Considerations for Safe Travel When You Have a Chronic Health Condition
30 Sep 2022
Photo by Carlos Navas on Unsplash
Everyone dreams of taking at least one vacation in which they fly or drive to a distant place where they can create memories that will last a lifetime. Everyone deserves the chance to fulfill these vacation desires, even if you have a disability or chronic health condition. The fact is that you can make your dreams a reality. You just need to do a bit of planning and research along the way.
Today, we will talk about some important considerations for planning a trip when you deal with a chronic condition and places you can go where you can stay safe and have the dream getaway that you’ll remember forever.
Some Considerations About Travel And Chronic Conditions
Before you begin to plan the dream getaway, you should look at your current condition and decide if now is the best time to travel to someplace new. If flying in a plane is required to get you to your destination, then you may want to look online to see if there are any restrictions that may apply to your situation. For instance, some longer flights can increase the risk of forming blood clots, which can happen if you were recently prescribed medication or your condition has that side effect. The Center for Disease Control also states that some medicines can make you more susceptible to travel-related infections, so caution is necessary.
The point is that you should speak to a doctor before any major trip if you have any type of chronic illness or disability. Some conditions may not seem risky at first, like a sun allergy, but in reality, staying outside for too long can result in a major allergic reaction, not unlike that caused by poison ivy, and you do not want an issue like that to ruin your trip. If you talk to the doctor and they clear you for travel, then start planning!
It is also important to remember that most airports will help to accommodate travelers with chronic conditions to make their flights as easy as possible. If you have medications, including gels, liquids, or aerosol treatments, then you can tell the TSA agent ahead of time, and they will screen it separately, and they may make certain exceptions. Also, if you have a wheelchair, then you can inform the personnel, and they will help you to load it onto the plane.
Packing And Preparation
In the weeks leading up to your trip, it is important that you start composing a list of the items you will require, so you don’t forget anything important. Start by thinking about what medication you will need and ensure that you put your prescriptions in on time, so you have them for the trip. If you require any mobility equipment like tablets or heart rate monitors, then ensure that they are in good repair and bring all necessary chargers.
While you may want to put your clothes and larger belongings in a regular suitcase, it is highly advised that you pack the essentials, including your medication, medical documents, and contact information in a personal bag that you keep on you at all times.
Airplanes are traditionally cramped spaces, so if you need to stretch or require more space in general, and you have the funds, then try to buy a seat in business class or above, where you’ll have more room. Consider also bringing a pillow and blanket so you can be comfortable during the flight. If you need any unique assistance during the trip, then be sure to advise the flight attendant, so they are in the loop. If you can, consider getting up and moving around the cabin every 30 minutes or so to keep the blood flowing.
If you know that you are slow to get around, then make preparations ahead of time to get to the airport several hours before your flight so you can get to your gate without needing to rush and potentially getting hurt.
Consider These Locations
While the world has evolved greatly as far as accessibility is concerned, you should still be smart about where you plan to travel. You may need to find destinations that have specialized restrooms and toilets if you cannot use the standard facilities. Also, if you plan to stay in a hotel at your final destination, do some research or call ahead to ensure that they have the amenities that you need to enjoy your stay and get around with ease.
You may want to start your search for the dream vacation by looking online for destinations that are famous for being accessible. For instance, there are many wheelchair-friendly vacations that you can enjoy in places like Dublin, Ireland, and Sydney, Australia, which are famous for their dedication to allowing all travelers to have a good time with plenty of ramps, sidewalks, and dropped curbs that will make traversing the cities a snap.
Wherever you decide to go, there will likely be plenty of activities that you can enjoy. Just about every city around the world has at least one museum to visit, and most are wheelchair friendly and have plenty of benches to sit on if you get tired. Most places will also offer a bus tour, so you can see everything that the city offers without needing to walk. Wherever you go, consider researching the medical establishments in the area in case you are in need of immediate care.
As you can see, it is possible to travel and see the world even if you have a chronic health condition. Consider the tips and advice mentioned here and create memories you’ll cherish forever.
Indiana Lee
Indiana Lee lives in the Northwest and has a passion for the environment and wellness. She draws her inspiration from nature and makes sure to explore the outdoors regularly with her two dogs. Indiana has experience in owning and operating her own business. Feel free to follow her on Twitter @indianalee3.
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