Traveling with the Parkinson’s Beast
“Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.” – Thomas Edison
As the summer temperatures peak and vacation travel does the same, my family and I were preparing for a week-long trip. However, this time, we were taking an unwanted guest along for the ride, the Parkinson’s beast. There is much written about travel and Parkinson’s. I’m sharing my perspective in the hopes of helping others to improve their own experiences.
Most of us understand the expression: “When you’ve seen one person with Parkinson’s, you‘ve seen one person with Parkinson’s.” The bundle of symptoms and health issues handed us are unique and different for each of us. At the same time, we share many issues in common.
When it comes to travel, I truly believe that good travel planning will enable you to have less stress and anxiety. My own focus and success have largely been based on good planning.
With these thoughts, I started writing then quickly paused and thought, wait a minute, why should I think about Parkinson’s at all on this trip? I told myself to forget about it, take a break and simply enjoy my travels. Then I pictured the Parkinson’s beast with a smile on his face. For sure, he won’t be on vacation or stop creating nasty symptoms for me.
My travels over the past years since diagnosis have been relatively good fighting with the beast. However, in all honesty it is a battle. My most recent trip I intentionally thought about what was going well and what was not so that I could share some ideas with you. With planning as my focus, I came up with an acronym that served me well during my travels: TRAVEL PLANS (see attached table).
The list isn’t intended to be comprehensive, but it covers the main areas you, like me, need to think about. I’ll keep it short and simple as you too may be rushing to the airport to take off for a relaxing destination.
We have returned and our trip went quite well. I was challenged at times when I didn’t account enough for the differences in time zones. The flashlight came in handy at an Airbnb. Overall though, good planning paid off once again.
I’d love to hear how you handle travel and what you do that works for you. Together, we can take down the barriers that the Parkinson beast challenges us with related to travel or at least lower them so that the risks can be reduced somewhat.
Vacations are great and I recognize that all travel isn’t about vacations. Other things happen that require travel. Either way, planning can make it easier. Remember that if you have a plan, you can change it. Be adaptable, learn from each travel experience and most of all, have a safe and enjoyable trip!
I wish you good fortune as you travel down the road!
TRAVEL PLANS
T.R.A.V.E.L.
T - Time
Plan for extra time; account for changing time zones add time for potential delays.
R - Relax / Rest
Build in time to rest, pace yourself, be self-aware and enjoy the moment.
A - Alarms
Set alarms for medications, stretching, or movement reminders (i.e. stop sitting).
V - Value
Focus on what matters most - enjoying the experience because you know you are prepared
E - Exercise
Keep moving when possible - even short walks or stretches help. You can do it where ever you
are.
L - Lists (Trip Preparation & Prescriptions)
Use checklists for clothes, gear, documents, home readiness (i.e. stop the mail)
Carry a printed list of prescriptions and dosages, give it to a care giver or friend
P.L.A.N.S.
P - Pills
Pack all medications, plus extras, in separate place in case of delays or lost baggage
L – Light
Pack a flashlight and night light. Be aware of unfamiliar locations in the dark. Falls are a top issue for Parkinson’s
A - Accessibility
Plan in advance for accessible transportation, lodging, and attractions.
N - Nutrition
Bring healthy snacks and hydrate regularly - fuel your body.
S - Sleep
Prioritize quality rest before and during the trip. Revitalize with a 20 minute nap
