I need honest advice

I have been thinking about seeking airport assistance. Do you not need fit to fly documentation to access this and plan it in advance?
If so, you may need to contact your GP.

I remember my GP once advising me I wasn't fit to fly, I was so disappointed at having to cancel my trip. However, I knew he was right.

"Travel broadens the mind" depends on the venue and whether or not you have an enquiring mind.
I met a man who had spent a lot of money on a holiday in Barbados and had been lifted aloft by a captive dolphin, one of the resort's tourist attractions. He had not a clue about animal rights and welfare generally despite he loved his dog.

To answer your question OP, start off by taking a break in the UK. There are some beautiful places here in the UK.

Travel broadens the mind and introduces us to cultures and sights, we could otherwise only wonder about.

I understand, Tenko. The new experience may be a positive value, and increase one's happiness. But a new experience can be had within walking distance of one's own home.

True, some people live in such horrible houses and neighbourhoods they must get away to recuperate. Or they may be homeless and need to travel to reach a shelter.

I think you should get medical advice on travel. My own view is that we should push ourselves out of our comfort zone but only if medically advisable.

Caleo

Are we rather taking it for granted that we actually need to travel from one place to another in order to be happy?

I don’t necessarily travel to be happy . I travel to explore new places and new experiences, either in the uk or abroad.
Although being by water does make me happy , whether it’s sea, rivers or lakes none of which are near where I live .

Are we rather taking it for granted that we actually need to travel from one place to another in order to be happy?

I used to go abroad two or three times a year, despite various health problems.

As my health has deteriorated, we have made the decision to have short UK breaks.
I have become anxious about becoming unwell abroad and my mobility is also compromised.
To add to that, the price of my travel insurance is astronomical.

After being in hospital a few months ago, we had a short break in Pitlochry, two hours from home.
We had a lovely break and I was happy in the knowledge that we could get home if I felt unwell.

Restricted legroom on a plane could be uncomfortable. I have not flown since I had major surgery for cancer as I developed a PE while on chemo, risk of DVT.

Advice about air travel is essential that must be your first priority it will save you stressing about it. Holiday here we live in a beautiful country with so much choice. It’s my choice actually because of an on going health issue I have. This year two weekly holidays in two different parts of the country. If all goes well maybe a trip abroad next year shall have to wait and see on that one.

Choose carefully somewhere you would like to go and consider what’s the best accommodation. The weather isn’t always reliable here but June is a nice month and it’s not peak prices.
I hope you do get a break and where ever you pick you get to enjoy it and continual improvement with your health.

Some good advice here. I was wondering how long you flight is because if it is 2 - 3 hours or less maybe it wouldn’t be too difficult for you. If, on the other hand, it is a long flight perhaps it might be better to book closer to home ? I certainly wouldn’t risk an extended flight or anything over a few hours.

Lots of really good advice here especially about taking a UK break first.
You have been to the hotel before so I presume you have a good idea of the layout and how it will suit your needs. As for the flight depends how long it is
Would I stay at home the honest answer is not likely but I love going away. You mention you have had to retire early so I am presuming you are not very old

No-one can advise you on this, Fflaurie, as only you know the actuality of your physical condition, and only you understands the full implications of the limits that this imposes on you. What I will say though, is that what you have spelt out is a list of reasons why you should not go, the combination of which "scares you witless". On that basis, I suspect that you have may already decided what the logical conclusion is. Perhaps a short break in the U.K. would not only be less stressful, but would also give you a better idea of what you can actually cope with. Hope it all works out.

One thing that occurs to me - could your back cope with a bad episode of turbulence?

I'd definitely try a nice UK hotel that goes the extra mile to make you comfortable, Fflaurie. Cancel the other now, put it out of your mind, and put it on the "when I have more confidence list". And believe yes it will be possible but just not now.

Yes, tho I'm a stay at homer person its nice to be pampered for a while in the right place.

You asked for honesty. Well I have a bad back sometimes - not as bad as yours - but I wouldn't go.

Firstly I would suggest you speak to your Consultant and see if they think that you are ok to travel, a year isn’t very long for a spinal op to recover from.
Get adequate Holiday Insurance and be honest about your Medical History, get a joint Policy So that if you have to come home urgently your partner can also travel back with you.
Buy the largest and most comfortable seats on the plane.
Can you manage to get to the loo on a plane with your walker?
As someone else said take all of your prescriptions and any health records you can, plus a letter from your GP/consultant.

You obviously know the Hotel you are going to and know if there are any obstacles for someone using a walker to get around.
I’m sure your partner will help you with your Buffet meals.

But as others have said, try a Hotel out in the U.K. first, but make sure they are disabled friendly or at least have the same facilities as the one you are flying too.

I’ve been in your situation and although the flights went well the resort we travelled to had so many steps that I spent most of my time in the Hotel gardens reading a book, which I could have done at home without the worry.

First ask your doctor's advice about the advisability of travelling by air.

Contact the hotel where you usually stay, specifiying what kind of mattress you need and any other needs you now have, and ask if they can or cannot provide these things.

If they can give you a mattress that suits your back, and provide any other help you may need, then you will feel much more confident about going.

Remember if you take any drugs at all, to have a letter from your GP or your consultant certifying why you are on these drugs and that you are obliged to take them. I would also ask for a copy of the hospital report and X-rays so that, should you need a doctor while on holiday, he or she can see exactly what the problem is.

Remember that you may not pack any liquids in your hand baggage.

I hope you do get away and benefit from the change.

And in your case, air travel is justified, as I doubt you can travel abroad by train or car with a bad back.

* not near... Should read - bear in mind

I'm with Sarah. Have a short break not too far from home.
I would say that if you eventually consider flying near in mind that flights can be delayed, sometimes for many hours, and would this make things difficult for you.
Good luck.

A bit harsh, Caleo...

Agree with everyone about a break in the UK first. We sometimes go to a Warner Leisure Hotel, there are always guest with mobility issues and they have adapted rooms.

Germanshepherdsmum

*Irish Dancing * was making a correction to her earlier post.

Apologies, didn’t realise!

What a good idea to try a short break near home first. If it's a success then I would go for the holiday.