Travel can be exciting particularly if it is to a vacation destination.
Here are some useful tips for airline travelers with arthritis.
Prepare ahead of time. Make sure your agenda is set and that the proper travel arrangements have been made. Double check the airport flight times and triple check them the day before you go. Often, flight times can change at the last minute. If you can, print your boarding passes ahead of time. Most domestic airlines allow you to do this 24 hours before a flight. These measures will help reduce the stress of getting to the airport and finding out that your travel arrangements have been completely changed. Sites like Travelocity or other similar sites can get you the best fares and will also notify you of flight changes. While you're at it, make sure your passport is up to date if you're traveling abroad.
Find out through your travel arranger or through a guidebook a way to find an English speaking doctor should you need one. Carry your insurance information with you.
If you have an executor, let them know who your attorney is prior to your trip. It's not the most pleasant thing to think about but you should make sure, in the event of a tragedy, that things are taken care of.
If you are traveling to foreign countries, use a neck pouch to carry your important papers and money. You may be considered an easy mark for thieves if you carry your valuables in a regular purse. Since ATMs are available almost everywhere except for very remote areas, it makes sense to limit the amount of cash you carry around at any one time.
Make a packing list. Make a list of the clothes items, then a list of other things like your wallet, cash, planner, sunglasses, camera, etc. Remember that federal regulations will limit what you can take on board. This is particularly a problem when you take a number of medications.
Make sure your medicines are in properly labeled prescription containers so the TSA people don't take them away from you. Do not put your medicines in your checked luggage! Ever!
If you think you need assistance, call the airlines and make sure they are aware you need a wheelchair. Most airlines are very accommodating. If you plan on doing a lot of walking and your arthritis affects your hips, knees, or feet, use a cane or walking stick. It will help a lot. While you're at it, make sure to invest in well-cushioned, supportive footwear. Don't economize here!
Make sure to get a note from your doctor if you have to travel with medicines like Enbrel or Humira that require a small cooler. This will speed your trip through security. If possible, check your baggage at the curb. It'll save a lot of time. Also, if you have metallic joint replacements, get a note from your doctor; otherwise, your journey through security could be a very interesting one.
Use wheelie luggage carriers instead of a shoulder bag. A travel vest that has lots of pockets also is very useful for carrying around stuff that ordinarily you might have to use a bag for.
Travel on board an airplane can be a painful experience if you're not prepared. Bring along a neck support pillow. The airline should also supply you with a small pillow you can use to support your low back. Get an aisle seat so you can get up and walk. Stretch. Do this as much as you can.
While sleeping on a flight is sometimes difficult, some rest is better than none at all.
The buttons to provide air conditioning or lighting are sometimes hard to reach and grasp. Again, don't be shy about asking for assistance.
While we're on the topic of buttons, Velcro fasteners are convenient, lightweight, and are a good idea for use with travel clothes.
Sometimes it makes sense to keep your carryon with you. When placed on the floor, it makes a nice footrest. You will have to stow it under the seat in front of you on take off and landing.
Drink plenty of water. This will help you with fatigue which is a problem for anyone, let alone somebody with arthritis. While current regulations don't allow you to take bottled water from home on board, you can use a water bottle and fill it at a water fountain before getting on board.
If you need to store stuff in the overhead bins, ask for help. Don't be shy. People are more than glad to help. The same goes for taking it out of the overhead bin.
Make sure that when you schedule your trip, you also schedule time for "rentry." In other words, make sure that when you arrive home, you have created enough space so you don't have to dive right back into work or other responsibilities.
No comments:
Post a Comment