Tips for Traveling with Parkinson’s Disease
People travel for many reasons – to see family, for business purposes, to explore new sites or just to relax and unwind. Traveling often brings unexpected challenges, especially for those with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, with proper and proactive planning, there is no need to let PD hold you back. This guide will discuss the most important considerations so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your travels.
Plan Early
Several weeks before departure, it is best to have an appointment with your neurologist. This visit can be used to confirm medication supplies, discuss timing adjustments for time-zone changes, and even get the names of local doctors at your destination (especially for international trips). Your doctor can also advise whether your health is stable enough for the type of travel planned.
Create a short, travel-specific checklist that includes a list of all medications (generic and non-generic names with doses), emergency contacts, insurance information, a written medical summary (with your diagnoses, allergies, recent tests, etc.) and copies of any advanced directives. Keep one copy in a carry-on bag (or personally on you) and leave one copy with a trusted person at home.
Consider Your Medications
Access to your medications is essential to ensuring that your vacation remains on track. Pack all doses in your carry-on and bring more than you need in case of unexpected delays. Also, make sure to always have on hand a list of your medications, including their doses, and schedule, to ensure compliance with your treatment regimen.
Also, ensure that all medications are in their original bottles with the name of the drug and your doctor’s name to avoid any kind of mix-up or confusion. These medications should be accessible at all points in your travels. In addition, make sure to pack water (or a refillable water bottle if flying) to take with the medications if needed.
Medication timing and changing time zones
A frequent question that a traveler with PD may have is: how should medication timing be adjusted when I am changing time zones?
One common strategy is to add a dose of medication for each 3-5 hour gain in time and take away a dose of medication for each 3-5 hour loss in time. For example – if you are traveling from the NYC to Los Angeles, you will be gaining 3 hours. On the day of travel, take one extra dose of medication. If you are traveling from NYC to London, you will lose 5 hours. On the day of travel, take one less dose of medication. This framework may need to be adjusted based on your individual circumstances and always discuss medication adjustments with your doctor before making changes.
Transportation Tips
Flying with Parkinson’s disease
All airline carriers provide accommodations for medical needs. This includes allowing personal care assistants to go beyond security checkpoints, the use of additional carry-on bags (if needed for medical supplies), and the use of devices such as canes and wheelchairs. Even if you do not normally use a wheelchair, consider requesting one. Although you may not need a wheelchair under normal everyday circumstances, going through security and getting to your gate on time (which can sometimes be a very long walk) can be challenging for anyone. Using all available tools is the smart way to go. Investigate your options and make these arrangements in advance to make your travel day as smooth as possible.
Traveling by Rail
Most passenger trains can accommodate wheelchairs and medical equipment, but it is best to check with the specific provider prior to arrival about individual needs so you and the train staff are prepared.
Taking a Bus
Most buses are equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts, along with free travel for a personal assistant or service animal.
Going on a Cruise
A cruise is a convenient travel option for those with specific needs. Those with mobility challenges can often be accommodated, and there is typically medical staff on board. Be sure to check accessibility of shore excursions. Again, it is important to find out your options and make necessary arrangements beforehand.
Driving
We often get asked, can you legally drive with Parkinson’s disease? The short answer is that while many people with PD can drive without issue, not everyone with PD can drive safely, and your driving ability can change along with the progression of the disease. However, traveling by car can be convenient and gives you the most control over your schedule. For shorter drivable distances, and especially if you have a travel partner who can share or handle the driving (if needed), road trips can be a great option! (Want to learn more about driving and PD? Check out two helpful webinars on the topic here and here.)
If you have any questions about whether any portion of your trip can accommodate your needs, always ask ahead of time! Most establishments will want to help you but may need time and details about your personal requirements to be most effective.
Managing symptoms of Parkinson’s While Traveling
Fatigue
Fatigue can be a significant non-motor symptom for people with PD and can be exacerbated by jet lag and active vacationing. Don’t over-schedule yourself and build time into your itinerary each day for some rest and downtime. You may not be able to have as active a vacation as you once did — that is OK! Take time to truly relax on your vacation.
Freezing of Gait
Freezing is a brief and involuntary inability to walk forward that can affect many people with PD. Many factors such as long days, uneven terrain, and crowds of people can increase the chance of having episodes of freezing of gait. To mitigate this issue, don’t over-schedule yourself and plan in a lot of rest. If a freezing episode occurs, practice strategies that help you (visual cues, rhythmic stepping, or cueing techniques recommended by your doctor). Inform your travel companions about what helps you get out of a freeze. Your physical therapist can help you prepare travel-specific mobility plans for all kinds of trips.
Eating, Hydration, and Restroom Access
Long travel days and time-zone fatigue can upset digestion. Be sure to carry snacks and foods that you are familiar with. Always make sure that you have water on hand. Dehydration can worsen symptoms and fatigue. Pack toilet paper, wet wipes, and a small towel for unexpected bathroom needs. Packing with just a few extra resources can reduce stress and help you stay more independent on trips.
Planning for Local Healthcare
All people with PD who are traveling should check their insurance coverage and health care options at their destination. Before departing, it would be best to check where healthcare facilities are in relation to your travels and save their contact details. If traveling internationally where a different language is spoken, have tools or assistance on hand to be able to communicate medical needs in a timely fashion (such as a language translation app on your smartphone or a printed list of common phrases needed in a medical situation). Also, ensure you have a means of transportation or assistance to get to these local facilities if needed (i.e., make sure you know how to call for an ambulance, a taxi, or what rideshare options are available). The time it takes to receive proper medical treatment can be crucial in the outcome of situations that may arise.
Plan for Flexibility
Travel can trigger anxiety about symptoms or the feeling of being dependent. Make sure to be open with your travel companions about your needs and limitations. Most people respond with kindness, so always ask for the help you need and accept it when offered. Incorporate buffer time into itineraries so one missed connection or activity doesn’t derail the rest of the trip. This could include allowing longer layovers to make flight connections, planning to stay longer at sites that require longer distance mobility, and adding in plenty of time for rest, meals, and bathroom breaks.
Most importantly, with some planning and adjustments, you can enjoy travel despite Parkinson’s disease. The benefits of exploring new places, bonding with travel partners, seeking new adventures, and creating special memories are worth the pre-travel efforts and accommodations. Whether for work or for play, whether close by or across the globe, a trip of any kind can add something special to your quality of life.
Tips & Takeaways
- Don’t let your PD symptoms keep you from traveling. If your doctor says it is safe for you to travel, go for it!
- Book a medical check-in 4-6 weeks before travel to review medications and safety.
- Carry all medications in a carry-on bag with a printed list and a prescriber letter for international travel.
- Tell the transportation service in advance about mobility needs, wheelchair accessibility, medical devices, etc.
- Take advantage of passenger support and assistance when possible.
- Plan for time-zone dosing with your doctor and set alarms to help stay on track with your medications.
- Pack snacks, water, and simple hygiene items.
- Monitor hydration and avoid long stretches without food or rest.
- Find local health services at your destinations and keep the contact info handy.
- Practice physical strategies for freezing and build rest breaks into your itinerary to prioritize comfort and accessibility.
This blog was written by Clark Jones, PhD, and was reviewed, edited, and approved by Dr. Rebecca Gilbert.