Parkinson’s patients often get overwhelmed when they think about travelling. They get daunted by the fact that their disease conditions might not allow them to deal with all the hectic things of travelling. And for that reason, they restrained themselves from going abroad with family and friends.
However, there are some ways that can make their travel less stressful, safe, and even more enjoyable. So here, we share the 7 travelling tips that can be very useful for Parkinson’s patients.
1. Make a Concrete Plan
This is the first thing that most travellers consider, and so should Parkinson’s patients. Before going off, you must consider the following questions:
- Where are you heading?
- What means of transportation will you be using?
- What (medical) facilities are available at the destination?
- How long will you be staying there?
Answers to these questions are immensely important, as based on these you can create your checklist.
2. Travel with Family Members or Friends
We recommend you travelling with someone close to you, either family members or friends. The company of a closed one can be of a helping hand during the journey. They can help with things like carrying a bag or with boarding the plane, train, or bus. Plus, you wouldn’t be bored in case you need someone to talk with during the journey.
3. Take all Necessary Documents
Alongside your ordinary passport, you should also take your Parkinson’s passport with you. It helps others to understand your condition. Also make sure to take your ID card, tickets, and other necessary papers you might need for travelling. Keep them together in a separate bag so that you can pull them out easily whenever needed.
4. Don’t Forget Your Medicines
Take all your prescribed medication with you. This is a must thing, and you should never forget it. In fact, you should take extra than you needed. It is better to keep your medicines in a hand carry bag and not in your checked-in bag. You might need your medicines during the journey.
5. Ask for a Travel Assistance
If you are using a plan for your journey, tell the airline in advance that you are a Parkinson’s patient and need special assistance. They should provide you with a mobility aid (a wheelchair or mobility scooter) at the airport and help you during the check-in and boarding procedures. Also, tell the flight attendant about your condition and that you might need extra help.
6. Pack Comfortable Clothes and Footwear
It’s not that important but still can contribute to your comfortable journey. Try to wear and pack loose-fitted clothes. Prefer using adaptive clothes, like a magnetic shirt. Also, choose walking shoes or other footwear that are easy to use and good for a long-time walking or standing. Please check our recommended footwear list here for more detail.
7. Take Assistive Devices
It’s always better to take with you some of your adaptive tools or devices that you use for eating, drinking, or other daily tasks. These include adaptive (weighted) utensils, a cup, or other drinking aid. If you don’t have any utensils and would like to know, check our review post on the best utensils sets. We also recommend using handsteady drinking cup, which is an innovative drinking aid for people with tremor. For more detail, check our review on this cup here.
Parkinson’s patients shouldn’t restrict themselves from travelling, particularly those who are young. We hope that by following the above-mentioned tips, they can also enjoy travelling with family and friends like others do.
Disclaimer: The information shared here should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions presented here are not intended to treat any health conditions. For your specific medical problem, consult with your health care provider.
