When times are tough and families are struggling, the first impulse is probably not to go on vacation.
But sometimes, that’s just what people need, whether they’re struggling with multiple sclerosis, battling breast cancer or dealing with a family member deployed to a war zone.
These are vacations with a heart. These are vacations that can heal. These are vacations that can change lives.
Watch as Meredith Vieira and Peter Greenberg discuss Vacations With a Heart.
Among the great vacation spots mentioned in this clip are Jackson, New Hampshire, where the Inn at Jackson leads the town in opening its doors to those dealing with multiple sclerosis.
There’s also OperationVacation.org, which helps soldiers reunite with their families for ‘long weekend’ vacations. CastingforRecovery.org helps women fighting (or recovering from) breast cancer to use fly fishing for not only fun, but physical therapy.
Faith’s Lodge, an 80-acre facility in Wisconsin, caters to kids and families struggling with illnesses and loss.
Watch more clips from the Today show.
Check out more video travel tips on Peter’s official YouTube channel.















My husband has had stage IV mantle cell lymphoma/leukemia, a chemo-resistant and highly aggressive rare form of cancer. He has lived beyond all expectations. We are thrilled, but also kinda broke. (The COPAYS & meds added up to over $10,000. before he finally was declared disabled.)
Are there an healing vacations for people with cancer?
Last year he had two wishes before passing: seeing a cousin in San Antonio which we did; and going to the Grand Canyon which I could not find a way to afford. However, he loves any kind of travel, altho tires easily.
How did you get into the website to ask your questions, I have been trying to find the link and cannot find it
I did not realize that the Inn at Jackson for MS patients only included a week in May. The segment on the Today Show led me to believe that my husband (who suffers from MS) could make reservations any time during the year. I checked with the Inn and was directed to their website and the MS week in May 2009. Interesting concept, but I do wish he could have s fun-filled few days anytime during the year.
i wanted to kno if there were any vacatons from the heart doe autistic hildren.
I have been searching for this website since the Today show aired and am looking for vacations where families with pyschiatric disabilites can go. Being on a fixed income doesn’t allow for any disposable money and 2 adults and 1 child in my family suffer from it. Thanks in advance.
I lost my 23 year old daughter 2 years ago and would like to go on a cruise or retreat with oithers that have lost a child. I need to be with others in a healing place as others do not understand the pain of losing a child. Any suggestions? Thank you