Traveling for me always conjures thoughts of peace, relaxation and whatever new exciting adventures are in store upon my arrival. Flying off to some distant land I’ve never been before, meeting the locals, immersing myself in their culture, experiencing local cuisine, and finding some adrenaline rushing excursion or two have always been high on my list when I travel. Yet, life is different for me now after surviving a brain aneurysm and spinal cord stroke. Yes, I’ve had to dial a few things back and I’ve had to do occasional rethinking, but one thing that hasn’t changed is my motivation to live my life.
When prepping to set off to wherever I’m going, doing my due diligence means lots of pre-planning to avoid unnecessary surprises. Ultimately, you want to spend your entire time away smiling, happy, and stress-free. However, all the preparation in the world isn’t going to catch everything — when surprises pop up, try not to freeze. Just approach the problem with an open mind and find another path. In other words, handrails may not always be on the side you need them on so adapt, turn around, and put them where you need them.
Here are 7 travel tips to consider for your next trip:
1. Do your homework on the place you would like to travel.
Think about what it is that you wish to see and do and keep things simple.
Are the hotels rooms, elevators, and restaurants accessible?
Consider traveling during off-season to avoid large crowds, especially if you’re walking assisted or using a wheelchair.
Consider travel insurance just in case you get hurt or sick.
Let the airlines know when purchasing your tickets and again the day of travel that you need assistance to and from the gates.
Consider acquiring a TSA Global Entry card which allows you 5 years of TSA pre-check for your domestic departures and global entry from foreign locations back into US Passport Control, which avoids delays.
If you arrive at the airport early or if you have long layovers between flights and you don’t mind splurging, consider getting a day pass at one of the airline’s Admiral Clubs just to get away from all the noise in the concourse. You can sit in peace and quiet until it’s time for your flight and even get a nice nap in a comfortable chair. If this isn’t an option, consider a noise canceling headset.
For international travel, consider enrolling for free in the STEP Program with the US Department of State for the country you’re choosing to visit. This advises the US Embassy in the country you’re traveling to of your travel plans and hotel, should you unexpectedly need the embassy’s services.
December 9, 2016 in Nepal at the Mount Everest Hotel at 13,000 feet. Flew in by helicopter for champagne breakfast and asked perfect strangers to join me in a toast. A Japanese lady asked what we were toasting and I said life! She loved it!
2. Think about the ultimate goal you wish to achieve on your vacation.
This is something important to consider with a disability because some goals can substantially rebuild your confidence and make you feel good long after the vacation is over. Goals also have the ability to calm your trauma and bring closure to what causes you to be focused more on your limitations instead of the present and living your life. In other words, goals have the ability to help you let go. Therefore, consider choosing goals that bring you happiness. You can also center an entire vacation around a specific goal. That said, remember it’s still acceptable if an excursion doesn’t work out as planned because of unforeseen circumstances. Allow yourself grace when working toward goals!
3. Consider your plan for managing your energy.
Whether walking or experiencing your adventure from a wheelchair, be cautious about overdoing it each day, especially if you are challenged proprioceptively. It’s easy for the little things to get us here, like too much sun and dehydration. Therefore, what you do today always helps to improve tomorrow. Remember something else about vacationing: this is the new you, not the old you. Allow yourself to need more time or even call off a plan if the excursion won’t serve you. Talk to yourself as if you are talking to someone else in your situation. Remember, it is about you enjoying your adventure not about the pre-trip fantasy.
4. Consider hiring a guide.
This is a great option if available and affordable because they know all the ins and outs of what you’re attempting to do and wish to see. That said, hiring a guide can make your experience much more enjoyable by letting them get your tickets in advance and avoiding the crowds. Something else that’s great about having a guide is it helps to bring you back into the world of being social again if this is your first vacation since your trauma began.
5. Pace yourself.
Try to avoid doing too much each day. The idea is to be able to have time enjoying everything you planned. Make sure in your plan you schedule downtime like late mornings, long lunches, and occasional afternoon naps. Consider driving excursions, a train, or even a boating adventure to lessen your time on your feet if you’re walking. Maybe even treat yourself to occasional room service.
6. Consider journaling your adventure at the end of each day.
If you’re disabled by a stroke or any other form of disability, I would highly recommend bringing a tablet or even journaling in your notes on your phone. Make note of what brought you happiness each day and describe as best you can some of the little details. This may not be something you like doing, but it actually has the ability to become part of a daily inspiration. I guarantee you down the road this is really great in helping you on difficult days. When I go on vacations, I usually look for something to enlighten me or bring some sort of inspiration I can write about and read later to bring me strength. This is also where I go in my mind during physical therapy. Journaling is one of many tools I use in my recovery process!
7. It’s a vacation, so enjoy yourself!
With a little forward thinking, pre-planning, and thoughtful execution, your next vacation can be an inspiring and motivational experience that stays with you long after you unpack your bags.
Do you or someone you know struggle with planning a vacation because of a physical disability or recovery complication? I encourage you to share this post’s tips and start a valuable conversation about turning dreams of adventure into trips booked on the calendar.