The world is too big to be left unexplored. Whether you’re going on safari to Africa or getting together with your family for the holidays, you don’t want to miss these memorable moments for any reason — let alone because of your arthritis.
Here are some easy tips for making your holiday travel as painless as possible.
Packing properly for your trip is always important, whether it’s sunscreen for sunny climates or a parka for northern destinations.
Travelling with osteoarthritis takes a little extra preparation. Here are a few things you’ll most likely want to bring with you:
- Medication: Always bring more medication than you think you’ll need to account for any unforeseen circumstances, such as layovers or delays.
- Assistive devices: This includes canes, walkers, heating pads, extra pillows, or whatever else might make the journey more comfortable.
- Necessary information: This could include your emergency contact information, or your doctor’s phone number in case you need advice on your trip.
If there’s anything synonymous with holiday air travel, it’s crowds. The roads to the airport are packed. The lines to the ticket counter and through security are long, and flights are booked solid. It’s an unfortunately messy means to an end, and adding in arthritis pain only makes it more frustrating.
To avoid arthritis exacerbations, try these tips:
- Book smart. If you can, choose a flight that’s less likely to be fully booked (like one in the middle of the week), and travels nonstop. Also, book a seat with extra legroom if you can.
- Keep moving. Standing in line or sitting in a small airplane seat can make your arthritis pain worse. Take whatever opportunity you can find to move your joints, whether you bend your knees while waiting in line or get up to walk around the plane.
- Request assistance. If pain is getting the best of you, take advantage of wheelchairs or motorized escorts through the airport. Remember that you want to save your energy for your destination and not waste it all while getting there.
- Stay hydrated. No matter where you’re traveling, make sure to drink plenty of water. Getting enough fluid is crucial.
- Avoid alcohol. While a glass of wine might help the flight go by quicker, alcohol (and caffeine) can dehydrate you.
- Look for more legroom. Ask a flight attendant if there’s an empty seat with more available legroom. Or you might find another passenger in the holiday spirit willing to give up their seat.
Traveling by rail or bus offers more opportunities to be active than air travel. Unlike with airplanes, you have more options for where you can sit. When booking your ticket, find out if there are any open seats that are easier to access or designed for people with additional needs.
As you board, ask the staff where key facilities are located, especially the nearest restroom. As with an airplane, inform staff members if you may need extra assistance.
Driving — whether you’re behind the wheel or just riding — offers the greatest amount of travel freedom. Traveling by car offers you one big advantage: you’re on your own schedule.
Leaving early for your destination gives you more time to make stops and get out of the car to stretch and move around. Take advantage of rest stops and roadside attractions.
Not only is the world’s largest ball of yarn a great photo opportunity, it’s also a chance to walk around and get your joints moving.
If you’re staying with loved ones, make sure to tell them when and if you’ll need help. This includes sleeping accommodations on the first floor to avoid stairs, a chair with arms that’s easier to stand from, and anything else that can make your stay more comfortable.
If you’re staying in a hotel, inquire about a few things before making a reservation:
- availability of ground-level rooms
- presence of handrails next to bathtubs and toilets
- heated pools available for relaxation
- shuttles to and from the airport
- doors built with levers instead of knobs
Follow these tips to help keep your holiday travel on par with your holiday spirit.