Short haul with crutches

[DropOfffArtiste]

Hello, looking for inspiration for this summer for a single parent and 15yr old son who will be having a knee operation shortly and will be on crutches over the summer. We usually like somewhere not too hot, with a nice pool, good food and I like a bit of sightseeing within walking distance (I can't drive on the right).

Any suggestions for somewhere that will be easy to manage with less than full mobility? I'm not sure whether he will be allowed to swim by that stage. Ideally short haul Europe or UK (fine for driving in this case, but obviously no guarantees on the weather).

Not a particularly tight budget for the right place, I would rather spend a bit more and have a good break. TIA

Will he be able to bend his knee enough to travel comfortably? I only say that because my brother had a knee operation in his late teens and couldn’t bend his knee for long periods for over 6 weeks.

If he will be fine in that regard, I’d be looking at northern Spain maybe. I went to Bilbao and Zarautz a few years ago with a friend who is in a wheelchair and was impressed by the accessibility.

Looking online he should be able to bend his knee 90 degrees, but no twisting/pivoting. I'll look at Bilbao, thanks

How about the Channel Islands? Very easy flights out to Southampton, or you could get a boat if flying is difficult with the knee. Nice weather

Somewhere like Lanzarote is a doddle - I went with my disabled Dad and we hired him a mobility scooter out there which allowed him lots more freedom.

Don't forget to prebook assistance at the airport if you need it, and check the legroom of the seats you book.

Cruise from Southampton.

When I had a knee operation it was about 2 months before I could bend it comfortably beyond 45 degrees.

My friend's husband has post polio syndrome. They go to Puerta Pollensa in Majorca every year and love it. They rent a ground floor apartment and he gets around fine.

However, if DS is unable to walk much I'd look into hiring a wheelchair for distances. Obviously buses and trains, taxis etc. will work if he can get in and out unaided, but if you have a walk to get to restaurants etc. it's worth checking out mobility aids.

I've just come back from Southern Spain where DH had a sudden knee crisis. It was not very nice for him trying to get from the accommodation down the street to the restaurant. It happened a couple of days prior to return so he just got on with it and stayed in the apt mostly sunbathing. I toddled off on my own. If we had just arrived he would have hired either a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Lots of people use them.

I agree that assistance at the airport is a must. Must be booked in advance with your airline. We didn't need it going out, but booked through the AENA airport system in Spain, and through Ryanair for the destination home. It was invaluable.