Travel Essentials

It is that time of year when fun, sun, and adventures are calling, but how early is too early to prepare for a holiday? With a disability, it's never too early; in fact, it's key to getting away.
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First, you need to make sure you have enough medication not only for the trip plus spares but also for the run-up to the holiday and medication for when you get back, so you have the right amount to cover you to place a new prescription. 

Now that the medication has been checked, let's get our medical equipment ready. If you need to take medical equipment (wheelchair, CPAP, etc.), you first need to contact the airline or ferry company and let them know you will need to bring this with you and information about your equipment such as weight and dimensions of your equipment. You will then be asked to fill in forms requiring a doctor's signature, depending on the company policy, and you are advised to bring an instruction booklet for the staff handling your equipment.

Finding appropriate accommodation can be tricky as it's not just the breakfast deal people with disabilities must look at. If you need a wheelchair or oxygen, then your accommodation must be accessible. They must also be able to store equipment and pass safety checks, especially with oxygen as this is a fire hazard. The local fire brigade will have to complete these checks on the building. Your oxygen supplier will also need the contact details of the place you are staying.

Next up is vaccinations. It's not just about vaccines for specific destinations like the malaria jab. If you have a weak immune system, you must ensure all your vaccinations, including COVID-19, are current. Travel increases your exposure to people and, consequently, your risk of picking up an infection.

Of course, we want to believe that holidays will always go well, but that’s not guaranteed, especially if you have health complications. So, you’ll need an up-to-date medical note with your condition and medication and contact for your doctor or team. This could be used for security at the airport in case they stop your bag or when you are in a different country and in need of help.

The journey. Where to start? Steep steps on ferries, crowded lifts, miles of airport corridors, prohibitive drop off parking fees........

You have made it to your destination, and you are ready to start your holiday. Now to unpack, not just clothes and toiletries but also medication. They must be stored in a cool, dry place with little sunlight exposure, and some medications must be refrigerated. As you enjoy your holiday, you use up medication, which leaves you with boxes, blister-packs bottles and, in some cases, needles. This leads to hotel bins filling up. Disposing of the waste correctly is essential, but it feels embarrassing because of the amount.

With the fun of being on holiday, it can be challenging to stay on schedule but isn't the point of a holiday to forget the everyday tasks? A person with a disability cannot do this when it comes to their health. Even if it impacts holiday plans, staying on point with medication and treatment is a must-do.

All too soon it is time to come home, and now it is a repeat of what was done before. Packing what is left of medication (this is much easier to do), sorting out medical equipment. Checking with the airline and airport to ensure they are ready to transport equipment and or oxygen.

Now that you are home there is just one more thing left to do. Re-order medication you are low on so that you do not run out between the GP confirming the prescription and the local pharmacy getting stock ready to pick up.

Going on holiday is often seen as essential to people's overall health, and there are many benefits to having a break. However, there are so many barriers to someone with medical needs being able to travel that it can often make going on holiday impossible or unaffordable. Frequently, it feels like you need a holiday from the holiday planning.