For cancer patients and their families, time away from doctor appointments, therapy and the every-day stresses of life are so important.
Below is a list of programs to help you do just that. From camping retreats to beach stays to days of beauty, there is something for everyone here in this section for free vacations and day trips for cancer patients and families.
Find a program that speaks to you and then click the link to read the program’s eligibility, application process, and deadlines. Travel expenses to/from destinations are usually not included, however, be sure to check out the grants and transportation listings on our website for possible funding options.
When you’re diagnosed with a serious illness, it feels like your life is turned upside down. Worrying about treatment, managing pain, making lifestyle changes, and dealing with the financial stress can all take a great toll. Now more than ever, you need a break. Taking time out for yourself and spending some time with loved ones is achievable with the free vacations and day trips below. Please reach out to the programs that interest you and get the respite you so very much deserve. ❤️
Have we missed a great resource? Please let us know about it here.
Description:
A fun and interactive no-cost family trip for those in the USA who have a family member who has been diagnosed with cancer. This three-day program covers lodging, activities, and all group meal expenses with indoor and outdoor recreational events, discussion groups, games, creative workshops, and teambuilding exercises. To register for the next free session, please visit the Deliver the Dream website here.
Description:
The Me-One Foundation sponsors the free Camp Wieser Family Getaway, a three-day family retreat to ease the distress a cancer diagnosis brings. Available to adult cancer patients in the USA and their families. Embrace beautiful surroundings and create priceless new memories together at zero cost for the entire family. For the next session and application, visit the Me-One Foundation website here.
Description:
Live By Living provides free retreats for adult cancer survivors and their caregivers in the USA. This nationwide, nature-centric respite includes activities like hikes, snowshoe outings, nature walks and more (customized to your physical abilities) and provides an opportunity to connect with other people who understand just what you’ve been through. To find out about the next session and register, please visit this link.
Description:
Harmony Hill offers free three-day cancer retreats to men and women with any type of cancer at no cost to either participants or companions. These retreats are designed to foster peace and wellbeing through group sharing sessions and other activities such as gentle yoga, meditation, poetry and art. To register for an upcoming session, please visit this page.
Description:
Free retreat programs for children, young adults, men, and women in the USA with any cancer at any stage. These programs encourage a sense of community support, offer fun activities, and are focused on thriving as a survivor. All programs are available at no charge to participants. For upcoming sessions and to apply, please visit this link.
Description:
Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that conducts free fly fishing retreats. Men 21 and over in any stage of treatment, recovery, or in full remission from all forms of cancer are eligible to attend. All meals, lodging and fly-fishing equipment are provided at no cost. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Retreat. To view the next session and apply, please visit this link.
Description:
A free weekend retreat by Camp Good Days for all men and women 18 and older who have been diagnosed or treated for cancer within the last 10 years. Provides an opportunity for fun, fellowship and activities inclusing fishing, arts & crafts, and general wellness. To apply for the next session of this free weekend program, please visit this link.
Description:
Free, medically supervised retreats in Montana that offers experiences to individuals and families affected by cancer. Unique opportunities and programs for kids and adults. All expenses except travel to and from the retreat are included. For help on travel costs, please see our transportation and grant sections. Camp Mak-A-Dream accepts participants who are in or out of treatment. For more on the programs and to apply, please visit this page.
Description:
A fun, supportive virtual program available nationwide that teaches beauty techniques to women with cancer to help manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer. The program includes lessons on skin and nail care, cosmetics, wigs and turbans, accessories and styling and is open to all women with cancer who are undergoing treatment. To locate a convenient program session, please visit the program finder here.
Description:
Camp Erin provides kids 6-17 who’ve lost someone significant in their lives with a supportive weekend camp that includes outdoor activities as well as grief education and emotional support, free of charge for all families. Camps are available nationwide. For more on Camp Erin and to locate a camp near you, please visit the website link here.
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Description:
Camp Kesem offers free, week-long summer camp sessions to kids age 6-18 nationwide whose parent has been diagnosed with cancer, is undergoing treatment, or has lost their life to this disease. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, and water/adventure activities. Camp Kasem provides “a community of children with similar experiences, and a safe and welcoming environment to have fun and rediscover their childhood.” To locate a camp near you, please visit this page.
Description:
Offers all-expense paid Legacy Retreats to families whose children are facing the loss of a parent. Retreats offer opportunities for families with children under the age of 18 create lasting memories as well as tools to cope with a parent’s terminal illness. For information on the many family retreat options, please visit this page.
Description:
A once-a-year weekend-long retreat for cancer patients, families, and caregivers that offers support and education to help manage this disease. From the website, “The goal of the Stowe Weekend of Hope is to provide a low- or no-cost opportunity for cancer survivors, their families, and caregivers, with access to education, healing, and support throughout a weekend-long retreat in Stowe, Vermont.” For retreat schedule and more information, please visit this link on their website.
Description:
Free one-week outdoor adventures to individuals 18 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with cancer at any time in their lives. All expenses except travel are covered. Check our Transportation and Housing section for possible travel funding. The application for Epic Experience is available online here.
Description:
The Jack and Jill Foundation sponsors free adventures for children whose parent have been diagnosed with a late-stage cancer. As per the website, “JAJF gives families an indispensable, cherished timeout from their cancer… as prescribed by Oncologists.” This program requires a referral by an oncologist. For more information, please visit the referral form here.
Description:
For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation provides adult cancer patients in active treatment and between the ages of 24-55 with the chance to spend carefree time with their family in a beautiful setting free of charge. Preference is given to people residing in PA, NJ, DE, NY and MD but those outside of this area will also be considered. For eligibility and application, please visit this page.
Description:
If selected, Cruising Against Cancer will provide a free vacation cruise for a cancer survivor and one guest. Limited space available. To apply and to learn about terms and conditions of this program, please visit this page on the Cruising Against Cancer website and download the PDF application.
