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Travelling with Arthritis

Carrying luggage, changing planes or walking long distances might keep you from traveling if you have arthritis.However, there’s good news: Today it’s easier to travel with arthritis than ever before. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act make travel more accessible for people who need special help. Tours and vacation packages for people with arthritis are also available.

To begin, be realistic about your capabilities. Rock climbing might not be the best vacation choice. A mountain-top helicopter excursion, though, could be enjoyable. Choose a vacation that allows flexibility. Consider how you’ll spend a day alone if your travel companions plan strenuous activities or extensive sightseeing. Remember that frequent rest periods may be the most important ingredient for a satisfying trip.Read travel guides, including those geared toward people with disabilities. An example is “Fodor’s Great American Vacations for Travelers With Disabilities.”Talk to people with arthritis who’ve taken trips similar to the one you’re considering. Also include your doctor in your trip planning.“Your physician may not get involved in planning your itinerary, but he or she can review some preventive and self-help procedures. One of the first things to remember is to pace yourself. If you’re accustomed to a rest period during the day, schedule this into your itinerary. If you overdo it and your arthritis flares, your trip may not be as enjoyable.A physician also can offer advice about what to do if inflammatory arthritis flares and the importance of sun protection — especially for people with lupus.“In addition, your physician can review your medications and your immunizations (especially for foreign travel), and can provide a letter summarizing your medical history and medication needs. “He or she can also offer advice on basic pain relief approaches, such as using a cane (folding ones are available for travel), comfortable walking shoes, plastic bags to make an ice pack, wheeled luggage, fanny packs, back packs or bags with straps that can be worn across the chest rather than slung off the shoulder, requesting handicapped rooms and letting the airline know to have a wheelchair or electric cart available.”

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