Update on Mother in law "recovery" vacation from chemotherapy. We are looking for a destination to take her for a celebratory trip when she finishes chemo. We are looking for a trip probably in early summer. Any suggestions would be so h
Dec 2nd, 2002, 05:24 AM
#1
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Update on Mother in law "recovery" vacation from chemotherapy. We are looking for a destination to take her for a celebratory trip when she finishes chemo. We are looking for a trip probably in early summer. Any suggestions would be so h
My mother in law has ovarian cancer and me and my husband want to take her and her husband on vacation. They never travel, because they can't afford it. They live in Knoxville (near the Smokey Mountains). We definitely want to get on a plane and travel somewhere beautiful in the US.
Here is what we are looking for:
1) Somewhere beautiful (more into scenic things)
2) Nice, comfortable, upscale lodging
3) Somewhere warm (but NOT scorching hot)
4) Alaska cruise & Hawaii are out of the picture. She already said she doesn't want a cruise because she is worried she will get sick.
5) So we are open to all suggestions except Alaska and Hawaii.
Thank you thank you thank you.
Suzanne
Here is what we are looking for:
1) Somewhere beautiful (more into scenic things)
2) Nice, comfortable, upscale lodging
3) Somewhere warm (but NOT scorching hot)
4) Alaska cruise & Hawaii are out of the picture. She already said she doesn't want a cruise because she is worried she will get sick.
5) So we are open to all suggestions except Alaska and Hawaii.
Thank you thank you thank you.
Suzanne
Dec 2nd, 2002, 07:04 AM
#2
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How about New England? (I didn't read your previous post, so this might be redundant.) Summer is warm and high season here for vacationers. Since they live near mountains, perhaps they'd enjoy the coast.
You could fly into Providence, RI and stay at either Newport, RI or Cape Cod, MA. If the Cape, I'd recommend Chatham; check out the Bradford Inn.
Or, you could fly into Portland, Maine and stay at either the Black Point Inn in Scarborough, or one of many nice places in Kennebunkport.
If you want to consider New England, and have more specific questions about these areas, let me know via this post!
You could fly into Providence, RI and stay at either Newport, RI or Cape Cod, MA. If the Cape, I'd recommend Chatham; check out the Bradford Inn.
Or, you could fly into Portland, Maine and stay at either the Black Point Inn in Scarborough, or one of many nice places in Kennebunkport.
If you want to consider New England, and have more specific questions about these areas, let me know via this post!
Dec 2nd, 2002, 07:41 AM
#3
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Since they have never traveled and they have lived where it's "green" why not go to the southwest. Lot of beautiful scenic landscapes. The Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks to name a few.
http://www.so-utah.com/tour/homepage.html
http://www.so-utah.com/tour/homepage.html
Dec 2nd, 2002, 07:51 AM
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I would consider renting a cottage in Holden Beach, North Carolina. I owned a small cottage there and if you enter this on the internet, you will get tons of real estate listings. The water in the ocean is extremely warm, clear and pretty, the town is a shrimpers' port so you can buy fresh seafood, and nearby farmers markets for great fresh veggies and fruit. There are some very down home type restaurants, some great breakfast places. It is upscale in a very laid back, non-showy way. We worked with Anne Arnold at Coastal Development and Realty, 1 800 262 7820, they didn't have a website back then but must by now. HOWEVER it is hot so you must have a house with AC. You say early summer which will be fine there, it has a subtropical climate and so it is warm early. You can do a day trip to Wrightsville Beach, which is one of the prettiest in the US with a great restaurant right on the pier. You can probably fly into Myrtle Beach, SC on a very cheap airfare and then rent a car, it would be less than a two hour drive to Holden Beach. This would be inexpensive, a change of scenery and hassle free. We also love the Litchfield Plantation in Pawley's Island, SC, which is about an hour south of Myrtle Beach. It is a real old rice plantation from the 1790s and now they also have condos built around it but they aren't noticeable when you arrived and drive down the long alleyway of old oak trees with hanging moss. The plantation house has a very nice pool and even alligators that come up on the lawn to visit! Plus a restaurant since it also has a golf course and country club. Then you drive about 5 minutes to the beach where they have a beach house (for changing, for parking for guests) and the beach there is just lovely too -- very warm, very clear water. You could do a side trip to Charleston, SC or visit any of the other gorgeous plantation homes in that state. Charleston is always worth two nights and has lovely wonderful restaurants and shopping. Just remember -- SC does not serve alcohol on Sunday in most counties so bring your own bottle!
I love The Greenbriar Resort in White Sulfer Springs, West Virginia but that might be too much like home to be a treat for her. Of course there are big cities but probably she would just like to relax.
I personally don't like Arizona but there are wonderful guest ranches and resorts-spas in Tucson (despise Scottsdale-Phoenix). There is a website called guest ranches of America or something close, with so many beautiful places all over the American west, some with very upscale lodging, all with marvelous food, and you can ride, hang out at the pool looking at the amazing scenery, fish, do nothing, etc. That might be fun also, a big change of pace.
Alternatively, hop on a plane and go to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or somewhere in the Caribbean. If you go in June and July you start to get great packages, check the Carib forum for suggestions. You can rent villas on places like St. John which is lovely, just avoid Aruba which IMO is a big zero (Las Vegas meets Miami), anywhere else I am sure you would enjoy. There are so many wonderful hotels and offers to pick from. Good luck and best wishes and prayers to your mom-in-law.
I love The Greenbriar Resort in White Sulfer Springs, West Virginia but that might be too much like home to be a treat for her. Of course there are big cities but probably she would just like to relax.
I personally don't like Arizona but there are wonderful guest ranches and resorts-spas in Tucson (despise Scottsdale-Phoenix). There is a website called guest ranches of America or something close, with so many beautiful places all over the American west, some with very upscale lodging, all with marvelous food, and you can ride, hang out at the pool looking at the amazing scenery, fish, do nothing, etc. That might be fun also, a big change of pace.
Alternatively, hop on a plane and go to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico or somewhere in the Caribbean. If you go in June and July you start to get great packages, check the Carib forum for suggestions. You can rent villas on places like St. John which is lovely, just avoid Aruba which IMO is a big zero (Las Vegas meets Miami), anywhere else I am sure you would enjoy. There are so many wonderful hotels and offers to pick from. Good luck and best wishes and prayers to your mom-in-law.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 08:19 AM
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Asheville, NC fits all that you're looking for!
It's an absolutely gorgeous city in an absolutely gorgeous setting. Three mountain ranges and two rivers converge here, in North Carolina's most architecturally diverse and beautiful city. Downtown is full of art, and is easily walkable. There's a LOT to see here, including museums, botanical gardens, national and state forests, charming small towns near Asheville, and the Biltmore Estate -- a 250 room palace on 8,000 acres of forests and gardens.
It gets plenty warm in Asheville, but over all it's cooler here than in most of North Carolina, and the South for that matter.
Comfortable upscale lodging can be found throughout Asheville and nearby. We are a resort city, after all, and your lodging choices run the gamut from historic grand hotels like the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, to high-rises like the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, to newer full-fledged resorts like the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, to small upscale inns... The list goes on and on.
And one of the best reasons I recommend Asheville is that it's close by to your in-laws. Because it's a short trip you'll avoid the stress and hassle that can come of a longer journey, while experiencing a completely different world. Asheville's not like any other Southern city.
If you're interested, I can give you more details. Just let me know.
It's an absolutely gorgeous city in an absolutely gorgeous setting. Three mountain ranges and two rivers converge here, in North Carolina's most architecturally diverse and beautiful city. Downtown is full of art, and is easily walkable. There's a LOT to see here, including museums, botanical gardens, national and state forests, charming small towns near Asheville, and the Biltmore Estate -- a 250 room palace on 8,000 acres of forests and gardens.
It gets plenty warm in Asheville, but over all it's cooler here than in most of North Carolina, and the South for that matter.
Comfortable upscale lodging can be found throughout Asheville and nearby. We are a resort city, after all, and your lodging choices run the gamut from historic grand hotels like the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, to high-rises like the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, to newer full-fledged resorts like the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, to small upscale inns... The list goes on and on.
And one of the best reasons I recommend Asheville is that it's close by to your in-laws. Because it's a short trip you'll avoid the stress and hassle that can come of a longer journey, while experiencing a completely different world. Asheville's not like any other Southern city.
If you're interested, I can give you more details. Just let me know.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 09:05 AM
#7
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How about the coastal California? That would be something different for your mother in law.
It is quite beautiful, and the weather would be great at that time of year.
You could then drive up to Yosimite National Park for more scenes.
Stay in a resort right on the ocean.
Lovely and breath taking.
It is quite beautiful, and the weather would be great at that time of year.
You could then drive up to Yosimite National Park for more scenes.
Stay in a resort right on the ocean.
Lovely and breath taking.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 03:49 PM
#9
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Trying to think of places where MIL wouldn't get tired of scenery or (because of residual effects of chemo) wouldn't need to be too active for a change of scenery. Someone suggested Yosemite; I think that's a good option...maybe mix it with a coastal resort (Carmel(?)) for variety.
But I still think the Alaska cruise is the best bet. My wife, who considers herself prone to sea-sickness, has never had a problem on the few cruises we've taken. We've not done the Alaska cruise, but I suspect MIL would have less chance of a problem since most of the inside passage is sheltered (by islands) from the open ocean. In spite of her misgivings, ALL things considered, I think she'd enjoy this the most.
But I still think the Alaska cruise is the best bet. My wife, who considers herself prone to sea-sickness, has never had a problem on the few cruises we've taken. We've not done the Alaska cruise, but I suspect MIL would have less chance of a problem since most of the inside passage is sheltered (by islands) from the open ocean. In spite of her misgivings, ALL things considered, I think she'd enjoy this the most.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 04:17 PM
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Too hot in early summer for Arizona or the Utah canyons. To humid in the south. I vote for the west coast, particularly Oregon. We had a lovely vacation in Newport, Oregon last June-whale watching, lighthouses, rugged rocky cliffs, and terrific clam chowder. I too think the Alaska cruise is perfect-I've never heard of anyone getting seasick on those big cruise ships. Good luck!
Dec 2nd, 2002, 04:25 PM
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Hi Suzanne:
I think coastal California is a beautiful place, as a previous poster mentioned.
I live in L.A. and have lived up in Santa Barbara. I will tell you that early summer tends to be icky. We have what we call May Gray and June Gloom, so take that into consideration. I've been told by my friend in San Fran that they have similar weather during those times.
I've been to parts of NC and agree it is beautiful.
I know it's not the US, but have you been to the Canadian Rockies? It really is stunning, and of course summer is peak time to go. Lake Louise is gorgeous and Banff was fun.
Or maybe somewhere in Utah. Some of the national parks are more awesome than the Grand Canyon, I hear. Hopefully it wouldn't be too hot in early summer.
I've always wanted to go to Maine, myself.
I think coastal California is a beautiful place, as a previous poster mentioned.
I live in L.A. and have lived up in Santa Barbara. I will tell you that early summer tends to be icky. We have what we call May Gray and June Gloom, so take that into consideration. I've been told by my friend in San Fran that they have similar weather during those times.
I've been to parts of NC and agree it is beautiful.
I know it's not the US, but have you been to the Canadian Rockies? It really is stunning, and of course summer is peak time to go. Lake Louise is gorgeous and Banff was fun.
Or maybe somewhere in Utah. Some of the national parks are more awesome than the Grand Canyon, I hear. Hopefully it wouldn't be too hot in early summer.
I've always wanted to go to Maine, myself.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 08:02 PM
#17
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I vote for the Northwest--
fly into Portland (Oregon) drive west to Astoria. Then south along the coast--USUALLY temps around 70--however June weather is noted for being unpredictable inthe NW Newport has good restaurants, motels right on the beach so you can see the sunsets --lots of antiques in Toledo-9 miles east of Newport.
OR you can drive north from Astoria in to Washington-- Through beauitiful forests into Olympic National Park then over to Port Angeles on Puget Sound.
Originally I suggested Portland Airport as I find it easier to get in and out of than Sea-Tac (Seattle) If you wanted to go to Victoria or the San Juan Islands you should use Sea-Tac
when I finished Chemo, I just wanted
to get to one place and be able to relax and do short tours of surrounding areas.
Good luck--
fly into Portland (Oregon) drive west to Astoria. Then south along the coast--USUALLY temps around 70--however June weather is noted for being unpredictable inthe NW Newport has good restaurants, motels right on the beach so you can see the sunsets --lots of antiques in Toledo-9 miles east of Newport.
OR you can drive north from Astoria in to Washington-- Through beauitiful forests into Olympic National Park then over to Port Angeles on Puget Sound.
Originally I suggested Portland Airport as I find it easier to get in and out of than Sea-Tac (Seattle) If you wanted to go to Victoria or the San Juan Islands you should use Sea-Tac
when I finished Chemo, I just wanted
to get to one place and be able to relax and do short tours of surrounding areas.
Good luck--
Dec 2nd, 2002, 08:52 PM
#18
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I like the idea of Cape Cod myself. It tends to be a very relaxing atmosphere with lots to do if she is up to it. There are free band concerts to go to, whale watches to go on, beaches to relax on and shopping galore. Fly into Providence, RI and rent a car.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 09:10 PM
#19
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A 'problem' with New Age hippie types, Linette? Goodness no! They're part of what make Asheville so unique and fun!
Asheville's a bohemian, free-spirited kind of place, and where would we be without our resident bohemians? We've got street musicians and street performers, and truly funky and unique stores, coffeeshops, and emporiums. A lot of those 'hippies' are artisans, and produce many of the one-of-a-kind artworks that can only be found in Asheville. You wouldn't believe some of the handmade jewelry and clothing you can get here, not to mention splendidly crafted furniture, wooden boxes, stained glass, and so much more! And that's in addition to paintings and sculptures of course.
So, no, I wouldn't say Asheville has any problems with New Age types. They're some of our finest artists. You may have them confused with the homeless, which Asheville does, unfortunately have a problem with -- albeit a problem that was recently tackled by the City Council, which passed a strict and sweeping new ordinance that has the city up in arms. But I imagine things will be worked out just fine by summertime...
Asheville's a bohemian, free-spirited kind of place, and where would we be without our resident bohemians? We've got street musicians and street performers, and truly funky and unique stores, coffeeshops, and emporiums. A lot of those 'hippies' are artisans, and produce many of the one-of-a-kind artworks that can only be found in Asheville. You wouldn't believe some of the handmade jewelry and clothing you can get here, not to mention splendidly crafted furniture, wooden boxes, stained glass, and so much more! And that's in addition to paintings and sculptures of course.
So, no, I wouldn't say Asheville has any problems with New Age types. They're some of our finest artists. You may have them confused with the homeless, which Asheville does, unfortunately have a problem with -- albeit a problem that was recently tackled by the City Council, which passed a strict and sweeping new ordinance that has the city up in arms. But I imagine things will be worked out just fine by summertime...
Dec 3rd, 2002, 12:59 PM
#20
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Ok here comes the spoilsport...
Suzanne, your heart is in the right place BUT-
I am a nurse who worked in oncology for years and I just wanted to let you know that many people who finish chemotherapy don't feel well for months after finishing their chemo treatments (lethargic, poor appetites, decreased energy levels at best).
Make sure you check it out with her oncologist before taking her on vacation. The last thing you need is Mom passing out on vacation because of something as foreseeable as a low blood count, which could have been treated at home.
Anyplace with crowds will not be good. People who have had chemo are not able to fight off infections as readily as healthy adults are.
Think about a spa vacation in a location with mild temperatures if you do indeed decide to take her away.
Good luck with your mom-in-law and your planning,
NurseM
Suzanne, your heart is in the right place BUT-
I am a nurse who worked in oncology for years and I just wanted to let you know that many people who finish chemotherapy don't feel well for months after finishing their chemo treatments (lethargic, poor appetites, decreased energy levels at best).
Make sure you check it out with her oncologist before taking her on vacation. The last thing you need is Mom passing out on vacation because of something as foreseeable as a low blood count, which could have been treated at home.
Anyplace with crowds will not be good. People who have had chemo are not able to fight off infections as readily as healthy adults are.
Think about a spa vacation in a location with mild temperatures if you do indeed decide to take her away.
Good luck with your mom-in-law and your planning,
NurseM
