Looking for solution for upcoming holiday disaster(sorry so long)

[MrsMitford3]

We (like many) have not had a holiday in 3 years. House in Europe booked. We are driving with one DC and other DC/partners are flying in for short portions as work allows. Other family members from USA coming so a much anticipated break.

DC (early 20's) has fallen and badly broken leg. Needs surgery next week and will be non weight bearing for 6 weeks, our holiday is in 4.

Options:
A.Leave this DC home to make matters worse over their birthday will need care as in pain, fairly helpless/unable to move and dyspraxic so not very competent on crutches. Needs twice daily injections to prevent clots. I already don't think this a viable option. Think would struggle to feed the cat much less themself.

B.Drive with us instead of flying but DC too tall and can't really stretch leg out across back in our current car for 12 hour drive and then other DC will need to fly instead.

C.Fly as originally planned but was flying on own-think will find it so offputting as to not want to go-in a lot of pain now and super stressed

D. Someone (DH) fly back and fly out with him

E. Hire some sort of larger van that he can stretch out more comfortably in and drive with us-any ideas?? Going through the Tunnel

Does anyone have any suggestions of what we could hire to fit him or other combinations of how we do it?

Selfishly I don't want to stay behind to fly with DC later if at all possible as it is my extended family meeting us who I haven't seen in years due to pandemic. They have flights booked and arrangements set.

I know a very first world problem but feel sick seeing all we had planned and looked forward to in ruins...

I think you need to start with medical advice. Are 2 X 12 hour drives sensible given the increased risk of blood clots? It means sitting still for way longer than if you fly. Not that I'm advocating flying.

Where are you going and how long for as a 6 week hire might be quite a lot? How old is other DC that would fly instead? In 4 weeks you nought be able to transport him in short periods over a few days in your car stoping at hotels for the night etc. But all go on the holiday! Sounds great.

Thanks for everyone's advice and suggestions. Lots of good perspectives and shared experiences-very grateful for everyone who took time to post.

Yes-def allowed to travel.

DH and I have pored over thread. Tentatively looking at the driving option.

@Ilovechoc12 we have just provisionally hired the mercedes you suggested-thank you so much for your advice. I am sure there are different set ups but how much storage is there ??? (looks like very little) but at this point that is the least of my problems 😂😩

Hiya,

we manage to take 4 massive suitcases and 2 cabins - admittedly it’s rammed but we have 7 people too taking all the seats up ….. it doesn’t have the biggest amount of storage but with comfort / easy drive something has to give. It’s the fat plush seats taking the extra room ….

if you went for the 7 seater you can physically take out the middle 2 seats and have it as a 5 seater (leave the other 2 seats in your garage) but they are heavy not a 2 second job more like 20 mins.

or you can spin the middle two seats either to face backwards which gives you the option of 2 seats when you need them or a good height for your son to put his legs on ….

hope you get there and have lots of fun!

I would do E

the leg/pain will be much better in a few week's time.

bigger car might be useful for activities with family when there.
consider renting/buying a wheelchair.

good luck!

I'm baffled that so few people have made the point that this is an adult with a broken leg. It's up to him to decide what he should do, and he is capable of dealing with whatever decision he makes.