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Did you enjoy traveling before your joints started to hurt? It may take more planning now, but those days don’t have to be over. You can still enjoy traveling. Just do a little advance work.
Here are a few tips to help make trips easier:
Are we there yet?
- If you drive, take rest stops often. Park at rest areas to stretch your legs and drink some water. Build these breaks into your travel time, so you won’t feel rushed.
- Stretch your legs as much as possible while in the car, whether you’re riding in the passenger or the back seat. Cramped knees can get stiff and painful in a hurry.
- Keep your car seat in a position that supports your back and neck. Use a backrest or support cushion if your seat doesn’t give you enough support.
- To get in and out of your car more easily, use a seat attachment that twirls. You can get these seats through many special device catalogs.
- Key turners provide extra grip and give you more leverage when starting your car.
Call ahead
- If you’ll be staying in hotels, ask if they have facilities for the handicapped. A travel agent should know how to find hotels that offer these services.
- If you’ll be in motels, ask for ground-floor rooms near entrances and exits. That way, you can avoid long walks to elevators or climbing stairs.
- If you’re flying, let the airline know if you have special needs. Ask to board the plane early. Request a wheelchair to take you to and from the gate. In the air, try to stretch, walk around, and keep flexible, especially on long flights.
Get organized
- Use a plastic pill caddy to keep your medicines in order while on the road. Pack it in your carry-on bag, purse, or pocket, so you won’t lose it while traveling.
- If you’re headed to a different time zone, keep a log of when you need to take your medicines. Some people bring along an extra watch (set to home time) to help them remember.
It’s in the bag
- Don’t mess with heavy suitcases or shoulder bags. Get a suitcase with wheels and a pullout handle. Or, rent a luggage cart at the airport.
- When possible, have someone else carry your heaviest belongings.
- Think light when it comes to carry-ons. Check everything you can and bring on board only what you need (a small bag for your medicines and a neck pillow, for example).
Also of Interest
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