Notes from the Neuro Café 18th August 2021 by Linda S.
Useful tips for travel with a disability
Many LEGS participants have travelled in the UK and abroad, and here is some information that may be useful when you are planning your next trip:
Always ensure you have travel insurance
There are many organisations that can help make your journey go smoothly, including neurological charities that can give you specialist advice. Book your trip with an accessible holiday company.
Tourism for all can help you find accessible destinations and places to stay.
Tryb4ufly provides information, cabin assessments and hire equipment to people with disabilities who are considering travelling by air.
Medication
Travelling with medication? Pack it in sufficient amounts.You will need a letter from your GP if it is a liquid. And remember:
Check for different rules and regulations regarding medications with different flight providers and countries.
Take medication in your hand luggage.
Check requirements beforehand with the embassy of the country you are travelling to.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention
Some health conditions and other things may increase your risk of DVT on long journeys. See NHS website for further information and discuss with your GP. You can reduced the chance of travel-related DVT by:
Doing calf exercises at least every half hour – raise your heels, keeping your toes on the floor, then bring them down 10 times. Then raise and lower your toes 10 times
Having a short walk (if safe to do so!)
Drinking plenty of water
Avoiding alcohol
Wearing compression stockings. Seek advice from your GP as to whether you should wear them and to check if they fit properly. Stockings need to be tight to help the circulation pumping… but not so tight they cause problems.
Mobility Equipment, batteries
Most airlines will carry mobility equipment for free but check before you travel
Let the airline know if you are planning on travelling with your own wheelchair or battery wheelchair. They may require information around dimensions, model and type of battery etc...
Take a copy of the battery label if available.
If taking your own wheelchair, do you have your charger and adapter and will they work in that country?
Have your wheelchair serviced before you leave, to reduce chances of issues when away.
If you take a manual wheelchair, consider taking a spare inner tube and puncture repair kit and allen keys.
Equipment and wheelchair hire
Participants' final thoughts and top tips:
Bring plenty of snacks
Consider taking a pee pot or disposable underwear just in case!
Pack an empty water bottle - you can often fill your bottle at water points within airports.
Take the right charger for your wheelchair and adapter for continental/foreign plug
Bring your appropriate walking aid, you may find you are more fatigued than usual, particularly on longer trips.
Happy travelling!