by Maeve Ferns, Services Support Officer
Planning for long distance travel arrangements
- Do your homework – how are you travelling?
- What sort of places will you visit?
- What type of accommodation will you be staying in?
Travel bags and suitcases
- Choose the right suitcase and carry bag – decide whether a push type case or a pull case is best.
- Are the straps the correct size, for carrying or lifting?
- Pack light.
Medications
- Make sure to bring all the medications you will require during your holiday.
- Bring contact information for your GP/consultant, in-date prescriptions and your health insurance information.
- Consider keeping all the required medications for each leg of your journey in your hand luggage.
- Maybe divide medications between bags, in case a bag is lost en route.
- Prior to travelling, inform the travel company that you will be travelling with prescribed medications.
- Ask if the travel company has any specific requirements relating to medications.
- Ensure you use an adequate cooler bag (test for temperature maintenance and length of cooling time prior to travelling) to transport medications which require being maintained at a specific temperature.
- Research a method of replacing medications at your holiday destination prior to the trip – the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland can be contacted directly at info@psi.ie with queries relating to going abroad and sourcing medications in particular countries.
- Take into account advice from your GP/consultant regarding medications and sun sensitivity and suitable sun screens.
While on the journey
- If going by car, stop regularly to stretch and walk.
- If travelling by plane, train or bus, maybe request the aisle seat in order that it is possible to stand up often, to stretch and walk.
Accommodation
- Pick accommodation carefully – if required, make sure there is access to lifts, or perhaps request ground level accommodation.
- Consider the need for a refrigerator in order to keep medications at a specific temperature or to store snacks and drinks to be taken with medications.
- Take into account distances from accommodation to restaurants and leisure activities.
- Look for heated swimming pools.
Other considerations
- Carry a letter from your GP/consultant regarding any metal joint implants.
- Remember any aids which are required to make holiday time more enjoyable.
- Bring details of any specific travel insurance for arthritis.
- Remember to stay hydrated always.
Most importantly have a wonderful holiday!