Bottom of the list!

You know how not to be "bottom of the list"?

Stop. Put yourself first for once. Let him cook his own meals and look after himself. Then he might actually value you when you decide to return after seeing your family and having a nice break from being bottom.

Definitely go by train with a rail card. They are very fast. Use Google maps to plot the journey and see how long it will take, where to change trains etc. Driving that far will be much slower

I can understand your concern about the drive. Could you work out the way to your destination by doing one journey with no changes, bu asking someone to drop you off at a coach station (even if it is 20 miles away) and be met at the other end?

If you have always travelled with your husband and he always drives, you have maybe lost a little confidence. If you can psych yourself up to go, imagine your cousin’s face, feel her hug you when you arrive ….. and the catchup, chat, photos.

If you need help choosing the route, go online or phone someone to help you plan ….. or come back here on a new thread for travel advice.

It is sometimes what we do not do that we regret especially if we tend to overthink.

Come back and let us know what you decide.

She’s come all the way from Australia so can’t you get a train or stay in a hotel? You’re in your sixties not nineties ! You don’t need your husband or family to help you . Get out of your comfort zone and plan this trip.

Go alone by public transport . You will regret it if you don't. Life's too short.

Your husband could at least make some concession, even if only to drive you to a railway station or coach station- or part of the way to find a good connection.

I'm sorry your family and husband have been so unsupportive. I think this is a thing 'some' men do. They take over the driving and it knocks the wifes confidence as they don't do as much long distance driving. But it is just our confidence. You are perfectly capable of driving so plan your journey as others have suggested and just do this. Stay a few days and make it a short break/holiday. Then when you return your family might stop taking you for granted

Last year I went on holiday joining my DS, DiL and GC in the far north of Scotland. I had to take 3 days to do it from London but stayed in 2 travelodges. Obviously that adds to the cost but I combined the first night with a visit to a friend in the Nort West. I can't drive long distances any more without breaks but that location wasn't accessible by public transport. I generally limit myself to about 200 miles in a day with stops for a nap if necessary. When my DD lived in Glasgow I sometimes visited by train using a senior railcard which paid for itself with a single visit. If you have a Tesco clubcard you can get the railcard for half price with points. As others have said a coach can be cheaper than the train though I haven't done that for many years.
Don't miss this opportunity to meet your cousin. I've learnt over the last few years that seeing old friends or family is worth a bit of effort. In the past I put things off sometimes then lost a couple of friends who died much too young and I regretted not having visited when I could have done.

win

NannaFirework

Husband is a pig. Great support there.
Go alone and have fun.
Life is too short

That is so not necessary, you don't know her husband at all. Why should he go, it is OP's family he might not even know her and would be bored stiff. Horrible comment

I was about to post the same response, Win.
Horrible comment, NannaFirework.

I was 67 yesterday. I regularly drive 2.5 hours each way in a day to visit my sister in law who isn't able to travel alone these days. I'd probably do 6 hours with regular stops, stay over and travel back the following day. I have used National Express a few times when travelling with my daughter and love going by coach, too. It seems you are putting up barriers rather than looking for ways to do it.

NannaFirework

Husband is a pig. Great support there.
Go alone and have fun.
Life is too short

That is so not necessary, you don't know her husband at all. Why should he go, it is OP's family he might not even know her and would be bored stiff. Horrible comment

If one sister is in Southampton ,the other in Inverness and you are in Birmingham say,then suggest your cousin breaks her journey for a free overnight stay with you. Your DH can do the cooking and wine waiter service while you and your cousin catch up the 20 years.

It seems like you are no very confident to make your own travel arrangements and may have previously relied upon others for long journeys but I think you need to find a way to go under your own steam, whether by coach, train, taxi or driving with an overnight stop. You can't expect family members to organise your visit if it's something they don't way to do.

Once you have done this once, the world will be your oyster. In a few years you may be flying on your own to Australia for a return visit!

I drive for over 7 hours in France and 71 but it takes a lot out of me . My husband doesn’t drive but he bought a place here in the middle of nowhere .

train line.com
if you are willing to travel off peak you can get a decent price ticket but if you are willing to change (eg. Manchester/Crewe/London) you can get a 50% reduction on the price of off peak.
When you go on the website do everything as if you were about to buy a full price ticket and then scroll down and you will see the prices for off-peak and split tickets. If you can be flexible with your times you may save a lot of money.
Hope you get to see your cousin, good luck.

I’m 68 that’s not old anymore. Id drive 6hrs with a stay over. Or national express if you really can’t manage it. It will be a big regret if you don’t go. Shake yourself down and getting arranging. 🌸

Have you looked at getting a rail card? The discounts available are often more than the cost of the card. You can ask for assistance with your journey if needed

Split tickets and a rail card. Hostels are brilliant now.
Get out and about in your new lifestyle
Bon voyages

If you have enough time and can afford to stop over half way. There are such things as trains, buses and coaches.

Husband is a pig. Great support there.
Go alone and have fun.
Life is too short

Coukd you take a train or coach and meet midway. I would go and see your cousin with or without others help. Cut down on things, like birthday presents, anything to fund it but do it. I night in a Travel Lodge is affordable maybe,

Train
Coach
Go! You are young enough to do this alone ! I am travelling to Australia on my own in November ! 74 and I did it last year to NZ
You have got this !!!

Have you decided to go. I do sympathise as I don't like driving, but I would definitely get a bus or train - go for it!!!

I'm over 80 and I would go - either drive and break the journey as other people have suggested or use public transport. 60 is no age - most people are still working full time at that age!

I agree with all the answers above. I’d go by train or coach . You will regret it for the rest of your life if you don’t go and meet your cousin, ( also if you feel it’s your husband fault for not going with you, it could seriously damage your relationship) Another option would be to suggest that you cousins meet you half way and have a midweek break in a place you’d all like to visit . A mini holiday x Get your bags packed and go, and enjoy!!!

I don't think 6 hours is a particularly long drive.. it's in your head// rethink it and enjoy the journey.. make sure you stop for drinks and food.. I used to drive that distance every month in my 60's to see Mum in her home..