If you have arthritis you will mostly know many ways to deal with the symptoms on a daily basis. It is important to remember your condition and be prepared for any problems you could face, when you are planning a holiday or a trip which may be different from your daily schedule. Some tips on how to look after yourself and your condition before and during your travels,

  • Consult your doctor before making any reservations. Your doctor may give you some very helpful tips and a checklist of things you should or shouldn’t do when away from home. You may require extra arthritis medication for your trip or a medical letter of consent so you can take your medication with you to your destination.
  • When choosing a destination see if it is suitable for your condition. You may want to be active but remember to balance your activity with equal amount of rest, do not get over excited and try to over-do things. When booking a hotel make sure it has easy access to the markets and site seeing areas as it may not be possible to get transport all the time. If your hotel is on top of a hill this could cause a lot of problem as up-hill climb can be very taxing.
  • Try making air travel as comfortable and painless as possible. When choosing a flight try to book a non-stop flight, as that means less walking between flights in huge terminals. Choose seats with more legroom, request a wheel chair for the full journey departure and arrival, when you are in-flight move around the cabin to reduce stiffness in hips, knees and back.
  • Do your exercises while sitting in your seat during a flight. Ankle rotation and leg stretches. They help in relieving the stiffness from sitting in one position for a long time. Sit in a right posture that is comfortable to your body, ask for pillows from the flight staff if you are not comfortable.
  • Choose your suitcase with care, pick a light weight with trolley so moving around is easy. Pack all your essential things, try not to load your suitcase with unnecessary baggage.
  • When carrying your medication remember to carry some in your purse and some in the hand baggage and the rest of the supply in the main luggage, in case of an emergency the medication is easily accessible. When booking a room make sure it has a fridge as arthritis medicines need to be kept cool.
  • Drink water as warm climate tends to dry our body sooner than cold climate areas. So drink water regularly and stay hydrated. Drinking to much alcohol and smoking can also dehydrate the body fast and worsen the symptoms of arthritis.
  • Think about the activities planned for your trip. Do not try to do anything strenuous as it will be harmful for your condition and maybe ruin the whole trip.
  • Use heat and ice therapy while travelling carry your heating pads and cold wraps with you. They are very helpful.
  • Providing support to your joints while travelling is also a good idea. Your doctor could suggest what is most helpful to you in your condition.