alisoncooks Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) . Edited July 27, 2022 by alisoncooks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 DC is what popped into my head, but it’s a lot of walking. Food can be expensive if you only go to restaurants. However, if you are using hotel points, your hotel will likely have either free breakfast or come with coupons for free breakfast. Public transport is very easy to use and the majority of attractions are free. When are you thinking about going? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 If you did a hop on/off tour in DC you may be able to cut down quite a bit on walking and you could drive past monuments instead of walking to them. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) . Edited July 27, 2022 by alisoncooks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 If you did a hop on/off tour in DC you may be able to cut down quite a bit on walking and you could drive past monuments instead of walking to them. This is a good idea. I love DC but it's a lot of walking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnniePoo Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Beach resort, preferably all-inclusive. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 I wonder if your DH would be helped by a "Walker" or a small Wheelchair or even a motorized scooter for this trip. That would cut down a lot on the walking he needs to do. DC isn't inexpensive, but there are a huge number of wonderful things to see there. My first thought, because you mentioned a couples thing, was to maybe go to Orlando and be in a Timeshare for 7 nights. If you stayed where we did in April 2016, that would be very relaxing. But, no nearby museums. Two very different types of vacations. I am sad that your DH has this issue and hope that you can make this trip ASAP. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyoffive Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 I wonder if your DH would be helped by a "Walker" or a small Wheelchair or even a motorized scooter for this trip. That would cut down a lot on the walking he needs to do. DC isn't inexpensive, but there are a huge number of wonderful things to see there. My first thought, because you mentioned a couples thing, was to maybe go to Orlando and be in a Timeshare for 7 nights. If you stayed where we did in April 2016, that would be very relaxing. But, no nearby museums. Two very different types of vacations. I am sad that your DH has this issue and hope that you can make this trip ASAP. I think that might be a great idea. I don't think DC is a cheap place, from what I remember and have heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Since you are trying to go in a month and aiming for a weekend. I think you should pick a nice hotel that has a pool and maybe a water slide in a city that has one or two activities you would enjoy. Take some books to catch up on reading. Plan a meal out at a nice restaurant. Fly out there, enjoy that activity, and enjoy the time in a relaxing environment. If you get bored at the hotel, go to a movie or a local park. Niagara Falls would be cold this time of year but if you are just going to see it and not do one of the boat rides you could bundle up. It’s hard to do much in a weekend especially if your husband tires easily. As for whether you want time with just your husband or a family trip I think you need to make the decision as to what would benefit your family more. You are facing a hard time and I could see pros to doing it either way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingersmom Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 NYC You could go to 1-2 museums or a museum and a show. Endless transportation options and endless food options. Great Wolf Lodge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucy the Valiant Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 DC isn't cheap to stay, but many of the Smithsonians are free, and the city is very accessible (for a wheelchair), including the Metro. So if you were talking about a short time, the main expense would be lodging - you can eat breakfast "at home," carry picnic lunch with you, and then plan relatively carefully for supper, and it *CAN* be cheap. And will be much warmer than Niagara. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) DC is super handicapped friendly - more so than NYC. But it's a lot of walking. I think any city would be. I second thinking about getting him a wheelchair if you're going to do DC or any city really. You might be able to rent one and I know there are health equipment loan programs (my mother helps run one in Durham, actually and I'm sure she'd get you a wheelchair loaner if you needed it). DC is a great vacation if you've never been. That said, it's an "on" vacation - walking, seeing, doing, etc. It's not a relaxing vacation. If you want a relaxing vacation, I'd try to hit a beach - Florida or maybe the SC or Georgia coast. Or go somewhere inclusive. Edited February 22, 2018 by Farrar 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 I like the beach idea... Could you find a place in Florida, a hotel on the beach or something? If it's a beach/pool hotel and you brought your kids, you and your dh could still have some "couple" time sitting together by the pool or on the beach while the kids are swimming in the water, or sitting on your balcony at night after the kids are in bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 When we went to DC many years ago with young kids we stayed at the Embassy Suites Chevy Chase pavilion. It was convenient because the metro was right there underground so there would be less walking for you there. They also had a huge free breakfast and a manager's reception at night (beverages and snack foods). It probably wasn't the best idea, but we used the manager's reception as a light dinner every night we were there to save money. So, free breakfast, free dinner, and we went to Subway or McDonald's or somewhere like that for lunch. We don't normally eat like that but it saved a lot of money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephanier.1765 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 I live in North Florida and we are having temps in the low to mid 80's. The beaches are around 75 degrees but the water is still at 62. So it would be lovely to sit at the beach, enjoy the breeze and build a few sand castles. Maybe not the best time for taking a dip. The water temps may not be much better further south but you could check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) . Edited July 27, 2022 by alisoncooks 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) . Edited July 27, 2022 by alisoncooks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twolittleboys Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Is there a place your husband has always wanted to visit? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted February 22, 2018 Author Share Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) . Edited July 27, 2022 by alisoncooks 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 Maybe your friend would plan it out for you since you are so stressed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) OK - So if Grand Canyon is on the wish list.... Here is how I would do it for someone who doesn't walk much. Book flights from where you are to Phoenix using the airline miles. From Phoenix, either ride the Arizona Shuttle bus or a second flight on a regional carrier to Williams. Williams has lots of hotels, including chains where the hotel points should be usable. Food costs are reasonable there. The next day, ride the TRAIN to the Grand Canyon. Most hotels offer free shuttles to/from the train station. The train ride is gorgeous and comfortable and requires little walking. Visit the South Rim visitor center, see the canyon and ride the train back to your hotel for another night. Go watch the Wild West show in Williams. There are some other fun things to do there as well (see trip adviser for details). Fly home the next day or so. ETA - the Arizona Shuttle might not be an option since you are off-season. But if there are lots of airline miles, you can probably book all the way thru on the regional carrier. Edited February 22, 2018 by AK_Mom4 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmasc Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 (edited) Thanks for all the feedback! The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking of skipping the flying, and just driving into Raleigh to stay at a hotel downtown (sans kids). Sleep and hang out and eat at a grown-up restaurant. The thought of planning a trip is feeling stressful right now. Or maybe Charleston? Staying somewhere nice, eating somewhere nice, leisurely strolling the waterfront (does Charleston have a waterfront? My geography fails me now.) And it'd be a short flight. Charleston is beautiful and romantic. We did a ton of walking there, but I bet you could do it without all of the walking. Another idea if you’re thinking of driving and sans kids—Asheville. Have you been? It’s peaceful, beautiful, relaxing. We stayed at the Village Hotel on site at Baltimore. It was so nice and we had delicious grown-up meals on site. Didn’t drive the whole weekend yet had plenty to do. I’d highly recommend it if you want relaxing with just your DH. ETA: Charleston does have waterfront. You can stroll it and take a ferry trip to Fort Sumter. I’d love to see the Isle of Palms beach but we didn’t have time for that. We did the downtown stuff. You could take a carriage ride downtown (this would give lots of sightseeing without walking!). We also went to Magnolia plantation. There was some walking there, but it was fairly leisurely, and gorgeous. We LOVED Charleston. Edited February 22, 2018 by mmasc 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 If you know you like GWL... we did GWL at Niagara Falls and it was a great little trip. We drove and we had good logistics for that (dh's family lives in Rochester so we went to see them then drove there) so I'm not sure about the flying logistics, but you could easily stay there for a few days, see the falls a couple of times and chill at GWL most of the time. We did other falls things and also went to Toronto for the day, but you could skip that stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tsuga Posted February 22, 2018 Share Posted February 22, 2018 There is nothing like the Grand Canyon. If your husband wants to go there, I'd plan that trip for sure. The National Park lodges are not fancy but they are ADA compliant and they have shuttles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 I think the hotel in Raleigh or Charleston sound lovely. You can do the trip with your friend’s points, get some alone time as a couple, and you won’t spend a ton of money. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted February 23, 2018 Author Share Posted February 23, 2018 (edited) . Edited July 27, 2022 by alisoncooks 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyoffive Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 I would do the Grand Canyon if he wants to see it. It is incredible. There are no words. What is the friend paying for? The flight and hotel? It doesn't have to be $$. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 For a hotel, Drury Inns and many Homewood suites offers nightly light dinner (plenty for our family), free snacks and pop, and a free hot breakfast. That makes it so nice and saves a lot of money. They usually have pools, etc as well and are quite nice. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 For a hotel, Drury Inns and many Homewood suites offers nightly light dinner (plenty for our family), free snacks and pop, and a free hot breakfast. That makes it so nice and saves a lot of money. They usually have pools, etc as well and are quite nice. Do they offer a light dinner every night or is it just on week nights like Residence Inn? I haven't stayed at either of those hotels I don't think, we usually pick a Marriott. OP, you say he has hotel points, so, does that mean it is to a specific hotel? That might help us help you decide. One place I thought of that is drive-able is the Disney Resort in Hilton Head. Although not if you have to stay at a specific hotel chain. Some other locations that aren't far: Myrtle Beach Savannah Charleston (already mentioned) Ocean Isle Edisto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted February 23, 2018 Author Share Posted February 23, 2018 (edited) . Edited July 27, 2022 by alisoncooks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abacus2 Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 https://www.druryhotels.com/about/pressreleases/burlington-opening The Drury Inn we stayed in was lots of fun. You can't beat included dinner and breakfast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abacus2 Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 https://www.druryhotels.com/about/pressreleases/burlington-opening The Drury Inn we stayed in was lots of fun. You can't beat included dinner and breakfast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abacus2 Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 Grand Canyon option: Las Vegas and a Gray Line Tour. https://www.grayline.com/tours/las-vegas/grand-canyon-south-rim-motor-coach-tour-from-las-vegas-5862_14_12130_380/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyoffive Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 Friend is offering to use points to cover a flight and hotel. I'm not sure how the hotel points work; I suppose they are chain-related. (I should probably find out before I get invested in an idea.) :p (TBH, I'm a "planner" by nature. Disney trip, the school year...I do enjoy the planning. Not always the "doing.") Hotel points are good for the chains that belong to them. Depends what he has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyoffive Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 For a hotel, Drury Inns and many Homewood suites offers nightly light dinner (plenty for our family), free snacks and pop, and a free hot breakfast. That makes it so nice and saves a lot of money. They usually have pools, etc as well and are quite nice. Not sure about DI because only dh has stayed there. But HS is only a dinner on m-thursday. The breakfast is daily. It saves us $$$$ when we stay there. We don't even need to eat lunch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 Drury inn was supper every day. I would call to double check but we have had it on weekends before. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted February 23, 2018 Share Posted February 23, 2018 I'd ask for details on the points. Thanks for offering, friend, it's so kind of you. Can you tell me what kind of points and how many, so we can plan? You really can't plan anything without this information. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Try hard for the Grand Canyon if it's a place your dh would love to visit. I like the idea of using points in Las Vegas and taking a tour bus to the Grand Canyon. The Hoover Dam is great too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted March 19, 2018 Author Share Posted March 19, 2018 (edited) . Edited July 27, 2022 by alisoncooks 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MysteryJen Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 I think that is a wonderful idea! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 (edited) I missed the diagnosis. I'm sorry. I hope you have a memorable trip with everything you all wish for., ETA: Just saw the update. Hope he has a great time! Edited March 19, 2018 by Miss Peregrine 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madteaparty Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 (edited) Oops, redundant, just saw the update Edited March 19, 2018 by madteaparty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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