|
People like to travel for different reasons. Some people seek the warmth of the sun while others seek the warmth of family. Some vacationers fill their view with open landscapes while other travelers prefer city architecture and the arts. Whatever your pleasure, enjoying the sites can be a great adventure that will broaden your horizons and have great mental health benefits.
Traveling can also be a hassle. Airplane flights aren't always on time, restaurants may be too crowded or closed, construction causes detours and many other unexpected interruptions may occur. You have to be prepared to roll with the challenges presented. Planning ahead becomes even more important if you have mobility or vision issues. Don't let these possibilities scare you away from travel. With adequate planning and a good sense of humor, even people with severe physical challenges can enjoy getting away.
The staff at Dynamic-Living.com offers the following tips and products to help reach your destination more comfortably.
If you must have it, take it with you.
Most airlines have severely cut back on their in-flight food service. Traffic snarls can cause delays on the road. To stave off hunger, take protein snacks and bottled water in your carry-on luggage. If you have restricted dietary needs, you might pack some food in an insulated bag so that you can have the meal you require. Medications should be by your side. Because travel takes you out of your normal routine and is filled with distractions, you should take an aid that beeps or vibrates to remind you to take your medications. If your prescription is a controlled substance, take evidence that the medication is under a doctor's order, particularly if you are crossing international borders. Take along appropriate electrical extensions if you have medical equipment that needs to be recharged or plugged in and converters if you are traveling to a different country. Determine ahead of time how you might manage replacements or repairs if needed.
Consider the possibility of a medical emergency.
-
Take along twice the daily medication than the full journey would require. If your trip is extended, on purpose or not, you will be prepared.
-
You know your own medication routines, but others don't. Medications should be labeled. Prepare a list of what medications you take and when you normally take them. Include your physician's name and phone number on this list.
-
Check what geographic area your health insurance covers. If you travel beyond this area, you might require a temporary policy that handles medical emergencies.
Plan ahead for special needs.
-
You must call ahead if you require transportation at the airport, like wheelchairs to get from gate to gate or aisle wheelchairs to help you on the plane. There are also airport guides to help people with low vision.
-
While you can reserve special assistance ahead of time, you can't count on timely delivery. This means you need to plan extra time between flights and be prepared to roll with the inevitable delays. Also give yourself adequate time to rest, stretch or attend to other physical needs as you travel.
-
It would be worth your while to consider traveling at off-peak times. There are less demands on the airport personnel, less jostle by crowds and more room to move around.
You can prevent stiffness as well as more serious injuries by exercising while on route.
-
The Arthritis Foundation recommends shoulder rolls, ankle swirls and stomach/hip tilts to keep joints from stiffening while sitting. Even clenching and releasing your fist can stimulate circulation in the hand and arm.
-
Yoga and isometric exercises can be done while seated or in the aisle. It may look silly, but you'll be more comfortable. If you can get up and move around, do so as often as possible. This means booking an aisle seat on airplanes or trains so that you don't disturb your neighbors.
Get in the best shape you can and bring along some aids.
-
You'll be doing lots of walking, standing and pulling your luggage. Are you physically prepared? Build up your strength before you travel and don't exhaust yourself with last minute errands right before your departure.
-
If you need an aid to help you walk, consider some that travel well.
-
An adjustable folding cane offers portable convenience while still maintaining sturdy support. It can be placed in a suitcase or bag as it is
only 5 " by 11 " when in a collapsed state.
-
A rollator is like a walker, but much more suitable for traveling. It has wheels that allow you to turn and pivot in a way that walkers cannot. Many rollators have a seat if you need to sit and rest for a moment. And most collapse to a compact size for storage.
-
A transport chair is a lightweight wheelchair alternative that can fold compactly for storage in a trunk or airplane closet. While not appropriate for long term use, it may be the solution for trips that require a lot of walking.
-
Invest in luggage that rolls. Suitcases with wheels come in all shapes and sizes, with handles that extend to make it easy to pull.
The TravelTowTM
is another convenience that makes the handle longer and allows the suitcase
to move more easily, sparing your shoulder additional strain.
-
Keep your luggage choice as small as possible to handle your travel needs, so you can keep it as light as possible. If you will be staying at one location for a period of time, consider shipping your clothing ahead of time and arranging for return shipping, making your load even lighter when you travel.
-
Fanny packs and backpacks are terrific ways to carry needed items while leaving your hands free to handle tickets or walking aids.
For more traveling tips and resources, try a Google search on the internet using the words "travel with disabilities". There are companies that arrange for travelers with special needs, companion services that travel with you and hotels that promote themselves to travelers with disabilities. Why stay in one place if you find you have the itch to roam? There's a whole world for you to explore!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
© Copyright 2004
Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.
(return to top of page)
|
