I have found a trip that I like that leaves this Sept. & is a World War 2 themed tour of Europe which is what I was looking for. The destinations include; Poland, Germany & France & it's 16 days all within my budget. Problem is I'm having trouble finding a travel companion because my dad absolutely refuses to go to Europe & my mom keeps coming up with excuses year after year to the point where now i don't believe a word she says. One year it was 'Disabled peopled shouldn't travel by themselves.' (for the record i'm disabled) Then the next three years it was about retirement, either getting ready for retirement, in the middle of retiring, or had just retired & wanter to clean up her house. That's been the saga for the past five years & each excuse had always ended with the words 'maybe next year.' Now this year the excuse will be more along the lines about how she has to stay here to take care of my grandmother who has Alzheimers & has moved in with my parents, no doubt that is legitimate but how long can i put my life on hold? There is no other family member available to be my traveling companion & I need a traveling companion more for mobility issues because I sometimes need to hold to someone when when walking unfamiliar surroundings & i am legally bling so i need things described to my sometimes like my surrounds & museum exhibits. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate them very much.
Posted by
TN, USA
2155 posts
Gosh, not knowing more about your personal situation, it is hard to give advice. But, I'll offer a few 'possible' suggestions, and only you will know if they fit your situation and resources:
1) Don't wait for your mom or immediate family to make travel a priority in their lives. Each of us sets our own priorities, and those priorities vary based on stages of life and individual desires.
2) If you can financially, maybe offer to pay the way for a friend, professional caregiver, (or cousin) to travel with you, with a clear understanding of what their 'helping duties' would be.
If you are a pleasant person, generally adaptable, not too demanding, and would need a reasonable level of assistance, it seems that a 'paid trip' would be a really good trade for some travel assistance. Maybe a local college student majoring in history would be interested? Or even a teacher?
Posted by
Washington, DC
888 posts
This is indeed a tough situation you are in. Although disappointing, I'm sure, it is good that your dad is being honest with you rather than string you along for a few years (which sounds like what is happening with mom). Looks like family is not an option, and I was curious as to whether there is a neighbor, co-worker, etc. that may be considered. Would you be able to search out local travel groups and support groups, and see if they have option for solo travelers looking for a travel partner. Also, can you contact the tour company and describe your situation and see if they can offer some support through their company (it may cost more). If possible, offering to pay for a portion of someone's trip may open up some options for a travel companion.
As for the museums, it may be possible to rent tours and audio guides (there are a few free ones on this website) so that you can some description of exhibits.
Good luck, and I hope you make it over there.
Posted by
New Jersey
2 posts
You do have a challenging circumstance, but I thought Margaret and Maryam offered some great ideas. Begin with speaking to the tour company and see what they suggest and the idea of finding a local teacher or college student (if extended family, friends or neighbors are unavailable) may offer a solution.
While trying to help an older relative to travel, I read in some guide books about an organization called Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH.org). I don't have personal experience with them, but you might consider calling them and asking what suggestions they could make.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Elsewhere on this forum, under "Tips and Trip Reports," is a section called "Travel Partners" for people looking for others to travel or meet up with them. You might try posting there as well. I admire your initiative and spirit. Good luck!