This topic is all about embracing life and travel with an ostomy. The poster, who is newly retired and living with a stoma, shares their exciting travel plans and experiences, showing that with a bit of planning, life can be full of adventure. Here are some highlights and tips from their journey:
- They have a busy travel schedule, including a Caribbean cruise with stops in Aruba, Cayman, and Curaçao, and a week in Florida exploring the Everglades and enjoying Key-lime shakes.
- Their first flight post-surgery was a short trip to Phoenix for a memorial service.
- They have attended a series of concerts in Las Vegas, featuring bands like Stray Cats, the Turtles, and Foreigner.
- They enjoy road trips, such as visiting the Orange County Fair and traveling through Central California, including Monterey, Cambria, and Santa Barbara.
- They are researching more international cruises, proving that with planning, an ostomate can still enjoy adventures.
Additional insights and advice include:
1. For those planning to drive Highway 1/Big Sur, check for slide-closure updates as landslides can affect travel plans.
2. Alaska cruises and RV trips are highly recommended for their stunning scenery and wildlife.
3. Cruises are particularly ostomy-friendly, offering daily cabin cleaning, prepared meals, and made beds, allowing for a relaxing vacation.
4. In the Everglades, maintain a safe distance from water to avoid alligators, and protect your car from vultures that may damage rubber parts.
5. The Florida Keys offer beautiful Atlantic views from bridges, a variety of restaurants, and unique Key-lime pie in each town.
6. Las Vegas is a fun but expensive destination, so be prepared for the costs.
7. Live concerts and classic rock shows are worth attending, with many enjoying performances by bands like the Stray Cats and Foreigner after recovery.
8. Retirement can be busier than work, so take the opportunity to travel after hospital or rehab stays and "grab the brass ring."
9. Embrace the mindset that aging is a privilege, and continue planning new adventures, living life to the fullest.
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