Afraid to go with just DS'S and myself??? HELP!!!

[the plumbers wife]

HI, My parents have offered to take my family on a land/sea vacation this
summer!! The first group would head down for the land part and then some of us would follow just to do the cruise!!! My husband :( can not go, so it would be my DS'S (age 13) and myself. We have been on RCCL with my parents/kids and loved it. We would love to try DCL!!!
It is such a generous offer from my parents and to be able to spend time
with them and the kids!!!
BUT, there is always a but..lol..I have my :rolleyes: issues, I do fly, but I am afraid, I take my pills, ect and I do OK..but I am leary without DH...I also have never vacationed without him...wimp....I know it...??
I haven't booked and its getting closer, if I wait what are my chances??
Does the price go up that much????
Has anyone else dealt with this issue?? I really do want to go, but...:eek:
Any suggestions??????????? I am trying to think of what I should title this thread?? BIG SCAREDEEEEEEEEE CAT :D :D !!! Many Thanks!!

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Hi, I too have issues with flying. I do it, but am afraid and often take something to relax.
dont know how far away you live from Florida, but is it possible you could take Amtrak to Florida. I have done that clear across the U.S. by myself before and always felt safe and secure. It is spendy of you get a berth, but meals are included if you do. You might check it out.

Yes the price does go up quickly when the cruise gets closer. I really does make a difference in the cost.

If you could conquer the flying problem I think you would do great on the cruise. there are plenty of things to keep you as busy or as relaxed as you want to be. it is very secure envronment. you actually see many single parents on board and many couples with No kids. So you will have others to talk with if you just speak up and say hello.
I know if you go you will have a great time. I know it si always better with your husband, but this could be a great mom and son time too before he is grown and gone. It could possibly be the most treasured memories you'll have with your son.

good luck,
mom x4,grandma x4

[katiebeth]

Dear Plumber's Wife,

I don't like flying so much either, but I do take something the doctor prescribed (Xanax) an hour before I fly and it really helps. I love to travel and do so often. My love of travel trumps my fear of flying.

As much as I adore my husband, I really don't feel any more "secure" flying with him. My issues are the same regardless of whether he travels with me or not.

As far as the cruise, I would much prefer that we go together because we have such a nice time. However, there is a possibility that he will not be able to join us on our upcoming 4 night cruise on the Wonder. We are scheduled to set sail on March 18. My brother and his wife and two girls and my parents are joining us as well. I knew when we booked that there was a possibility that my husband could not go. His work demands are very intense this time of year. We have two children ages 11 and 13. He really won't know until next week.. If he can't go, we will forfeit the amount we paid for the 3rd/4th guest in the stateroom.

All of that being said, I know if he can't come we will still have a great time. It will be the only time my parents and brother and his family have cruised together. Our children adore their cousins and can't wait to see them.

My advice would be to go and have fun with your family. You will enjoy Disney and as momx4grandmax4 said, it may be a nice time to send the one on one time with your son. Your son will have a blast with you and his grandparents (and other family members). He will have great memories.

I say go for it!!!!

Happy Sailings,
Nancy

[the plumbers wife]

"As much as I adore my husband, I really don't feel any more "secure" flying with him. My issues are the same regardless of whether he travels with me or not."

Thank you both so much!! The above quote is so true, I have to admit I never even thought of that, BUT YOU ARE RIGHT! I will be the same with or without him!! And I also have a nice supply of xanax that I have to sometimes start taking days before I fly!
And I have TWINS (two boys) that I know I would have a wonderful time with! They are the best thing that ever happen to DH and I!!!
Its also good to know that there are singles, ect on board too!!!
You both have made me thing of all the postive things, I could take a train, one of my sons loves trains and we have never been on one???
We live in RI, so we do have direct flights (SW) from here to Orlando, which is a big plus!!! I will keep you posted!!! I hope your DH can come with you too!

[Jeanne B]

DD13 and I did a girls only trip this past Nov/Dec, we did the 3-day cruise and then spent a couple of days in WDW before flying home. DH was getting Disney'd out :eek: so he decided to stay home this trip. We had a GREAT time!! If you take the others suggestions here on the flying I think you'll have a terrific time, and it will be quality time with your DS's.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Please let us know what you decide and if you do go, I hope you will write us a trip report to tell us all about it!!!

mom x4,grandma x4

[the plumbers wife]

I am emailing back and forth with my travel agent right now!!!:) Shes says I have her in stitches with all my icons and "issues"! Keep the replys coming they are so encouraging!! I have to check into insurances before I do anything??

[Toyz711]

what a great lesson for your kids..how strong mommy is to overcome her fears!!
everyone has fears, it's just how we handle them or if we let them handle us. i will trade flying with your kids, if you will do zip lining in costa rica for me?

[JRsMom]

what a great lesson for your kids..how strong mommy is to overcome her fears!!
everyone has fears, it's just how we handle them or if we let them handle us. i will trade flying with your kids, if you will do zip lining in costa rica for me?



I think the zip lining looks like a lot of fun! But I'm not a tiny person, and I'm scared to death of heights!!! I have a hard time getting on a step stool!!!:(

[Nobbi]

Keep the replys coming they are so encouraging!!

I hope you do take the cruise. Although I would not enjoy cruising without my partner alone, I think with good friends or other family it would be fun.

Please do be careful with Xanax in particular. Of all the different meds in that category (benzodiazepines), overall it is the most potentially problematic one. Used occasionally at low dosages (0.25 or 0.5 mg) it's no problem. But if used at higher dosages (1 or 2 mg) on a more regular basis, the body can quickly get habituated, and if it is suddenly stopped (say because now you have arrived at MCO and you are excited about getting on the Magic), there is a potential for not only rebound anxiety but also having a seizure. Better alternatives would be Ativan, Klonopin, or just a few stiff drinks! :)

[the plumbers wife]

Hi, I start with .25 and then I take half of a pill as I need it, they really do work I could not fly without them, thanks for the tips! When I went to my MD I said, "look I am flying in the AM to early for drinks, please give me something that will make me feel like I had a martini or two :D !!
As stated above " we have to overcome our fears", I keep rereading all
your posts!!!

[scottishwee35]

Dear Plumber's Wife,


My advice would be to go and have fun with your family. You will enjoy Disney and as momx4grandmax4 said, it may be a nice time to send the one on one time with your son. Your son will have a blast with you and his grandparents (and other family members). He will have great memories.

I say go for it!!!!

Happy Sailings,
Nancy

Hi Plumber's Wife

I was not bad with flight along jumping, flight from Scotland to Florida about 9 hours. Phew! Glad short flight this times to Barcelona.

When you on the flight, you will be fine, Take tablet before start flight!

I agreed with Nancy and go for it. As we went with our mother in law and it was smashing times.

Go for it!!

Scottishwee35

[selketine]

I hate to fly too! Ugh! I start worrying months before (not huge worries but it does cloud the trip!). However I know it is safer to fly - safer to take my kids on the plane than driving 900 miles each way! I haven't tried any meds though. My youngest son has medical/allergy issues so I have to be on high alert on the plane and be able to take care of him. I bring the kids a coloring book and find I usually color more than they do!:p

[the plumbers wife]

Selketine, I know exactly what you mean, it always cross's my mind months before I go too! The funny thing is once I get to where ever I am going I am perfectly fine and while I am on vacation I never think about the plane ride home :confused: ? Go figure??? I stress when I get to the airport, take a xanax and I am fine. One time DH got searched, wallet, shoes..
Then they turned around and took my handbag, ect. I almost lost it....
But I took a second half of pill asa I got my bag back!!! WHEW!!
The meds do not put you out so to speak, talk to your DR. he will know how much to prescribe, ect. It is well worth it. The xanax just calms me down and makes all those bad thoughts go away :D !!! Very good point, you are safer in the air! This post that I posted..lol..really has made me think about my flying issue??? During landoff/takeoff (my worst times) DH
sometimes gives me the look and I know what he is thinking (after 24 years you just ;) know) so hmmm??? And I can just hold both
my sons hand!! I am determined to do this!!! I hope I can??? Nine hours on a plane :eek: :eek:

[rrfsteve]

Get it sorted and go!
I understand your fears and such – but you wick have a blast. You need to remember that – in real terms – you are not going on a ship… you will be visiting Disney’s most lavish resort. Onboard there is so much for you to do such as visit the spa, lay by the pool with a good book, head to the movies and see the most awesome Disney shows. You can, if you feel the need, build race cars from vegetables, and watch live crab racing!

As for your so… he is at that age that he may want to be a teenager, but maybe dosent fit in so well with older kids – which is cool… there will be around 75 kids in the exact same position as him onboard. He will have the option to hang out with the teens, or you can register him for the Oceaneer Lab.

As for the grandparent’s, they will have a blast – so much to do for adult’s of all ages onboard. I love the Cadillac lounge… the piano bar – if Tim Moss is onboard, he is awesome!

Oh, and just by the sound of you – I know you will love castaway!

I worked onboard the wonder, and met so many people in the same situation as you. And trust me, they felt the same way… but they ended up loving their vacation.

Take each step as it comes… this really is a voyage into ‘uncharted magic’!

[metrowon]

Take the twins and go! 10,000 miles ago, I hated flying. I was a white knuckler, now I'm fine. Just find out when your husband can go next year, and re-book for your family altogether, while on-board. Metrowon

[CruiseMob]

You both have made me thing of all the postive things, I could take a train, one of my sons loves trains and we have never been on one??? If your son loves trains, and budget and time will allow, I would seriously consider taking a train. The most relaxing trip I've ever taken was on a train. It was so much fun and my son LOVED it. Lots of laughter, travel board games, card games, good food and fun! I highly recommend it!