Rehabilitation Services

Newspaper Column

The favorite time of year for most of us to travel is between June and the crisp days of autumn. If you or your loved ones are hesitant about making travel plans because of age or physical limitations, think again. So many improvements have been made in accommodations, transportation and public and private facilities, which almost anyone can design a trip around any special needs that might exist.

The first thing to consider in preliminary planning is whether you prefer a group tour with designated sightseeing, meal stops and hotels or a personally crafted vacation with only family or friends. The latter gives the traveler much more latitude in choosing when and where to stop, eat and stay, but group travel provides opportunities for making new friends and freedom from the responsibility of making daily decisions. If you prefer group travel, many well-planned and reliable tours are available from AARP, The Smithsonian Institution, various college alumni associations and banks.

Your physical limitations should be considered as you plan your travels. For instance, if you have bad knees or stiff joints, you would want to avoid a tour that requires a great deal of walking. If you would like to know more about traveling with disabilities, contact the Society for the Advancement of Travel for the Handicapped (SATH). This organization can be contacted by telephone at 1-212-447-7284 or email, SATHTRAVEL@aol.com. The website is www.sath.org.

Consider enlisting the help of a good, experienced travel agent if you decide to plan your own trip. The agent will know which properties have handicapped parking, rooms and bathrooms, and can find out if stairs are involved and what the distances are from rooms to dining and entertainment facilities. A good travel agent can also steer you to restaurants that can meet a wide range of dietary needs.

While you are pondering the type and duration of the trip you want to take, be sure to think about cruising. In addition to help for passengers with special needs, cruise ships offer vast arrays of wonderful food and drink, great entertainment, and opportunities to participate in all sorts of activities and learning experiences.

Before you finalize your plans, and certainly before you make a deposit on a trip, make an appointment with your physician. Some things you should discuss with the doctor include:

Now you are ready to launch into your final phase of your pre-travel regimen. Check your personal insurance, arrange for travel insurance and notify the insurer of any pre-existing conditions. Be sure your coverage includes international travel, if you are going outside of the United States.

Ready to pack? Make sure you carry your medications in your carry on bag. Pack lightly; most hotels have laundry facilities. Take comfortable clothing that can layer according to temperature changes. Be sure to include two pairs of comfortable walking shoes and include a hat and compact travel rain suit and telescoping umbrella. Also, a folding cane may come in handy. Use lightweight luggage with shoulder straps and/or wheels. Take plenty of one-dollar bills to tip skycaps or porters.

As you prepare to leave, be sure that you are well rested. Build your travel schedule around rest periods so you won’t get overly tired. As you travel, prevent stiffness with simple exercises such as ankle circles, shoulder circles, wrist and hand exercises, leg lifts and walking or jogging in place. Do not push yourself. If you become tired, do not hesitate to request a wheelchair or motorized cart. You will enjoy your trip more if you start each day rested and refreshed.

Drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-carbonated fluids and be careful with the types of food you eat and the water you drink. Make it a policy to peel your own fruit and drink bottled water unless you are in a reliable hotel or restaurant. Eat lightly before and during travel.

Above all, have a wonderful vacation free of any worries or problems!

Alison Hogan, CTRS, is a certified recreation therapy specialist with HSC Medical Center.