Travelling with health conditions or disabilities

Travelling whilst experiencing symptoms or with a disability can be difficult at various times.

You may, for example, notice that:

• you are put off by long distances;
• sitting or standing for long periods causes discomfort;
• switching or waiting causes stress;
• you need to bring a lot of things or aids with you;
• you’re worried there won’t be any breaks;
• if you are unsure about accessibility;
• you need time to recover after travelling;
• you avoid travelling;
• you are less likely to go somewhere on the spur of the moment.

Sometimes the preparations alone take a lot of energy. This makes travelling feel like a chore even before you’ve set off.

Travelling requires physical and mental energy. You have to plan, get around, wait, process stimuli and deal with unexpected situations.

Pain, tiredness, overstimulation, mobility issues or anxiety can make travelling more difficult. A lack of (familiar) rest stops, unclear information or poor accessibility can also be factors.

In addition, there can be a great deal of uncertainty. What if your symptoms get worse? What if you are unable to attend? What if you need help? These questions can cause anxiety.

It helps to prepare well for a trip and make realistic choices.

For example, you could:

• check the route and rest stops in advance;
• allow for extra travel time;
• bring any aids you need;
• keep journeys short;
• avoid busy times;
• arrange seating or support in advance;
• keep medication and essential items within easy reach;
• plan your recovery after the trip.

Discuss your needs with your travelling companions in advance. This will help prevent any mental stress whilst travelling.

It is wise to seek help if travelling causes you a great deal of stress or if you are unsure what is feasible. Advice can also be helpful if your symptoms worsen whilst travelling, or if you find yourself avoiding travel even though you would like to go away.

Do you have a chronic condition or disability? If so, it might be helpful to discuss together what the best way for you to travel is. Assistive devices or minor adjustments can also help ensure you can get out and about safely and comfortably.

Please get in touch if you are unsure whether travelling is medically advisable. You should certainly do so in the event of severe shortness of breath, sudden symptoms, new chest pain or significant changes to your health.

Together, we’ll look at what makes travelling difficult for you and how you can better prepare for it. In doing so, we’ll focus on energy, mobility, posture, aids, stimuli and recovery.

A occupational therapist can help with travel planning, assistive devices and the distribution of tax. A physiotherapist can provide support with strength, fitness and sitting or walking whilst travelling. A podiatrist This may be worth considering if foot problems, footwear or walking are factors. In cases of travel anxiety, stress or uncertainty, psychological support may be appropriate.

Together, we’ll find a way to make travelling better suited to your abilities and less stressful.