair#/ref=sr_pg_1?rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Achair+walking+stick&keywords=chair+walking+stick&ie=UTF8&qid=1344875760

More pain today and I didn't walk yesterday. I might have already overdone it, just trying to get ready for the trip I appreciate all of the replies. I searched for a hotel in the city center and couldn't find anything that we could afford. Right now I am looking at the Kensington Close Hotel, it's $120 a night and has a pool, hot tub and spa, and is right by Kensington High Street which looks like it has tons of shops and cafes.

I can ride a bike, don't think my friend can though. We are both okay with separating for the day and doing our own thing.

For Paris, day trips are out since it will be her first time there and she wants to see all the major stuff.

I think my situation is different from some in that as mztery pointed out, I'm in recovery and have something that can get worse if pushed too hard. I will just have to keep in mind that I can't do too much. Thanks again all.

And a walking cast won't help relieve a lot of things, not just for this trip? It would certainly (maybe!!) get you a seat on the bus!!

Sorry, just re-read that it is both feet.

Some years back, after the final time I went to clean the gutters of my house (no details, but a ladder and bones were involved), we still went on our trip to London. Got transit passes and took a bus even just for one stop, whenever I wanted to, even just to sit.

The only place you should absolutely get a wheelchair is at the airport. No way should you use up your limited walking time just getting to gate 34A or to the baggage pickup.

"For Paris, day trips are out since it will be her first time there and she wants to see all the major stuff. "

Why are day trips out? Since >>We are both okay with separating for the day and doing our own thing.<<

One trip . . . I took the train to Chartres while my friend took a tour to Giverney; I explored the Marais and shopped - friend took a tour to Versailles.

"I'm in recovery and have something that can get worse if pushed too hard"

"But honestly, I do not even want to go. If I can't walk for hours and see everything I want to see, I really have no desire to go".

Firstly, do what you think is best for you healthwise (and what your doctor recommends) - that should come first - it is no fun going on holiday and you are in pain,you said that you're in "more pain and didn't walk yesterday".

It is true you find bus stops everywhere, but you will probably also find queues everywhere. Taxis would be a much better option if you can afford them. You seem to have a limited budget, so if it were me, I would prefer to take my holiday when I am feeling better, as you would still be spending your precious money. If your friend is a real friend, she would understand your situation and would do what is best for you. In your case, it is not at all selfish to drop out.

If you do decide to go, make it clear to your friend that it is impossible that you would be able to go with her to see all the major stuff that she wants to visit - which is understandable since it is her first trip to Paris. Make it clear to your friend that you can't do that, and find out how much time she is willing to take it easy, otherwise you will end up alone for most of the trip, and that might make you feel sad and inadequate. It is impossible not to visit a major site in Paris, like the Eiffel Tower for instance, and not have to spend some time waiting. We have a child with serious mobility problems, and although we were allowed to skip queues outside, you do still have to wait in the queue for the lifts (we have a special needs pushchair though). You also need to walk around the storeys on the Tower etc. This plus the stress to arrive to destination might make your injury worse.

I think underground trains should be out of the question - so much walking to do underground to find your train, people pushing and hurrying around - especially in the rush hour. Take buses and taxis only - or the ferry service in Paris which takes you to major sites.

Bottom line is - go only if you are ok with taking it easy, prepared that you might not be able to do too much or overdo it, that you have the go-ahead by your doctor, and that you really want to go in the circumstances.

If you do really prefer not to go, you should not feel guilty, as it is no fault of your own. Maybe you can check with your agent on whether your friend can have a refund as well on her ticket, or whether you can have tickets re-issued for a later date.

I'm just chiming in to agree with AG's last paragraph above. As you provide more details, it sounds like your recovery is more at risk than I first understood. I don't think you should feel pressured to go b/c of your friend...a real friend would understand the seriousness of your injury and recovery. It sounds as though your friend is somewhat independent and not totally relying on you as her travel support system, so she should still be able to go by herself if she's not willing to take the financial hit for the plane ticket cancellation.

I would take a peeved friend, or loss of a friend, before risking permanent foot damage and walking issues. I think you should share with your friend your increased pain as you've been trying to get your feet in shape for the trip and hopefully she'll learn to accept your decision if she decides to go without you or if she has to delay the trip until you're physically up to it.

You can be pretty sure she will not be able to cancel her ticket, and there will be a charge for rescheduling. You may be able to cancel yours with your insurance, but I'd start checking now.
Tendonitis is a real bore (choosing another "b" word). Yours certainly has been acute. How did it happen, out of curiosity? I want to avoid it. My fasciitis was quite enough for me--could not walk. Have you continued PT? Is your orthopod suggesting any other treatment?

Sounds like you purchased trip insurance, and your friend did not. Was this discussed beforehand? I would be a little worried about overdoing things and having a rupture overseas. What do you do then? If you feel guilty, you could offer to pay your friend's airline change fee and reschedule the trip for later.

We didn't book through a travel agent, so she would have to pay a fee to postpone. I have been telling her since day one that she should find a hotel that she could afford on her own and book it just in case I ended up not being able to go. I also told her I didn't want to go to Paris because of the increased walking that would involve, but she was insistent. I also wanted to stay in hostels and she wouldn't stay in one. She has been very inflexible about a lot of things. Whenever I have mentioned not going, she has gotten so angry and belligerent.

The other issue, as some of you have pointed out, is standing. Standing is worse than walking. I am worried about the queues and don't know how much more crowded it will be due to the Paralympics. I can't afford taxis. As Anna pointed out, another part of it is that this is a large $$ commitment for me, my money is precious, and I would rather spend it when I can get my "full money's worth," so to speak.

I got the tendonitis from zumba. I was fairly fit beforehand, had a job where I walked 70 hours a week, every other week. Swam 2-3 miles a week. But zumba did me in.

The more you write, the more it sounds like there are other reasons to cancel this trip, and not just because of your feet!

Seriously, if you can't see yourself enjoying the trip iwith the many compromises you'll have to make, don't go! Make the decision now as your traveling partner does not sound like she'll be able to compromise her needs. If she is "angry and belligerant" when you tell her you can't go, then don't be surprised if she is difficult whenever she doesn't get her way-- is this a person you'll feel comfortable with, especially since you're not at 100%?

Originally, I was going to encourage you to enjoy what you can and enjoy a slower-paced trip-- but now I think you'd be wiser to cut out now. There are many red flags here, and it doesn't sound like your friend would be ready to compromise on your behalf. So bail out now when you can!

I agree with progol. My initial take was that you should go and take things easy, but I've changed my mind. It sounds like exacerbating the problem is a definite possibility, and you shouldn't risk that. Also, it sounds like you'd be a lot better off without this particular traveling companion.

However, I'm not clear about your insurance situation. Does your cancellation insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Yes, I made sure to get one that covers pre-existing conditions. Honestly, right now I wouldn't even care that much if I didn't get the money back for the flight. I e-mailed her and told her about the increase in pain and have also called my MD and am waiting to hear back from both. I feel like the poo is about to hit the fan with my friend...

I came across your posting while searching for 'all things French'. Wow. I can understand why you are reluctant to go- not only are you very concerned about your feet, but it seems you are being bullied by your friend. And I think that is becoming the bigger issue. If she is so insistent that you go to Paris, how will she react when she wants to see the sights, and you want to sit at a cafe? I'd rather risk a friendship than my feet.

Did you tell your friend that you were buying trip insurance in case you couldn't go? Did she choose not to buy it knowing there was a chance you couldn't go? If so, hate to say it, but tough luck for her!

If she were a real friend, she would understand that you do not want to risk ruining your feet.

She couldn't have gotten any insurance to cover a friend's "problem". Sounds like she is ready to go anyway, 'cause as it is being told, it was tenuous from the beginning.
Not sure I'd throw her under the bus for "not being a real friend", but I might for not realizing the possibility from the beginning.
The OP can talk about hostels, but they could be a VERY mixed bag, far away from the centers, etc.
Still better investigate the insurance--they do have "their ways".

Yes, she knew that I booked insurance for a pre-existing condition.

If she knew you had bought insurance for a pre-existing condition, then she knew right away that there was always a chance you might not go. If she didn't want to go without you, she should have bought insurance too.

I just don't think you can get insurance for your traveling companion who is not a relative (and probably only as close as a mother/etc.) not being able to go. If she knew the OP was covering her conditon, then buyer beware.
I think we're pretty much done here. OP isn't gonna go for good reason and encouragement from many here--everything else is commentary. Just my opinion.
Friendship in the ditch, maybe. Health more important, but if it was that iffy that short a period, neither one should have signed on.

I think most insurance covers sickness or injury of a traveling companion, regardless of relation.

Your first post sounded like your friend was being very flexible/understanding, >>My friend says it will be okay and that we will take lots of bus tours or hang out in cafes and pubs. She is also limited in her ability to walk due to sciatica.<<

. . . but now she sounds like a real angry inflexible pill.

If she is a pill . . . don't go because your disability wouldn't be the only problem.

I'd like to hear the friend's side of this story.

DigbyDog--you are living in an alternative universe!! LOL But I hope you "could" be right.

Gretchen - no s/he is not. Go to insuremytrip.com and read the plan details. It's usually self or travel companion. You can even buy some plans that cover 'cancel for any reason', although they may not cover the whole cost.

Would there be any mileage in pointing the friend in the direction of some of those threads here about seeing Paris as a singleton? It might reassure her that it's really not a disaster to go on one's own.

Gretchen--I just purchased trip insurance for our trip to France. So I have been pouring over insurance policy details and covered reasons for cancellation. . I guess that's why the insurance part of this struck me.

Then I really hope that is what both of them bought. Having had to cancel a trip because of a war (Tiananmen Square--and we were there), I know how hard it is to get insurance to pay you back--which they didn't. ;o)

Tiananmen Square wasn't a war, but it was the kind of event usually excluded by insurance policies. I'm not surprised your insurance didn't pay up. I am a bit surprised you couldn't just go somewhere other than Beijing.

Well, it does count as a huge life experience. We were on a Sister Cities trip, and indeed we DID go outside of Beijing a day or so later, after seeing a lot of what happened--and several of our group being IN the Square, but fortunately leaving in time. However we arrived on the night of the massacre--and were evacuated by the embassy a week or so later.
And my point about "exclusions".

Friends reaction is not likely bullying folks, its FEAR,, fear makes people angry. She is a afraid of going on her own. Some of you see "bullies" everywhere.

Now that you've provided additional details and you are just not in good shape, I'm changing my answer. It would be far better to allow your feet to heal/recover properly. A good friend would be understanding.

There's just no point in spending all that money and being in agony every day or risking further injury.

Reschedule.

Britomart,

“There's just no point in spending all that money and being in agony every day or risking further injury.”

I have been following your thread with concern. I now agree with DJKBrooks and those others who suggest cancelling for now – perhaps rescheduling.

You have been to Europe so you know how much walking/standing/waiting in airports and customs/security is involved before you even arrive at your destination. Particularly since you had planned to do both Paris and London – presumably on the Eurostar.

Please let us know what you decide….

Britomart, I can So relate to your concern. I mangled my left foot a week ago - it looked like an eggplant for 5 days, but thankfully the X-rays showed no breaks or fractures, just terrible sprains and contusions - and I am scheduled for a 3-week trip to France at the end of this month, and not one for touristy activity, but one for serious work cleaning out my house there and getting it ready to sell. I have been totally freaked, because I can't put any weight at all on my left foot. But yesterday, my doctor said I'll be OK, with Naprosyn and other palliative measures, and yes, it's getting better daily. I'm still sure I won't be able to travel or perform particularly well on this trip (but it HAS to happen for several reasons). I'll use wheelchairs at the airports (much as it will pain my ego to do so). So I know where you're coming from. But in your case, I'd cancel/postpone. Let your friend deal with it. She knew the parameters from the outstart. Don't compromise your foot.

StCirq,
I had your kind of injury 20 yrs ago. I still am amazed at how blue/purple my foot turned, and how swollen it got. It actually is sometimes better if you had broken it because then at least you would have a walking cast hopefully. With this kind of injury you really have to stay off of it as much as possible for at least a month to six weeks.

Good luck to you.

PS...I bought the Limoncello today for the cheesecake...can't wait to try it. The only problem is now the family will probably want me to make it at every family event.

Note that you do have to carefully consider your travel insurance policy. Many/most do cover circumstances involving your traveling companion (not related). But, also, pre-existing condition waiver often excludes coverage if you were not able to travel when the policy was purchased.

Any which way, you do have to consider any financial loss versus just not wanting to go, and/or being miserable, and incurring additional expense, the entire trip.

Britobart,

Your friend, having succeeded in getting you to back down before, will escalate the anger in hopes it will work again and you'll agree to go. If you do go, she will use anger to get you to walk further than you can safely do. If you don't stand up to her, you risk lifetime injury, and she will not be there to help you. You just have to live with the loss of this so-called friend. Rest up!

StCirq,

I wrecked my foot a week before going to Rome. I also couldn't put weight on it at first, but it got better daily. One thing that helped is that invested in a pair of really ugly thick soled Nike shoes that protected my foot tremendously. Dining in fine restaurants, I wore just one of the ugly shoes on my wrecked foot and a regular dressy shoe on the other so people could see I had a problem. But I wore that ugly shoe and it helped the healing go quicker by reducing the impact (and it reduced the lingering pain).

Once you've had a wheelchair at the airport, you'll be scheming of ways to fake illness to do it every time. Be careful if you choose to use a wheelchair to sightsee and ask your travel partner to push you. If they are not used to pushing a chair, they can end up with aches and pains of their own (especially if you "borrow" chairs from museums, which are lousy to begin with.)

Carrying a cane is a good idea for rest and to make other people more careful around you. It can be very nervewracking to be among crowds of people and fear they are going to step on your foot.

Britomart...

If you do not allow your foot to heal correctly, you will have many non-foot problems the rest of your life: back (especially), shoulders, hip, etc.

SS

britomart, I too now feel you should cancel as I understand more about the situation. If your friend would prefer you impair your healing she is no friend.
This is why you got trip insurance. Use it and go another time with no worries. And a real friend.

Hi all, thanks for the additional responses. My friend was actually incredibly nice when I conveyed the full extent of my fears. She left me a really nice voicemail. She says she will understand if I don't go, but that she still thinks I should go and that we would still have fun even if I was limited in my walking to every other day.

I did have this condition when I bought the airfare/insurance, but at that time it was better. Technically, I COULD go now, so I guess it is unlikely that I will get my $$ back.

St Cirq, sorry to hear about your foot! Maybe you should wear a boot on that side to keep weight off it? Good luck with your trip.

It doesn't sound like you really want to go and are looking for validation for your decision, which will affect your travel partner.

Cancel your trip. Give your friend as much time as you can to either cancel hers or make 'single' arrangements.

StCirq,

Regardless of the state of your foot later this month, you can hire a strong teenager of one of your neighbors or some other boy in the village to help you with the strenuous work while you continue to heal. Non?

Didn't mean to hijack your thread, britomart. But thanks so much, everyone, for the suggestions. I'll have a boot and ace bandage and cane and wheelchair at the airports (won't need one or be able to use one in St-Cirq), and an able-bodied and patient partner.

And yes, bardo, I've already made contact with some locals for help. Lots of strong country boys around, fortunately!

I'm sure you'll make the right decision, britomart. Let us know how it turns out and best of luck with your injury.

Britomart, I'm glad your friend sounds like she is more understanding than some might have feared. Whatever you decide, I hope you heal well. If you do go, definitely pay attention to the suggestion that you get a wheel chair at the airports, it does make a big difference.

Good luck, StCirq, on your trip also.

LDT, thanks for the good wishes.

I have read this thread all over. For the record, I think you *could* travel but only if you make key changes. A few things really concern me about your potential trip as you propose to take it:

1. You do not seem to have extra income entailed to make this trip pleasant and cut down on your risk of injury. Taking taxis, for one. Splurging on a hotel closer to city center. A boat trip down the Seine. Theatre tickets. A group bus day tour offered by Amex or similar large company. These all cost money that you don't appear to have.

2. Your friend is being unyielding on key points, such as the idea to stay in a hostel. This does not bode well and friends who are angry one minute and kind the next don't sound promising either. My daughter is 14 and she is struggling with a girl like that. Most of us women learn to shield ourselves from the drama queens by adulthood. This may be your time.

(For the record, I'm not sure the hostel itself is a great idea. If you can't sleep and want to get up and take an Advil, you may wake up half the dorm doing so.)

My feeling is that if you want to go, you each need to commit to an extra $1000 or $1500 for the add-ons cited, especially the hotel and the taxis.

Otherwise, say goodbye to this friend and if you lose the airfare, chalk it up to experience points.

Don't airlines give you a credit minus the cancellation fee? So even if the insurance doesn't apply, you can cancel anyway. You won't have to "eat" the whole airfare.

I used to be scared of cancellations until I had to cancel once. I think that I've done it twice now (can't remember for sure). It wasn't a problem to use up the credit -- in fact, I might have even had to buy two tickets to exhaust the credit I had at one point.

Tonight I tried walking, first time since Saturday. After 40 minutes my pain level was high. There's no way I can go. 5alive, I have the extra income for those things, we were already planning on taking a couple of coach day trips from London. I could spend $200 on a hotel, but I refuse to. I just don't want to spend the extra money to compensate for my inability to walk. I'd rather go when I can walk as much as I want. Or, at LEAST a couple of hours a day. That is not going to happen on this trip.

111op, I'm interested in hearing about cancellation and getting a credit. I booked my ticket through British Airways. So, if I call them and cancel, they should give me a credit on a future flight?

<I could spend $200 on a hotel, but I refuse to. I just don't want to spend the extra money to compensate for my inability to walk.>


That's completely understandable, but I think that tells you what decision you need to make.

I think my cancellation(s) were on AA -- well I had at least one on cancellation on AA.

Call BA and find out what the policy is. I can't imagine that it'd be much different, but I've never cancelled a BA ticket so I don't know for sure. On AA they charged a fee and the credit could be used up to a year.

The point is just that cancellations/changes are not severe as people think.

If you can't cancel, see if you can change the ticket or move the dates. Obviously there will be a fee, but it's better than wasting the ticket completely.

Cancellation policies vary by airline and the type of ticket you bought.

St Cirq - Sorry about your foot injury - hopefully it will be better by the time you leave for France. In any case, try to take it easy if it still hurts, and leave some cleaning for another time.

britomart - you made the right decision - you did not want to go in the first place because of your condition. If spending just 40 minutes walking is so painful, it is close to impossible to have a holiday in busy London and Paris. Go when your leg is better, otherwise you will end up miserable or in pain or alone throughout your holiday. Try and keep stressing this nicely to your friend, that you can no way go on holiday with your painful leg and limitations.

Do not waste your money or risk your health. I would prefer to go to a hotel or B&B (no hostels for me either - I would have to agree with your friend in that regard) when in better health and no limitations - and in your case it would be very limited, being in pain just after 40 minutes!!!!

I am so sure that you will not lose this friend if you explain this nicely and firmly, and maybe try your best to postpone this holiday or help her organize her vacation as a solo traveller.
If she is a true friend she will keep befriending you. Just do not give in to her if she keeps on trying to persuade you. This is not the time you go on vacation for sure.

Good luck that both of you will get some refund for your tickets, or even better, that you can get flights postponed for a later date. But whatever, it is better you waste a ticket than waste the expense of the whole holiday since you are so very limited healthwise.
If your friend still wants to go, then she can go solo.

Yes the policy varies but my point is that even the cheapest tickets can still leave you with credit. So don't assume you lose the whole airfare.

She might have to use the credit within one year of her purchase of the initial ticket. If she booked a long time ago, that could be a problem. However, I would rather lose the entire ticket cost than ruin my feet.

I think the clock starts when you cancel but it could be airline dependent.

I think it is when you cancel also. BUT on any given day with any given airline, it could be anything. And expensive. And inconvenient!!

We booked tickets on Delta several years ago, but had to cancel due to illness. The only way we could rebook paying only the change fee was to fly within a year of purchasing our tickets. Since we had purchased almost a year ahead, we couldn't rebook. Have not flown British Air in many years. So I don't know what their policy is.

I just talked to a BA rep. I was told that my MD needs to fax them a note stating that I am unable to travel, and it has to include a date when I will be able to travel again. The rep said that they would waive the fees to change the ticket, but that I would have to pay the difference in fare (obviously). I would have to book my new ticket by 3/25/12, but I wouldn't have to travel by then.

I was thinking they'd want a doctor's note - had some experience with that years ago with my parents.

But do you mean 3/25/13? Coz 3/25/12's long gone.

Anyway, good news!

Oops, yest, 2013. I need to talk to my MD and make sure she will send a note. I am afraid she will tell me that "technically," I could still GO on this trip (even though I can't walk when I get there).

If you can't walk for more than a couple of hours the very most, and by doing so you would be severely straining your leg, I am sure your MD will be understanding enough to write you a note. Emphasize the severity of your pain after doing even less than an hour of walking, and that you never imagined that you would still be in so much pain when you booked your flight..

This is no big deal - you are only postponing your flight - MD should oblige. You do not need to be wary of asking her for the note.

Hopefully, your pain will be gone, or at least would have lessened considerably by March of next year, and you would then be able to enjoy your holiday.

BTW what about your friend, is she going on holiday solo, or is she willing to wait till your leg gets better?. Hope you still managed to stay friends, if she is a good friend to you and you to her, both of you should make compromises in vacation arrangements. But health always comes first.

I cannot imagine the MD giving you any trouble about a note. Have you any experience with notes they give to get people off work? ANYTHING will do. Really.

Totally agree with cynthia_booker.

No need to be anxious about this note.

Change doctors if your MD won't help you get the airline credit, it's no sweat off her back. Technically being able to make the flight doesn't mean you could make the trip.

Kudos to BA for their policy given the situation, didn't expect them to be so accommodating.

119 posts on a thread about not taking a trip . . . many more than on most trip reports by folks who actually did travel. Don't say Fodorites aren't a sympathetic/caring bunch

true janisj

Check your insurance policy/certificate. Any cancellation should go through them and not BA. Read carefully coverage, requirements to submit a claim, exlusions, etc.

Pay no attention to what anyone tells you on the phone. Get it in writing.

It makes no sense that a doctor's note would have to include a date when you would be able to travel, since that is unknown.

Do not change doctors to get a note. The insurance carrier will likely request more information which will have to be provided by your current doctor anyway.

Know that doctor's note must be written correctly the first time and qualify you for coverage under trip cancellation. A new or modified report will get you nowhere.

With most policies, if you qualified for the pre-existing condition waiver and were able to travel when the policy was purchased but your condition now precludes you from traveling, you're entitled to cancellation coverage.

I didn't want to post an update until everything was squared away. So, I have decided not to go on the trip. I suspected that my MD would give me a hard time about the note, and I was right. Last year, we canceled a trip to Hawaii. At that time, I was supposed to stay off my feet as much as possible. I had insurance, and when my MD filled out the paperwork, she put that I was physically able to travel. I assumed that I would not get my money back, but the insurance company gave us a full refund. After reading my chart notes, perhaps it was obvious that I couldn't really travel.

So, last week I asked her to send the note to British Airways. I waited 3 days and her assistant called me back to say my MD wouldn't send the note since "technically," I could still "travel." The assistant mentioned not wanting to send it to "the insurance company," so I explained, again, that it was going directly to the airline. She said she would ask my MD again. I waited all this week for a return call. Nothing. So, on Wed, I decided to make an appt with the "second opinion" MD that I'd seen in the Spring. He gladly wrote the note and sent it off to BA yesterday. It had to be there by today.

I spent a week stressing out about this. I am mighty peeved at my current MD.

As for my friend, I heard from her last week when she forwarded me her new hotel reservation. She is staying at the same hotel in London, but in a single room. I e-mailed her and asked her what she wanted to do about the Paris hotel, and she said she is staying there. She said, "Don't you worry about it." I think she's mad at me...

So, I have been thinking about offering to contribute to her hotel expenses. Part of me is irritated that she didn't heed my advice about booking her own single room early on. And she obviously doesn't want to do any research into finding a cheaper room (I was the one who did all of the research for our hotels). But, I would like to compensate her partly for the inconvenience I've caused. What would be a sufficient amount? I estimate she is paying about $400-$500 extra, and I was thinking of offering $200.

I appreciate all of the advice and thoughtful comments. This has been a tough decision but I think it's for the best.

She said, "Don't you worry about it." You should take her word for it.

FWIW, I don't think she's even paying "extra". Many (most?) single travelers go for a double room anyway simply because they cannot tolerate those closet sized single rooms (which are especially tiny in Paris). A larger room will be a treat and not money "wasted".

Of course you could still offer her the $200 as a simple gift and say it has nothing to do with the Paris room. Whatever you decide, it's fine either way.

I´m glad to see you have made the decision.

But what happened to your trip insurance coverage? Wouldn´t that be better than going through BA and being forced to book a new ticket by a certain date and pay the difference?

"Many (most?) single travelers go for a double room anyway simply because they cannot tolerate those closet sized single rooms (which are especially tiny in Paris)."

Speak for yourself! I travel solo all the time, and I take singles whenever available. However, I agree you should take your friend at her word.

Also, glad you've made a decision. Now it's time to pick a new doctor!

I'm not certain I would get a refund from the insurance. Whether or not I was able to travel when I booked the ticket is up for debate. Getting the credit from BA seemed like the safest bet. Is it possible to submit the paperwork to the insurance, and if I am reimbursed let BA know? How would that even work...?

Just try initiating it. See what happens. It should be pretty straight forward.

Some hotels have cancellation polices that give you partial or full refund on cancellation - she is not really cancelling but booking into a single room. So, probably she would have been charged some money for cancelling the booking in order to book in other hotels, - maybe that is why she might be staying in the same hotels. Or maybe she is not the type that is into searching and browsing (you did say that you chose the hotels yourself).

Regarding the type of accommodation,it all has to do with hotel policies of any particular hotel - some hotels charge almost the same amount for a single room as for a double room,(not like half the rate) whilst others give a good discount for solo travellers. When my husband is away on business trips (always in Europe), he always books a single room, but is often still given a double room, the rate is often a bit less than the rate of a double room - they are almost always the large chain hotels.

On the other hand, some hotels do not have single rooms and still give you a double room with a single room rate.

So, for the entire days of the holidays, it absolutely possible that she might have had to pay that extra money that she mentioned as a supplement for a single room, instead of having the room rate for a double room divied by two. She did not come out with it and told you of the extra costs herself, you asked her, and I do give her a lot of credit for that.

But irrelevant on whether she really is paying that extra money or not, I would still give her those 200 dollars as a sign of friendship - as a gift as bardo1 said - so as to show her that you are sorry about the cancellation. Even though you had told her that you might not be accompanying her beforehand, she would have preferred you with her for sure. It is not all about the money for sure. Do not lose a friendship, it is not worth it.

Forgot to mention in the beginning - you absolutely made the right choice in not going, and am so glad that you managed to get a note from an MD to send to BA. Good luck that you get a refund!

I BELIEVE airlines must refund the taxes on all tickets no matter what the policy on the fare is.. We did not have an acceptable doctor's note so had to bite the dust ( no trip insurance) and cancel two tickets to SA. AF gave us back 100% of the taxes which was more than half the ticket price it turned out.

I don't see any reason to give her the money, or, frankly, to be concerned if she is angry. You are doing what you need to do. She booked her rooms as she chose initially, she said not to worry about it.

britomart

I don't know what zumba is, but you've given me reason to find out.

I once had to cancel a flight to LA and rebook. The change fees are the least of your worries, so if your MD isn't cooperating, it won't really change most of your final bill. Your MD is not to blame by the way, the fine print of your insurance policy is. The real headache is that you are usually obliged to rebook at a higher fare level. THAT's where the expense comes in. I figure that in the end, only about 50 per cent of my original ticket price was applied to the new ticket.

I am not generally impressed with travel cancellation insurance (which is distinct from basic medical insurance.) The stuff is so expensive, that the savings in premiums over the course of five trips, will pay for a discount airfare. I got sick to death of the fine print, which made it almost impossible to collect. So now I self insure, and I'm much happier. Just a thought, because it sounds like you are going to be dealing with what the insurance co will claim, or will try to claim, is a 'pre-existing condition' for awhile.

Best of luck with your plans. Good for you for making what had to have been a tough decision. I agree that your friend does not sound like she could have easily coped with your problems, for all her insistence.

I can relate to this thread in the following ways:

1. I traveled once with a friend who had to leave me halfway through our trip in Italy. I called all the remaining hotels (days in advance) to see if I could switch to a single room, and a single room was not available, and nor could they offer me the double room I reserved for a single-only price (high season). I bit the bullet and stayed in the remaining doubles.

2. I did not ask, but my friend left me $600 to put towards expenses (hotel and car rental). No matter what anyone says, taking responsibility for your part in the travel arrangements is the RIGHT thing to do. Many people will try to wiggle out of this responsibility, and they'll justify the wiggle behavior any way that they can. These decisions are often based on personal feelings about money. It's getting harder and harder to find people who are willing to step up and do the right thing. I'm not wealthy, and the money my friend gave me reduced the stress I had to suddenly endure in a big way. Till this very day, I am grateful for that kind and considerate gesture. We're still friends.

3. I've needed a doctor's note several times throughout my business travels. One of my siblings is a doctor (although I never went to him for a travel note). I've never had a problem getting a note, and if I ever did, I would find another doctor, immediately. You pay the doctor for services. If the doctor does not wish to provide this service, you find one who will. It is no skin off the doctor's back to submit a note saying "travel would be difficult for the patient at this time, and I'm advising against it." This really isn't a costly issue, and your doctor should be more concerned about your pain, financial and otherwise, than he/she should be about anything else. IMO, some doctors are jerks (and I have a sibling who will attest to that).

Hope this helps.

Anna_G, actually I booked all of the hotels, I just saw a pre-authorization charge on the Paris hotel that my friend had supposedly switched to her name and credit card #.

wesley, re #2, what if you were well-to-do. Not wealthy, but perfectly comfy financially. She makes a six-figure salary, should that make a difference?

I am still really surprised that she didn't write this note. And when I called to ask how it was progressing, her assistant seemed annoyed with me.

I think Wesleymarsh's experience is completely different than yours. In Wesley's case, they were already on the trip when the friend left. In your case, your friend knew you had medical issues when the trip was booked. She knew that you were purchasing trip insurance in case you couldn't go. She chose not to buy insurance. In other words, she knew from the get go that there was a chance that you would not go on the trip.

If you want to maintain the friendship, I would give her $200, although I certainly don't think you owe her that money.

" It is no skin off the doctor's back to submit a note "

seriously? You think a doctor should write a note that they feel is a lie? And this is now twice that you have asked the same doctor to write a note excusing you when neither time it was medical true that you could not travel? I believe your doctor has shown professional judgement and upheld their ethical code of conduct.

The services you pay the doctor for do not include lying to get you out of a sticky situation.

I didn't say that, but, she has instructed me to not exceed 40 minutes of walking, every other day. Under these orders, I would not be able to make it through customs. She needs to understand the logistics of traveling and realize that even though I'm not on death's door, I am still not able to travel. Even the insurance company was able to understand that, and gave me a full refund on my previous trip.

I'm glad you made your decision not to go. Since your friend knew at the outset that you might not be able to, I hope she didn't get too peeved.

I have to tell you, I made a different decision this summer, and I'm glad I did. I sprained my ankle 3 weeks before our trip, and unfortunately it remained swollen and very painful to walk around for long periods of time during our trip. The first week and a half I actually had to use a cane! But between the ibuprofen I brought with me, and the paracetamol with codeine you can buy over the counter in France (and England) -- which is the equivalent of vicoden -- it was manageable. Also, I don't complain a lot or get very grumpy ever, so my family members are cool with the times when I say, hey sorry, I have to sit down for a bit.

Actually, I think they were quite happy I was slowed down by this, since I tend to be a fast walker under normal circumstances and they sometimes get annoyed at trying to keep up with me!

I hope, by the way, that you will give your friend a break on her not having wanted to stay in hostels. You told her on Day One that you might bail on her. You did bail on her. She doesn't like hostels. IMHO, it would have been the wrong thing to do to lock her into staying in hostels, where she never wanted to be in the first place, on her own. (Even if cancelling the hostels would have been costless, finding the hotels late in the game might not have been.)

When I travel with friends and one of us has unavoidable uncertainty about whether or when to go, as you did, the rule is that the desires of the person who is definitely going should take precedence.

I hope you feel better soon and can get back to travelling!

The doctor's note problem is due to asking the wrong question. The doctor is quite qualified to state what you can and cannot do. He is not qualified to state a conclusion that must be made by the insurer.

Compare: "Mrs. Britomat has XXX and must not walk for mor more than 40 minutes every other day, nor may she stand upright for more than 40 minutes at a time."

Vs: "Mrs. Britomat cannot travel."

The first states the problem and will cause any person who knows about travel to make a conclusion. It does not lie and could easily be signed by the same doctor who may not feel confident in making the second statement.

Ask for the data, not the conclusion, and you will get the best solution. This applies equally well to disability letters, sick day excuses, and similar. Let the recipient make the conclusion from the attested information.

All these responses have been so uplifting. I hope they give you the courage to go on.

We leave shortly for our annual trip to France and I am concerned about walking also. My foot injury isn't as bad as yours, but severe plantar faciitis is holding me back. With lots of ice, time, and exercise, it has been getting better so I am walking kind of nicely, but it's still there and we might have to slow down our usual fast pace days.

Sitting in a cafe or park and watching the world go by doesn't sound like such a bad idea---- afterall, it's Paris!

Good luck to you.

Hostels are fine IF one books a private room. I would never stay in a hostel dorm, however. Next time you go, Britomat, (and you will have a next time, I'm sure)consider going when dorm rooms are available at universities. Often, in the UK, there are elevators, private baths, availability of food (and occasionally, kitchenettes) during times when students are not there; the charges are small. Don't have the websites at hand just now, but they are out there. (I have stayed at Dublin University and it was an absolute delight)!

For British universities in general: http://universityrooms.co.uk/

For the LSE in London (great locations!): http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/

Note that on the first site, some rooms are available during term time.

I sure would not have gone on this trip, either, I would just wait until I could enjoy the trip more.

But I don't get the snide remarks about the friend and how they knew what they were getting into and that you would bail. The first post said you planned this trip a long time ago when you assume you wouldn't even have a problem by the travel date. Now why wouldn't the friend assume the same thing you did, after all, you were making estimates about yourself and should know. Lots of people buy travel insurance it doesn't mean anything predictive at all. I usually buy it and that's just becuase I want insurance, it doesn't mean I'm expecting not to go at all. It sounds to me like all the warnings to the friend came after the original bookings. The friend should have bought some insurance, I guess, unless they wanted to go anyway, but I don't think the dumping on the friend is warranted as she sounds pretty nice.

Geez Christina! You obviously can disagree with my analysis of the situation. But to describe my comments as "snide" seems a little harsh.

All I am saying is that if I were going on a trip with a friend who had an injury and that friend was buying trip insurance, I would get insurance too unles I were perfectly happy going on my own.

Britomart said her friend knew she had purchased insurance. What reason would there have been for Britomart' to purchase trip insurance other than to cancel the trip if necessary? Obviously, it doesn't mean she was definitely going to cancel, but there was always that chance.

Thanks for the additional responses... Just wanted to give another update. I emailed my friend 6 days ago and offered some compensation for her additional expenses. She hasn't responded. I also had my birthday a few days ago and she didn't say Happy Birthday on my Facebook page, but I noticed she wished another friend of hers Happy Birthday... So it's safe to assume she is mad and that our friendship might be over... I will next update when I hear back from the insurance company in case anyone is interested in that outcome.

This sounds like a real shame for both of you. I hope the insurance outcome is more positive than the social aspect of it.

Britomart, thanks for the update. Is your foot any better?