Eastern Europe holidays

Copthornemike

Countries on the Dalmatian Coast (Bosnia, Cotia, Montenegro & Slovenia) are all are worth visiting.
Very friendly and nearly everyone in the coastal areas speak English - the sights are amazing.
If youwant to try something a little different with a hint of luxury and as a low risk 'taster' try a cruise in the area!
Krakow is excellent - but if you want to spend a week or more with a bit of sand and sea go to the Dalmatian countries.
Enjoy

dori2o

Thanks for all the replies.

I'd be taking the wheelchair when we go and I realise that this may restrict our visit, and may mean that flights are a little more expensive. Given the scooter needs to be charged etc and the issue of the differences between UK and European electrics, the issue of insurabnce, and the possibility of damage to the scooter (which cost just over £2000) I've decided its probably best not to take it.

We did look at whether it would be possible to hire a scooter/wheelchair as we usually do when we holiday in the UK, but after a search on the internet it's too much messing about. I even tried the Red Cross but had no joy.

We definitely only want to travel from Manchester as its the closest airport to us. That means that if we fly during the day we can get the tram to the airport from the town where we live, or if we fly/return at night we can easily get a lift to/from the airport from family. I wouldnt be able to cope with travelling any further.

At the end of the day I have to be prepared, and understand that this is a one off holiday/break and if I hurt myself and cause significant pain and further restricted mobility by trying to enjoy myself then so be it. I've learned the hard way that life is far too short to worry about things like that.

One last question. Having never been abroad whilst my.disability has been a factor I've never had to worry about taking medications with me on holiday. I assume that its simply a case of having current prescriptions/medical documents with me and declaring everything when required to do so?

PeacefulWaters

Medications: Keep them in hand luggage in their original packaging. If there's additional prescription documentation no harm in packing it. Get a FREE EHIC card sorted out to take with you. A number of former communist countries have a better free health care system than many Western European nations.

Disability: Contact your airline. You might be surprised at what they can do. You should be able to join a fast queue through security and also returning to the country at passport control.
http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/special-assistance/

Ames

dori2o wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies.

I'd be taking the wheelchair when we go and I realise that this may restrict our visit, and may mean that flights are a little more expensive. Given the scooter needs to be charged etc and the issue of the differences between UK and European electrics, the issue of insurabnce, and the possibility of damage to the scooter (which cost just over £2000) I've decided its probably best not to take it.

We did look at whether it would be possible to hire a scooter/wheelchair as we usually do when we holiday in the UK, but after a search on the internet it's too much messing about. I even tried the Red Cross but had no joy.

We definitely only want to travel from Manchester as its the closest airport to us. That means that if we fly during the day we can get the tram to the airport from the town where we live, or if we fly/return at night we can easily get a lift to/from the airport from family. I wouldnt be able to cope with travelling any further.

At the end of the day I have to be prepared, and understand that this is a one off holiday/break and if I hurt myself and cause significant pain and further restricted mobility by trying to enjoy myself then so be it. I've learned the hard way that life is far too short to worry about things like that.

One last question. Having never been abroad whilst my.disability has been a factor I've never had to worry about taking medications with me on holiday. I assume that its simply a case of having current prescriptions/medical documents with me and declaring everything when required to do so?

Flights shouldn't be more expensive because of a wheelchair, they carry them for free.

Have you ever flown from Manchester? It's a long way from the public transport areas although I think the car drop off point is closer. Wheelchair assistance is great outbound, although it's only from the actual departures hall. They take you all the way through to the gate, including short cuts and bypassing queues. Coming back it stops at baggage reclaim. Depending where you fly to you'll probably have to walk down the steps of the plane at the destination, but at Manchester it won't be a problem because they have sky tunnels which link to the plane.

Prescription or OTC medication will be fine, obviously other medication won't be. Just make sure you have the boxes, and a prescription b-side with you. Also take a few days more than you need, just in case some gets lost or you're delayed.

One other thing - do your research before booking hotels. I've often found that they misrepresent accessibility. Even if it describes itself as having disabled facilities you can't be sure that it means a room will be accessible.

loadsacash

Went to Warsaw last year and got a train on to Krakow and the got a bus to the mountain area of Zacopane last year and had a wonderful time.

Beautiful scenery, lovely architecture, interesting history and really cheap - only down side is that it isn't that warm - about the same temperature as Scotland.

PeacefulWaters

loadsacash wrote: »

Went to Warsaw last year and got a train on to Krakow and the got a bus to the mountain area of Zacopane last year and had a wonderful time.

Beautiful scenery, lovely architecture, interesting history and really cheap - only down side is that it isn't that warm - about the same temperature as Scotland.

When did you travel?

It was scorching in August!

andrewf75

loadsacash wrote: »

only down side is that it isn't that warm - about the same temperature as Scotland.

depends when you go, Poland has cold winters, but hot summers. 30 degrees plus is common, you don't get that in Scotland.

Blue264

Ames wrote: »

Have you ever flown from Manchester? It's a long way from the public transport areas although I think the car drop off point is closer.

I'm a bit confused by this post. The train goes directly to the airport and the tram link is now open too... http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/to-and-from-the-airport/metrolink/

Regarding hiring a scooter or wheelchair abroad, I find that each country has a different system. For example, I was looking to hire a wheelchair for when my partner's mum visits us in Switzerland, and found that we would need to order one from our local pharmacy. Just looking at Montenegro because I fancy visiting Kotor, and they have a website dedicated to accessibility and plenty of others that give info.

https://www.globtourmontenegro.com/en/agency/disabled-persons-41

http://www.disabledaccessholidays.com/disabled-holidays/disabled-accessible-resorts/Montenegro-Budva.asp

Ames

Blue264 wrote: »

I'm a bit confused by this post. The train goes directly to the airport and the tram link is now open too... http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/to-and-from-the-airport/metrolink/

Regarding hiring a scooter or wheelchair abroad, I find that each country has a different system. For example, I was looking to hire a wheelchair for when my partner's mum visits us in Switzerland, and found that we would need to order one from our local pharmacy. Just looking at Montenegro because I fancy visiting Kotor, and they have a website dedicated to accessibility and plenty of others that give info.

https://www.globtourmontenegro.com/en/agency/disabled-persons-41

http://www.disabledaccessholidays.com/disabled-holidays/disabled-accessible-resorts/Montenegro-Budva.asp

The distance from the train or tram to the departure hall is a long way though, easily a few hundred metres. It took me about 45 minutes last time I was there (it might be a bit different depending on which terminal). I'd rather, for instance, drive the extra 40 minutes to Liverpool airport where it's a much shorter distance to get to departures, than have a shorter drive to the airport and end up losing the first two days of my holiday recovering from getting through the airport.

loadsacash

We travelled to Poland in July last year.

Winters in Poland are very cold - my sister went to Krakow in April last year and it was very cold.