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Travelling with Multiple Sclerosis

eFeature - Travelling with Multiple Sclerosis

Just because you've got MS doesn't mean you can't go on holiday, whether you are staying in the UK or abroad. There are just a few extra things you need to think about and plan beforehand and we have put together a list of MS & holiday related questions and links on finding a holiday, preparing for a holiday, travelling with MS, carer or disabled traveller.

Does climate affect MS symptoms?

When organising a trip, take into account the climate of your destination. Heat and humidity affect people differently. Some people can feel more tired than usual, their vision might become a bit blurred or they may feel a loss of balance. The most important thing to remember though is although these symptoms can be unpleasant, they don't last and they won't cause any permanent damage.

If you are travelling somewhere warm, there are things you can do to keep yourself cool. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated. Using cooling sprays, gels or having cold baths or showers, can help increase energy levels. It's best to avoid strenuous exercise if the heat is making you feel unwell.

What about medication?

When on your travels you'll need to be able to explain why you're carrying medication with you. Your doctor will write a letter to take with you in case you asked. Don't forget to make an appointment before arranging a trip.

It is important to think about how you will store your medication when going on holiday - not only once you reach your destination but also while you are on your way there. Depending on which medication you are taking, there may be certain storage requirements. Some interferon betas need to be kept refrigerated. In which case you will need to travel with a cool bag.

If you're flying, remember to keep your cool bag with you as it will freeze in the baggage hold. And don't forget the cool bag you use must have been validated to ensure the correct temperature is maintained long enough.

Consider how long you will be away for. Will you have enough medication to take with you? If you are away for some time, it may be that your need supplies sent to you while you are on holiday. Discuss this with your doctor or MS Nurse as you might have to purchase private prescriptions or arrange special export licences.

What about immunisation or vaccination?

There is no reason why you shouldn't have any vaccinations needed to travel abroad. Any risk of complications with vaccinations, is no greater that for people without MS. That said, some vaccines should not be given while taking certain medications. Bearing this in mind, always make sure your doctor knows about all the medications you are taking and any vaccinations you are considering.

Click here for further information on vaccinations from the MS Trust.

What about holiday insurance?

Before travelling, getting a good insurance policy is important for piece of mind, even if staying in this country. Frequently, companies will try and sell you insurance as part of a package deal. Be careful because these policies often exclude cover if medical problems already exist. It's best to be up front about your health and any changes before your trip. That way you can rest assured that you'll be fully covered.

What if I get unwell when I'm away?

Before you leave, it's a good idea to have the details of local hospitals or clinics near where you are staying. In addition, it may be of value to get in touch with the embassy of the country you intend to visit. In the event that you do have any problems, your own embassy may be able to help you.

Click here for the Department of Health's emergency checklist and details on getting medical treatment abroad.

What other things might I need to consider?

It's sensible to think about whether there is any extra help you need, both at the airport or where you are staying. Practically speaking, it might be finding ways of avoiding lots of stairs or steep inclines. Advance warning is the best way to make sure you needs are met. It's well worth contacting the airport and travel company before you leave if you have any requests.

Click here for further details on UK airports.

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Travelling with MS Links

MS and Travel
Advice by Dr Jules Eden on travelling with MS.

Vaccinations and MS
An FAQ from the MS Trust that gives details of the impact of vaccinations on MS and what injections to avoid.

Travelling with Chronic Diseases
This feature from the Net Doctor website gives details on the issues that arise if you have a chronic disease and are planning on travelling. Issues such as medicines, insurance, risks and exercises are discussed.

Medical Conditions and Fitness to Fly
British Airways provide detailed information on a variety of medical conditions and how each impacts on your ability to fly.

Taking Medicines out of the Country
This advice from the Department of Health gives hints and tips of things to do before you travel, and explains the procedure for taking your medication with you on holiday.

Travel Insurance
FAQs from the MS Society site that asks, what kind of problems can you experience and what should you consider when choosing insurance.

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Holidays

Britains Favourite Holidays
This is a feature from the Channel 4 website that gives a countdown from 20 of Britain's favourite holidays spots. There are general details on each area, including the number of visitors who went there last year, and some website links for more information. There are the destinations you would expect and a few surprises.

Channel 4 Holiday Site
The Channel 4 site offers you the details on where to stay, the latest deals, competitions, and reviews. The community section allows you to write a review, recommend somewhere to stay and talk to other travellers in the chatroom.

Guardian Travel
This section of the online newspaper offers features and up to the minute travel information, such as the new baggage allowances for airlines. There are features on Poland, Denmark and France, as well as competitions, bargain holidays and flights available.

Cottages and Villas
The Holiday Bank website allows you to search their database for a villa, cottage or chalet. This can be done via location type or holiday or type of accommodation. There is a wide variety of accommodation available from ski chalets in France to apartments in Botswana, cottages in the Lake District and villas with pools in the Canaries.

Responsible Travel
As the name suggests, this site aims to offer holidays that benefit rather than impact local communities around the world. That said it offers some of the more unusual holidays, such as a Great White Shark Safari or sailing down the Nile. You can search by activity (eg family holiday, honeymoon etc), accommodation or location.

Looking for Something to Do?
Want to find something different to do on holiday or just find out what is happening when your visiting, then this site could help. It could be that you're looking for a European weekend break to coincide with a jazz festival. Or you want to find something different to do with the kids on your holiday to France. The site offers a huge variety of information on festivals, events happening plus things to do around the globe.

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Carers

Carers Take a Break
This short article gives details of the things you have to consider as a carer if you are planning a holiday.

Planning a Holiday
A feature from the Princess Royal Trust for Carers on how to plan a holiday. It gives information and detailed resources on where to get help, including travel companies, respite care and even how to get there. The whole aim is to encourage carers to take a break and this article takes you through all the steps to help this.

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The Disabled Traveller

Tourism for All
This charity has over twenty years' experience in helping disabled people enjoy travelling.  There are details of accessible holidays, accommodation and attractions, plus details of respite care throughout the UK.

Accessible Travel
This site offers holidays to South Africa, Australia, United States, Canada, cruises and city breaks. It is aimed at people who are slow walkers, mature travellers, wheelchair users and their friends and family. The site gives not only details (and costs) of the accommodation but also attractions around it and accessibility details.

Holiday Care
A travel company with over twenty years experience specialising in travelling with a disabled or elderly person. There is information on access advice, respite care and accommodation. You can also search for accommodation, buy a guide or find the latest bargains.

Disability Travel Resources
This is a comprehensive database of links from around the globe. These include destinations, travelling, tips and advice, books to buy, travel guides and specialized companies. An amazing site that helps you discover how you can complain to an airline, of find accessible hotels in Utah, cruises, children's holidays, camping holidays or even a discussion forum.

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Before you Travel

Why not get the low-down on the place your staying, or find out how to pack? Maybe find a guide, government or medical advice, or just check the weather?

The Travel Insider
A site that allows you to get information to help you plan your holiday and save money. There are various sections on the site like how to book and buy travel, travel planning, airline reviews, and security stories. The 'Reference Materials' section is also very useful, offering information on different airplane types and a list of banned carry on items.

Weather
This site allows you to check the weather both in the United Kingdom and worldwide. One great feature is the destination finder. Choose the sort of weather you want, along with the type of holiday you want, and it will find a variety of options for you. There are maps, sun and health information, and you can also examine the weather on all major roads and receive weather updates via your mobile phone.

Holiday Tips
This article from the Channel 4 website offers tips on various aspects of holidays. From how to pack, organise your trip, where to go and how to compromise.

Travel Medicine
There is a huge database of travel medicine information on this site. It offers information on foreign entry requirements, country specific disease and contact information and a medical travel guide (PDF Format). A recommended site.

Health and Travel
This site is from the World Health Organisation and gives details and a guide on how to travel healthily. There are details on diseases and what diseases can be found in what country. But this site also gives a travellers' checklist, details on travelling by air, accidents, health risks and injuries. If you have any queries about your health and where you are travelling this site will prove a useful resource.

Travel and Health
Health advice from the Department of Health. The site gives details on how to get treatment from hospitals around the world, the latest health updates, planning a holiday and how to travel safely abroad.

Is it Safe?
The Government provides details on travelling abroad. There are updates on countries, travel warnings, advice, FAQs and what to do if your holiday goes wrong.

The Useful Currency Converter
This website allows you to convert any currency from around the world. So if you need to convert English Pounds to Nigerian Naira or Australian Dollars into Indian Rupees this site is for you.

Tourism Concern
Tourism Concern has been working since 1989 to raise awareness of the negative impacts of tourism, economic, cultural, environment and social. The site offers details on their campaigns; it also has a bookshop where you can purchase their alternative travel guide.

Fodors Travel Guides
This site gives details on all the Fodors Guides that are published and allows you to buy them. So if you are looking for a map of Chicago or a guide to the Caribbean this is for you. The best thing about this site is the Fodors.com resources. The rants and rave section gives a rating system on any of the attractions in area, such as Mexico. There is a travel chatroom and an excellent advice area. Well worth a visit when planning your trip.

Holiday TravelWatch
This guide gives details on what to do if you are not happy with your holiday. There are letters of complaint that you can download, contacts and a five-step plan of complaint.

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The information and reference materials contained in this page are intended solely for the information of the reader. They should not be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician. MSActiveSource.co.uk (maintained by Tangent 90 Limited) does not control or edit these pages and can therefore not assume responsibility for their content. All visitors to the site agree to read and abide by the complete terms of the legal disclaimer.

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Page last updated: 22 Jun 2010

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