So much to say, needing a break

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

This is a loaded thread so I apologize in advance for the wrath I bring upon you.

My mother and I had a Disney trip planned for February. She hasn't been since 2009 and we really wanted to go together since we love the exact same things. We booked WL (my fave, her all time bucket list resort) scored every ADR we wanted and even bought plane tickets. Her boss was even chipping in a good portion of the trip costs as part of a Christmas bonus. Then I found out I was pregnant. This was a big cramp in the plans since I wouldn't be able to ride our favorites and my mom wasn't really into riding so many things alone. We decided to cancel. (stuck with airline credits but got everything else back).

Soon after we cancelled, my aunt who has had stage 3c ovarian cancer for almost 10 years was given terrible news. Her treatment options had run out and her kidneys have showed signs of failure so she was given 6 months left (this was in November). Her bucket list item was to go on a cruise with my mom and two of her other sisters so in December they booked a last minute trip and leave 1/17. At least my mom got to use her airline credits but that changed her vacation plans.

Continuing on with the December news, I started having complications with the pregnancy and ended up miscarrying in the second trimester. It was devastating and my husband and I are still grieving as it only happened 2 weeks ago.

So now your wondering why in the heck I am posting on the budget board. I promise I am getting to that. Here I am stuck with Southwest airline credits that need to be used for travel before September and a desire to take a short little trip just to get away with my husband since we have been through so much. One of our first choices was trying to get to Disney and do a VERY low key trip but since all of my pre-existing plans were cancelled, there isn't much by way of "deals". I priced several options and it's pretty far out of our budget comfort zone so I am thinking that's out. Plus my mom is thinking of maybe postponing Disney to next year. My husband thinks a 2 night, 3 day trip to Chicago would be a good option but even that is going to be almost $1000. Maybe it's just the fact that I am overwhelmed so I am not thinking clearly but $1000 for that short of a trip seems a bit much. I have no idea what to do. Part of me now wants to just say screw the airline credit and stay home and save some money since I am going to have some hefty medical bills coming my way from my two hospital stays. But I have a husband that while trying to be supportive of whatever I decide, might need a little get away.

Oh and I also need to mention I run my own business so getting away for me isn't easy. I have to stay available via phone and email on weekdays.

Does anyone have any advice? Anyone have experience with the Southwest credits? I'm assuming I can only use them for flights and once September comes, they are gone.

Shew....that was exhausting.

 

[kymom99]

First of all I would like to say I am truly sorry for your loss.

I know nothing about Southwest, but I will say that $1000 for a couple days away is about what I would expect to pay. Go ahead and take the short trip. I think it will do you good.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Once the credit expires, you can extend it for six months for a fee.

What about Washington D.C.? Once you're there, most of the sights/attractions are "free". Your only cost would be hotel and meals, and taxis if the hotel isn't convenient to public transportation. Like WDW, you need to do some planning since some things do book up.

 

[sssgrandma]

You might try writing a letter to SW and ask them to extend the time you can use your credits. My sisters and I booked a trip to AZ several years ago on Allegiant. Immediately after booking, my brother in law was diagnosed with liver cancer and didn't have much longer. We cancelled and received one year to use the credit. Then my mom took a turn and was placed in hospice. I wrote the airline asking for an extension on the credit and sent documentation of all we had been through. Instead of extending the credit, they sent me a check for the entire amount of the three round trip tickets!

Address your letter to the highest up person you can find and cc the Customer Relations department. It's worth a try. Good luck!

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Even a short trip can be great- I did Columbus day weekend at Universal this year and am going again Columbus Day next year to WDW.

It gives me something to look forward to.

For me a short trip to somewhere busy and full would work best. WDW, Universal, Las Vegas, Washington D.C.

And I am sorry for the loss of your baby. Hugs sent

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Once the credit expires, you can extend it for six months for a fee.

What about Washington D.C.? Once you're there, most of the sights/attractions are "free". Your only cost would be hotel and meals, and taxis if the hotel isn't convenient to public transportation. Like WDW, you need to do some planning since some things do book up.

Thanks for the info on extending the Southwest credit. I will look into that.

We talked about DC but it is about the same price as Chicago. Chicago has cheaper hotels but you pay for entertainment while DC has more expensive hotels and free access to most of the museums.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Even a short trip can be great- I did Columbus day weekend at Universal this year and am going again Columbus Day next year to WDW.

It gives me something to look forward to.

For me a short trip to somewhere busy and full would work best. WDW, Universal, Las Vegas, Washington D.C.

And I am sorry for the loss of your baby. Hugs sent

I agree with you about short trips. We have taken overnight trips to close cities and it was enjoyable. The problem is I feel an obligation to use the Southwest credits which is making things more expensive overall. I'm stuck in the take a trip for $1000 or loose $225 in airline credits and save what we have.

 

[Chrelaine]

I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through!

My first choice for a trip like this would always be Las Vegas. Rooms are not too expensive and you can spend as much, or as little as you desire. There are tons of attractions that don't involve gambling and many are free.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I am so sorry for what you and your family are going through!

My first choice for a trip like this would always be Las Vegas. Rooms are not too expensive and you can spend as much, or as little as you desire. There are tons of attractions that don't involve gambling and many are free.

We priced Vegas too but it was more than Disney. We are in KY so the flights alone were $$$. Unfortunately that option is out but thank you for the suggestion.

 

[NinaBella]

I

 

[we3travellers]

First of all, I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost a pregnancy at 20 weeks (several years ago, 2005) and I know how devastating that can be. Here in Canada I was entitled to a 4 month mat leave, so I took it. But honestly, it just left me too much time on my hands to wallow in my misery and grief. Not sure it helped.

On to your trip...I think you really need it and although it may seem overwhelming to plan, why not try a cruise? There are many terrific deals out there (I think RCL is currently 50% off second person) and I'm sure you can do it for under $1000. You can also take a shorter one if that is all time permits from your business, etc.

Best wishes to you and know that it will get better as time goes on.

 

[ValpoCory]

...

I am so sorry for your family's loss. My son died and was born still in 2008. My DW and DD3 (at the time) took a recharge trip to WDW a few months after and it was great. We took along a little Pluto figurine that attached to our camera strap. We carried that with us the whole time, representing a token of his spirit being with us. We like to think a little bit of him enjoyed that with us. We thought about him a lot on that trip, and we are so glad we went.

 

[Colleen27]

First of all, I am sorry for your loss. I lost a couple of pregnancies early on and it put a tremendous strain on my emotions and my marriage. I can't even imagine how hard it must be to lose a baby so far into the pregnancy.

As far as the trip, have you looked into Florida beyond Orlando? It is a beautiful state, with a lot of state parks and protected lands for hiking, kayaking, and exploring, plus of course the beaches for relaxing and swimming. My kids liked the non-Disney part of our only driving trip to FL so well that a whole non-theme-park FL trip is currently in the works.

 

[stsomewhere]

depending on the week, there are some great cruise deals. you could look at a 3 or 4 night.

 

[worm761]

I am so sorry for your loss. It is devastating.

Second, what is your budget? Have you looked at maybe doing Disney, rent DVC during the week or look at the value resorts. And remember that there are no discounts out for beyond the spring. I could totally go to Disney, rent DVC and take advantage of all the resort has to offer, go to a party one night or just go to Epcot for F&W one day. Explore the Boardwalk area, the new DTD, go miniature golfing or bowling at DTD. Pack your own breakfasts or go shopping down there and buy breakfast/snack items for the room. And any alcohol you may want to save money there too. Explore Fort Wilderness. Lots of non park options to help save on those tickets.

St Augustine was nice too. My sister loves Gatlinburg too.

 

[Dawnlight]

I am very sorry for your loss. I wish you comfort and healing. Thoughts going out to your aunt and family as you cope with her illness.

 

[auralia]

Have you considered camping at the fort? I've always wanted to camp there myself.

Did you really look for Vegas deals maybe even something that involves a time share pitch to save money.

I

 

[powellrj]

I would still go to Florida, but change the trip. Stay at someplace like Bonnet Creek, rent a small car, take a beach day, a shopping day and then go to DTD in the evening for dinner. If you still need a park fix, maybe go to Sea World.

 

[ah1126]

Double check if you flight needs to be taken by September, or booked by September. If I remember right, it just needs to be booked by then.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I know nothing about airline credits. I assume it maxes out at a dollar amount? As you are in Kentucky you are within driving distance to a lot of places so I would suggest somewhere that is not within driving distance. I consider anything less than 8-12 hours driving distance but we did just make a drive from Tampa, Florida to Detroit, Michigan (and a day trip into Canada) so I am use to driving far.

How about San Antonio, Texas; Cancun, Mexico; Seattle, Washington?

Or if you still like Florida a trip to the beach instead of Disney? Florida has so much more to offer than Disney. There are many great locations in Florida.

One last thought is to take the airline trip to a cruise port. My friend just departed on a last minute cruise (4 day 3 nights) that she got for $363 (her and her hubby went on this getaway). There are lots of last minute cruise deals. The only issue for you is your business needs someone to answer the phones. You can get internet on the ship in your room for a fee. They charge by the hour, day, or package for the entire cruise.

I wish we could do a cruise but unfortunately it would be too difficult to run the business. It's an insurance agency and I don't have any other employees to cover the phones.

First of all, I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost a pregnancy at 20 weeks (several years ago, 2005) and I know how devastating that can be. Here in Canada I was entitled to a 4 month mat leave, so I took it. But honestly, it just left me too much time on my hands to wallow in my misery and grief. Not sure it helped.

On to your trip...I think you really need it and although it may seem overwhelming to plan, why not try a cruise? There are many terrific deals out there (I think RCL is currently 50% off second person) and I'm sure you can do it for under $1000. You can also take a shorter one if that is all time permits from your business, etc.

Best wishes to you and know that it will get better as time goes on.

I am so sorry for your loss. I imagine you never forget or "move on". I know it takes time to cope so I am trying to focus on little things now. Thank you for suggesting we still plan for a trip. A cruise won't work but I think I need to figure out a way to make something work.

I am so sorry for your family's loss. My son died and was born still in 2008. My DW and DD3 (at the time) took a recharge trip to WDW a few months after and it was great. We took along a little Pluto figurine that attached to our camera strap. We carried that with us the whole time, representing a token of his spirit being with us. We like to think a little bit of him enjoyed that with us. We thought about him a lot on that trip, and we are so glad we went.

Thank you for sharing. Ours was a little boy too. I already bought a necklace that would have been his birthstone and wear it every day. I needed that little reminder. I am so happy you were able to enjoy your trip.

First of all, I am sorry for your loss. I lost a couple of pregnancies early on and it put a tremendous strain on my emotions and my marriage. I can't even imagine how hard it must be to lose a baby so far into the pregnancy.

As far as the trip, have you looked into Florida beyond Orlando? It is a beautiful state, with a lot of state parks and protected lands for hiking, kayaking, and exploring, plus of course the beaches for relaxing and swimming. My kids liked the non-Disney part of our only driving trip to FL so well that a whole non-theme-park FL trip is currently in the works.

We hadn't really thought about Florida much. Maybe I can look into that option as well. Thanks

depending on the week, there are some great cruise deals. you could look at a 3 or 4 night.

Unfortunately the cruise option is too difficult to work out with the business since I wouldn't be able to answer the phones.

I am so sorry for your loss. It is devastating.

Second, what is your budget? Have you looked at maybe doing Disney, rent DVC during the week or look at the value resorts. And remember that there are no discounts out for beyond the spring. I could totally go to Disney, rent DVC and take advantage of all the resort has to offer, go to a party one night or just go to Epcot for F&W one day. Explore the Boardwalk area, the new DTD, go miniature golfing or bowling at DTD. Pack your own breakfasts or go shopping down there and buy breakfast/snack items for the room. And any alcohol you may want to save money there too. Explore Fort Wilderness. Lots of non park options to help save on those tickets.

St Augustine was nice too. My sister loves Gatlinburg too.

I think the problem is we don't have a budget. I have $225 in credits with Southwest and I was hoping to only have to borrow a few hundred from savings. We also have a little bit of Christmas money left. Ideally I suppose I was hoping for under $750 out of pocket. I don't know why $1000 is seeming like such a high amount to me when I am ok with $750.

I am very sorry for your loss. I wish you comfort and healing. Thoughts going out to your aunt and family as you cope with her illness.

Thank you!

Have you considered camping at the fort? I've always wanted to camp there myself.

Did you really look for Vegas deals maybe even something that involves a time share pitch to save money.

I

I have never looked into camping at the fort. After I saw the flight prices to Las Vegas I kind of ruled it out. They are running over $600 a person and for such a short trip I didn't want to waist 7 hours traveling to the destination.

I would still go to Florida, but change the trip. Stay at someplace like Bonnet Creek, rent a small car, take a beach day, a shopping day and then go to DTD in the evening for dinner. If you still need a park fix, maybe go to Sea World.

Several people have mentioned Florida...I think I will be looking into it a bit further. I definitely don't need a park fix but if I traveled to Orlando I don't think I could go without stopping into Epcot of Magic Kingdom.

Double check if you flight needs to be taken by September, or booked by September. If I remember right, it just needs to be booked by then.

Thanks. It's entirely possible I misunderstood it.