Nervous about upcoming trip

Posted by patz @patz, Mar 22 9:20am

I am flying into Msp from Dallas in late April. I will be there for a week. I am seeing a GI and Sleep doctor. Traveling alone. I am not used to travelling since I retire years ago. So the whole trip seems a bit overwhelming. Drive to train station, take train to airport, fly to Msp, shuttle to Mayo, and navigate while I am there. Staying at Homewood Suites. Any words of wisdom?? Thanks!

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bajjerfan | @bajjerfan | Mar 22 10:24am

No direct flight to Rochester?

patz | @patz | Mar 22 1:26pm

In reply to @bajjerfan "No direct flight to Rochester?" + (show)

@bajjerfan No there is no direct from Dallas to Rochester

vic83 | @vic83 | Mar 22 2:37pm

Rochester is a small town in rural Minnesota. So it is not overwhelming. There is a lot of construction going on so hard to move around outside, but there are the underground tunnels - get map of tunnels and skyways from your hotel. There are shuttles going around the hotels to different clinic locations. And there are lots of volunteers with wheelchairs at Mayo so if you need help, just ask

momma2lucy | @momma2lucy | Mar 22 3:09pm

I am driving alone to Mayo first week of April from Chgo so my travel isn’t as complicated. When I first realized it was easier to do the trip solo than with a companion I was beside myself with anxiety; I’ve never travelled alone. The closer I get to the date the more I am looking forward to my alone time. We can do this and we are both going to discover a newfound sense of freedom. Plan on indulging yourself in the evenings whether with a good meal, a good book or whatever makes you happy because this is our time to heal not only our body but our mind and spirit. We’ve got this!

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Mar 22 3:50pm

Welcome to Mayo. I have used the shuttle service to Rochester many times. The only comment is that it's quite a hike from the luggage claim area to the shuttle area, so if you're not mobile, you may need to use a wheelchair. There are information booths and signs to direct you. I suggest having the shuttle contact information with you. If, for some reason, due to flight delays, you may need to call to rebook on a later shuttle. They run quite often, but can be full.
There is an inside waiting area for shuttles.

Once in Rochester, the hotel's shuttle is the most convenient way to get around.

Safe Travels

patz | @patz | Mar 23 8:17am

In reply to @momma2lucy "I am driving alone to Mayo first week of April from Chgo so my travel isn’t..." + (show)

@momma2lucy Thank you for your response. Yes, we got this!! I hope your trip goes well.

patz | @patz | Mar 23 8:19am

In reply to @roch "Welcome to Mayo. I have used the shuttle service to Rochester many times. The only comment..." + (show)

@roch Thank you!

vic83 | @vic83 | Mar 23 9:32am

In reply to @roch "Welcome to Mayo. I have used the shuttle service to Rochester many times. The only comment..." + (show)

@roch Ask airlines for wheelchair assistance. I LOVE airport assistance. It makes travel easy. They give you a wheelchair at the entrance and take you through all the lines - check-in and security. If I were not already old I would get a grey wig and pretend to be - just kidding

vic83 | @vic83 | Mar 23 9:34am

In reply to @momma2lucy "I am driving alone to Mayo first week of April from Chgo so my travel isn’t..." + (show)

@momma2lucy I am in the Twin Cities so only 90 miles away from Rochester. But I always drive myself to my appointments - I stay overnight whenever I need to and when the weather is bad.

William Olsen, Volunteer Mentor | @hrhwilliam | Mar 23 10:07am

In reply to @vic83 "Rochester is a small town in rural Minnesota. So it is not overwhelming. There is a..." + (show)

@vic83 FYI "small town is around 5000 people and perhaps one traffic light, everyone knows everyone, skyscrapers three stories high. Rochester is roughly 122,000 people and at least two traffic lights. Not to mention that roughly 60,000 people commute every day into Rochester. It's a big city, well managed, friendly, accommodating. Definitely not a small town.