What would you do about this holiday?

Before commenting on the points you have raised - have you talked to the rental agency? You don't have to mention the frozen feet, just mention increased mobility problems and accidents on the stairs?

cancel the holiday, you win some, lose some.

Will you regret NOT going?

I too wondered whether the company you booked with would be willing to give you some sort of credit note so that you can book other, more suitable, accommodation. There is probably still a fairly high demand for cottages at this time of the year so they may be able to re-sell. Or perhaps they would offer you a partial re-payment, given the circumstances?

It does sound to me like you are already anxious about going and that maybe isn't a good start to a break, particularly since your reason for going has been cancelled.

Unless you can take a friend (though I know that can be problematic too), perhaps you should call this off.

I'd cancel, for all your listed reasons.

Luckygirl3 I have mobility and other health issues...what I want from a holiday would be a time to relax and enjoy the scenery But this needs to be in a suitable environment with the suitable accommodation -what you have described would be torture for me re the toilet facilities..as many have suggested take the financial hit or, hopefully you have travel insurance you can claim back on...

Serendipity- Lucky has explained it was booked a long time ago before she had serious back issues and surgery. But as you say, now, in the current circumstances it is a big NO- far too dangerous.

I have read your post and many replies, what i am not understanding is why book somewhere that is raising a lot of concerns for you? I dont mean that in a harsh way, im just wondering.

It certainly comes across with more crosses in the box than ticks and i cant help but feel your heart is not in it which is totally understandable.

I wish you an easy solution to this situation ... 💐

I would cancel as the Music is not happening now
The thought of those stairs in the night makes me shiver
It ias t worth it , I’m afraid you will lose the money , but better that than risk a fall
However if you do go , make sure you have your phone with you , at all times even in the night and keep it charged

If you were not well or if your lack of mobility got worse who would help you? When my husband died I decided that I would not sit at home and mope so I booked a package holiday just for the flight and knowing that if anything went wrong there would be someone to help. After that I went three times a year both home and abroad. After I developed arthritis even went alone with my walker visit relatives in Barbados and California. Until I was 82.

Would the rental company exchange this holiday for another more user friendly one for you? Maybe think about having a friend join you. I’ve been widowed ages and love away jollies with a close friend. Please take care if you have mobility issues it’s just not worth the risk of accidents. Let us know what you decide..

Wow- tell her to take the train, or fly- far far too far.

Have you a friend that could go with you ? You’re very brave going alone . My best friend was widowed in January is talking about driving to Sweden to visit another of our friends and she has mobility issues have to say it worries me but I am not retired yet to be able to go with her

skate

I think you should go. After my husband died I took the decision to go away on my own, full of trepidation but reasoning that if I hated it, it would just be seven days of my life in which to be miserable. As it turned out, it wasn't. I loved broadening my horizons and feeling empowered by coping on my own. It gave me a great sense of achievement and made me a stronger person. Since then I have been away many tines on my own and always found it a liberating experience. I won't deny that before I go I always think, oh it all seems like too much trouble and it would be easier to stay at home. But when I get there I never regret it - takes me out of what could be a comfortable rut. So my advice would be - don't overthink the negatives and just go! I wish you well.

It's not just about going or not going. The main reason for going is no longer there, the accommodation is unsafe, and the drive too long.

Go, but closer and safer. Take care.

It does sound as though you see more negatives than positives now - especially with the music festival cancelled.

Could you:
try to book an alternative with same company or re-sell the booking or take a friend
try instead a long weekend in a hotel with all the cooking done for you- and a ground floor room/lift/ help with cases
go somewhere that is a short drive or do-able on public transport
choose a time when there is a concert on nearby that you could maybe take a taxi to?

Whatever you decide will no doubt be a bit of a challenge - stay safe and have a lovely time and think of how proud your husband would be of you.

I think you should go. After my husband died I took the decision to go away on my own, full of trepidation but reasoning that if I hated it, it would just be seven days of my life in which to be miserable. As it turned out, it wasn't. I loved broadening my horizons and feeling empowered by coping on my own. It gave me a great sense of achievement and made me a stronger person. Since then I have been away many tines on my own and always found it a liberating experience. I won't deny that before I go I always think, oh it all seems like too much trouble and it would be easier to stay at home. But when I get there I never regret it - takes me out of what could be a comfortable rut. So my advice would be - don't overthink the negatives and just go! I wish you well.

Is it not possible to negotiate with the owner direct?
If they can re-let it they will refund you much of your payment?

Thank you everyone.

I have had a talk with owner, who is lovely and he kindly sent me more detailed photos of the cottage to help me make a judgement about it.

The stairs are enclosed with a good banister rail and proper treads (not open). The ceiling of the bedroom is steeply sloping but there is quite a decent area of normal height. The sofa bed downstairs would not be suitable because of the back surgery, so if I go it would mean sleeping upstairs. I can always go downstairs (the most difficult thing for me) on my bum I guess!

I talked to the company who lets the cottage and they cannot do a transfer of accommodation as they are basically agents for individual owners. And I would lose virtually all the money I have paid out.

I talked with the tourist information service and they were able to point me to a number of websites with further information about transport and possible other events going on - and also about the most accessible beaches.

All I have to do now is make a decision!

I too think you should go. When you booked it you had good reasons to believe you could cope with this, you still can and will be so pleased you did once it is over. Meet your fears head on, it may be challenge for you but being disabled you no doubt face challenges every day as I do. The satisfaction when we overcome these challenges is well worth every minute of the doubting. Just either sleep downstairs or make arrangements so you don’t have to do the stairs in the night, that for me would be unacceptable and too high a risk to take. Enjoy

I don't think you should go, it doesn't sound too safe for you with your mobility problems. Is there anyone you know who you could gift the holiday to?

It will soon be three years since my husband died, and I haven't been away anywhere on my own since before Covid. I thought about going back to places we had been together, but, as you mention, I think that would make me too sad. So I have made a decision only to visit places that I've never been before, not to return to old familiar haunts. I'm going on a widows' retreat in Scotland in October, quite looking forward to that, but nervous about travelling alone.

Maybe you could consider a specialist holiday, something like painting or singing, where you could be part of a group?

Luckygirl3

I am still trying to speak with the owner.

Unfortunately I am not able to lift a mobility aid into the car owing to the back surgery. In fact I am going to have to put my luggage into separate carrier bags in small amounts as I will not be able to lift a case in/out of the car!

My husband's disabled so I do all the heavy lifting. We have an electronic hoist in the car to get a mobility scooter in and out.

I agree with your comments welbeck👍🏻

beware constrictions of the oughteries.
you don't have to do it.
there is no virtue in unnecessary suffering.
it sounds positively risky for you, on several points.
people of our age tend to try to endure things, and not to waste anything, inc money.
but really, look around and think, why ?
put yourself first, and your needs.
forget the money. it doesn't matter. you do.
good luck.

I cancelled a holiday last year because the nearer it got to going the more I was dreading it .... for many reasons I won't go into on here.
I just wanted to say that the relief I felt when it was cancelled was immense and I never regretted it.
So I say cancel it and don't beat yourself up about it!!
Good Luck x

I agree after my OH died I went back to favourite places the first time I stayed 2 days but last year I managed 4 and I think I’m ready for a week now - sleeping downstairs is a good option