Remember, you deserve a life with fun, travel and new experiences. You may not be able to go on a trip for a month or a week, but you can go on day trips or excursions at home or close to home. I need a few events or trips to keep me going. Trips and events make me feel happy, like “normal”, chance to create memories in the present with people I love. Traveling with a Chronic Illness takes some planning. It really doesn’t matter what kind of transportation you take, before travelling, I use many of the same items. This section will break down the things I use for planes, trains, cars, cruising and land travel.
Plane Travel
Traveling by airplane may seem out of reach physically so here are a few tips. I can only walk short distances so when I book a flight, I get handicapped help which means simply that someone pushes me through airport security all the way to my gate. The wheelchair attendant will stop for the bathroom or fill up a reuseable water bottle if needed. These fabulous people are doing a service, so tipping cash is a generous way to thank them. I give each one $5 but the amount is up to you. Some airports have carts that get from place to place, I still tip the driver. How to obtain the wheelchair or cart help? When you buy your ticket be sure you put handicap assistance required. While checking in at the gate remind them of the handicap service and they will have you wait in a handicap area for a person to assist you. You will have to wait so be sure to add that time to your arrival time. If you think you can walk- go for it. A few times I have walked and took my time to get to gate, however, I would rather save my energy for when I get to enjoy myself. Your immediate family will follow you through all stops. Get TSA Pre-Check or one of the faster security options that are available, in most cases the lines are shorter and move faster in these lanes. Your wheelchair attendant will get you through security faster, although not necessarily your family. My husband and daughter have TSA Pre-Check so they can get through security with me. My girlfriend had to go through the regular security line, luckily it was not a long wait.
There is special Sunflower lanyard you can purchase on Amazon that you can wear. The sunflower lanyard signifies to all airport staff that you are handicapped and may need assistance. I have not used one myself but love the idea of a nonverbal indicator of certain disabilities. As I am getting older the lanyard is looking better. I have never had to show a doctor note or my handicap placard card. It’s always wise to make sure before you arrive. I did bring a doctor’s note to Disney World 12 years ago and they didn’t need it. I hear they have changed their policy so make sure you check with places you plan to visit on your trip.
My bags are on wheels, so it makes it easier for me to transport. I have a small bag on wheels that I use as a carry-on bag. My carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of me. My purse, Kindle, disinfecting wipes, Medications, TSA approved toiletries, hairbrush, snacks, electrolyte packets, 1 shirt, 1 underwear, make-up, 1 bathing suit, blanket, headphones and chargers all go in my carry-on. My purse holds ID’s, and purse items. I do not carry a water bottle to fill up, most bottles are too heavy and uncomfortable for me, I purchase a water after I get through TSA and I have a side pocket on my carry-on to place it.
I get on the plane during the first wave of passengers and wipe down my seat: seatbelt, arm rests, food table, back of seat, head rest- any place I may touch. These are items I always get for flight. Flight attendants come around about ½ way through flights with a beverage or snack, this is when I let them know I am a wheelchair user at my next destination. Wheelchair flyers sometimes must wait for a wheelchair, so I take my time getting off a plane. A wheelchair should be waiting for you with an assistant with an IPad with your name on it. If you do not see one there, there may be one coming; ask the first assistant or airport employee. There may be a cart waiting for you instead. Sometimes carts meet passengers inside the airport, right when you get off the ramp. Wheelchair and cart service are not run by airlines, they are contracted out and are complimentary service. The attendants that help are very busy so be patient and tip.
Train Travel
Train travel for me is a nice alternative to driving. I like the chance to read books, take a nap, and go to the bathroom at my leisure. Here’s the thing- I find the help for handicapped to be minimal to poor. They do have big handicap accessible bathrooms and handicapped seats near exits, but that is about it. The handicapped seats are just seats that say handicap on them and usually have an open space in front where passengers put their luggage. I bring my carry-on with wheels that will fit under my seat. My carry on has my kindle, sweater (I always dress in layers), chargers/plug, lunch, drinks, purse, medications, make up, toiletries and snacks/electrolyte packets. Getting on and off a train is up to you so make sure you carry or lift what you bring. I do wipe down my seat and area with disinfecting wipes. I will bring the wipes with me to the bathroom too. I try to get the part of the train that is silent. If I want to chat with friends or family on ride, I make sure I am in the part of the train where you can talk.
Car Travel
Traveling by car is the easiest journey. You can bring all you need in the car, you can stop and eat, drink, relieve yourself whenever you need too. I pack way too much when going by car. Try to organize yourself so everything is accessible to you! I wear layers for car travel and sunblock all year long. Just remember your medications, anything else you have forgotten you can buy there. Most hotels have complimentary toiletries and have shampoo, conditioner, body gel and lotion in room. I am allergic to certain products, so I carry my own. I use TSA approved containers to preserve my space.
Cruise travel
Cruise travel is the one I get most nervous about. I do not cruise very frequently and want to have everything I need -just in case. The last time we cruised it was at the end of Covid, so we had to get tested and show our covid vaccine cards, now I think that has changed. The cruise does have stores for items you might have forgotten. These stores are expensive, so it is better to be prepared than to mess with your fun money. Here is a list I complied before our family cruise for 7 days: cheap raincoats from dollar tree, umbrella, eyeglass repair kit, chargers/power strip/converter & cable organizer, Daily medications with a few more extra days, prewash so it you spill/tide pen, room freshener, dental floss, nail clippers, Imodium, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, cross body bag/backpack, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, aloe/after sun lotion, tweezers, needle & thread, Headphones or earbuds, Kleenex, individual packed snacks ; packaged nuts, protein bars for off boat activities, clothes, all personal items and toiletries, passport all boarding materials. Cash for street vendors, cabs/taxi, tour guides, and markets. I do order bottled water for my room; I put an electrolyte packet in one and I am good to go. I like a small backpack for off boat touring/activities.
Land/Excursions/Destination Days
You are allowed to plan fun days whether at home or somewhere else. I am naturally a planner and now with several health challenges I like to plan or see where I am going first. If we are away, I like the website, Viator, they have very reasonable trips or outings in most places. Many tour groups exist; I like them because I can usually get picked up at the hotel or very close to my location. They drop you off close to the entrance or right at the entrance and are there when we are done. I will take an uber or taxi to save my energy and do not have to roam around wherever I am. My husband and friends/family do not mind dropping me at a door or entrance, you simply must ask.
On all trips remember to hydrate, use and reapply sunblock and space activities out for rest. I do pay for playing and plan that into my days when I get home. Enjoy!
