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Travel Tips
For folks with physical limitations or chronic pain, traveling can be a real challenge. Handling luggage can be a problem as well as long periods of sitting or standing. But with a little pre-planning, we can still enjoy getting away like everyone else!
When you need to travel alone, check beforehand to determine what extra help you may need. It might be worth tipping a couple bucks to a doorman to manage your luggage rather than trying to do it alone and risk pulling out your back. If you are taking a train, you can notify the railroad that you will need a red cap to help you with stairs or heavy luggage. These folks are there to serve people in need.
In airports, hop on a caddy cart and ride to your gate rather than trying to walk the distance with your carry-ons. The automated walking ramps are wonderful for assisting folks with walking the distance.
When traveling, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. If you have a computer printer, print your boarding pass from home. This saves waiting in line at the airport. If you plan to park off-site and be shuttled to the airport, allow extra time in case you have to wait for a shuttle to take you. When boarding the shuttle van ask for assistance or a step up. Many have them and only need to pull them out! And don't be afraid to ask for and accept help getting out as well.
You might want to plan for a bathroom break before boarding your plane. This seems to give me peace of mind when I know there is a period of time when I can't get out of my seat. If driving or riding in a car, plan to stop and stretch frequently! This will help to cut down on the stiffness when you reach your destination.
When I travel alone, I know I want to do a lot of things in very little time. But I have found it is also important to plan breaks in between so I can relax, lay on a heating pad briefly, or rest. I find I can do more and enjoy more because I am taking care of myself.
So next time the opportunity to travel comes up, consider it. Maybe a change of scene will do you good. Be pro-active and plan ahead. And enjoy yourself...you deserve it!!!
Related Links: Travel Health, Vacationing With Multiple Sclerosis, Sleep and Travel
Technorati Tags: Travel, chronic pain, disability, physical limitations
When you need to travel alone, check beforehand to determine what extra help you may need. It might be worth tipping a couple bucks to a doorman to manage your luggage rather than trying to do it alone and risk pulling out your back. If you are taking a train, you can notify the railroad that you will need a red cap to help you with stairs or heavy luggage. These folks are there to serve people in need.
In airports, hop on a caddy cart and ride to your gate rather than trying to walk the distance with your carry-ons. The automated walking ramps are wonderful for assisting folks with walking the distance.
When traveling, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. If you have a computer printer, print your boarding pass from home. This saves waiting in line at the airport. If you plan to park off-site and be shuttled to the airport, allow extra time in case you have to wait for a shuttle to take you. When boarding the shuttle van ask for assistance or a step up. Many have them and only need to pull them out! And don't be afraid to ask for and accept help getting out as well.
You might want to plan for a bathroom break before boarding your plane. This seems to give me peace of mind when I know there is a period of time when I can't get out of my seat. If driving or riding in a car, plan to stop and stretch frequently! This will help to cut down on the stiffness when you reach your destination.
When I travel alone, I know I want to do a lot of things in very little time. But I have found it is also important to plan breaks in between so I can relax, lay on a heating pad briefly, or rest. I find I can do more and enjoy more because I am taking care of myself.
So next time the opportunity to travel comes up, consider it. Maybe a change of scene will do you good. Be pro-active and plan ahead. And enjoy yourself...you deserve it!!!
Related Links: Travel Health, Vacationing With Multiple Sclerosis, Sleep and Travel
Technorati Tags: Travel, chronic pain, disability, physical limitations
