Do you find the thought of travel daunting? Do you worry about finding the home comforts you need? Here are some suggestions to making travel enjoyable and accessible with pain and fatigue.

1. Good planning- start low, go slow. Choosing how,where and when you travel is essential. Cruising is probably the easiest for people with pain and fatigue. You are able to settle into one place for a period of time. You do not have to navigate ,make connections or deal with busy airports or train stations. You can also retreat to the comfort of your cabin for rest and relaxation at any time. Train travel is also relaxing because you can move around, it is a fast and reasonably smooth ride. Car travel gives you the option of stopping and taking breaks at your leisure.Neck pillows help improve posture. A navigation system will take the stress out of getting lost. Rear vision screens are also help for reverse parking. A smaller car is easier to park. Lower back support helps with a pillow or lumbar roll and heated seats are heaven but you can use a heat pack or hot water bottle. Music helps relax you while you drive. Air travel can be difficult because of the small seats, long distances and drying environment. You need to be well equipped with hand luggage containing all you need in case your checked luggage goes missing. This means taking your medication, change of clothes, neck pillow, heating pad, support stockings, eyepads and earplugs, headphones and music and relaxation tapes. You need a note from your doctor regarding your medication for security. Using a small bumbag or backpack will help keep your valuables together and make them easily accessible. Luggage should be on wheels with long comfortable handles. Pack light. Easy wash and wear layered coordinated clothing is the way to go. Make sure you have comfortable support shoes. A lumbar corset will support your back and add strength for lifting and carrying and sitting. Plan your packing well in advance with a list. You need a week to try different things out and make sure you are not carrying too much or too little. Meals on planes can be heavy and unpalatable. Vegetarian can be a good option as you get more fresh fruit and vegetables. Drink plenty of water to counteract the dry environment. Caffeine and alcohol at dehydrating and should be avoided. You need to get up and stretch every couple of hours to reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs and wiggling the feet and toes helps while you are sitting. Bus travel is probably the least comfortable for people with pain and fatigue because they are small seats ,long distances and you cannot determine when you can take a break stop. However you don’t have to drive yourself and they can serve smaller places where trains and planes are not easily available.
2. The destination -going local is probably the easiest and quickest. Houses and apartments give you a little more room and kitchen facilities than hotels. At hotels check the check-in and checkout times to help plan your rest breaks .Sometimes they will accommodate early check-in and late checkouts.Centrally located hotels will give you better access to transport and the sights. A concierge can be very helpful for getting you around and booking events. Dealing with jetlag requires extra rest, help with sleep such as melatonin or sleeping tablets for the first 1 to 2 nights and getting enough sunlight to tell the Pineal gland it is daytime. You need three hours exposure soon after you arrive. Associated with a short walk it will help you adapt to the jetlag. Allow adequate time between connections on international flights at least 3 to 4 hours to allow for transit through security and for getting from one gate to another which can be quite long distances. Access to a lounge will help you rest, take a shower, relax and stretch. Going out of peak times will mean that there are less crowds to deal with in the airports and tourist spots. Midday flights also tend to be less crowded. The more “exotic” your destination the more planning is involved. For instance going to a third world country will involve vaccinations and food and drink hygiene. You need to check with your doctor or a travel doctor.
3. Backup -travel insurance provides reassurance that should the worst happen such as a car accident you will have affordable access to medical help. Having contacts in the destination you are heading for provides local knowledge and good backup for accommodation should delays occur or plans become disrupted. Travelling with an accompanying person provides backup in case of emergencies, can assist with carrying and lifting and checking in when you are tired. Good communication is vital. Global roaming phones and laptops are helpful. A copy of your valuables such as passport and travel insurance documents at home with your travel agent helps in case they go missing. Travel itineraries with family and friends helps for them to get a message to you.