Travelling may be an exciting experience, but when you have Multiple Sclerosis, you need additional planning and preparation to ensure a comfortable trip. MS is a chronic disorder that affects the central nervous system and causes a range of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and difficulty moving. With careful planning and a bit of additional effort, people with MS may still enjoy a trip. In this post, we’ll review a few ideas for planning and preparing for the next time you travel.
These are the things we’ll cover:
Planning Ahead
When travelling with multiple sclerosis, it is important to plan ahead of time. You must ensure that you have everything you need to manage your illness when travelling, whether locally or abroad. Here are some pointers to consider while you plan your trip:
Choose your destination with care –
Before you go, do some research on the area to make sure it is accessible and welcoming to those with MS. Look for accessible facilities, such as wheelchair ramps and accessible toilets.
Consult your doctor –
Before travelling, consult your doctor to confirm that you are in good health. Your doctor may also advise you on certain vaccines or medications to take before the trip.
Get travel insurance –
It’s essential to get travel insurance that covers your medical expenses, including MS-related treatments, in case of an emergency. We suggest going through our step-by-step application process to see if you can find a suitable standard policy.
Plan ahead of time –
Plan ahead of time, including getting there, staying there, and activities, to ensure you have plenty of rest and leisure time.
Packing Medications and Other Essentials
When travelling with multiple sclerosis, it is critical to pack medications and other necessities. Here are some packing suggestions:
Pack your medications in your carry-on luggage –
Pack medications in your carry-on luggage to keep them accessible and to avoid losing them if your checked luggage is lost.
Pack extra prescriptions –
Bring enough medications to last the whole trip, including extra in case of delays or unexpected circumstances.
Wear a medical alert bracelet –
Wearing a medical alert bracelet can assist healthcare providers in identifying your condition in the event of an emergency.
Pack comfortable shoes –
When travelling with multiple sclerosis, comfortable shoes could help minimise fatigue and foot discomfort.
Coping with Symptoms
Travelling may be stressful for anybody, but it can be extremely difficult if you have MS. These are some methods to help you deal with MS symptoms while travelling:
Rest –
Travelling may be exhausting, so take breaks whenever you need them. Take breaks when necessary, and try to get enough sleep to feel refreshed and energised.
Stay Hydrated –
Dehydration can worsen MS symptoms, therefore it’s critical to stay hydrated while travelling. Carry a water bottle with you and drink enough of it to keep hydrated.
Dress accordingly –
Temperature changes might worsen MS symptoms, so dress accordingly for the weather. Dress in layers and loose clothing so you can change your outfit if needed.
Take Your Time –
Don’t hurry anything. Allow plenty of time for activities and avoid overexertion.
Manage Stress –
Because stress may increase MS symptoms, aim to stay as stress-free as possible when travelling. Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help you stay calm in stressful times.
Communicating with Travel Companions
Travelling with multiple sclerosis can be difficult, but efficient communication with your travel partners can help make the trip easier. Here are some suggestions for communicating with your trip companions:
Be Open –
Notify your travel companions about your medical condition and any limits you may have. This might assist them in better understanding your requirements and constraints.
Create Reasonable Standards –
Be honest with your travel partners about what you can and cannot do. This could help in getting rid of misunderstandings.
Be Flexible –
Plans may need to change based on your feelings, so be flexible and open to making adjustments as needed.
Make Time for Yourself –
It’s good to make time for yourself if you need it. Tell your travel companions if you need to take a break or need a little solitude.
Safety Considerations
When travelling with multiple sclerosis, various precautions must be considered. Firstly, make sure you have travel insurance that will cover any medical issues, you can read our guide here. Also, carry identification indicating your MS diagnosis as well as any additional health problems. It could also be useful to wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace. If you’re going to a country where the language is different, bring a card explaining your medical condition in the language that is spoken there.
Since people with multiple sclerosis are sensitive to heat and cold, it’s important to stay away from severe temperatures. If you’re visiting a hot location, schedule your activities for early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is lower.
