A spinal cord injury is something that will change many aspects of your life overnight, and there are lots of ‘normal’ day-to-day considerations that may feel very different or difficult, such as going on holiday for the first time.
Many may assume that they can no longer enjoy such activities, and the recovery journey is not easy, but most can return to some sense of normalcy. Here at Aspire Law, we have compiled a checklist of considerations that someone dealing with an SCI might want to think about before going on holiday again for the first time.
Do your research on the holiday location
It helps a great deal to gain an understanding of your potential destination to know exactly what to expect when you get there. As a first holiday, you may want to go somewhere that is easily wheelchair accessible and offers an overall enjoyable experience that can cater to your needs and requirements.
Once you have a destination in mind, it all comes down to establishing the right accommodation. This is an important factor, considering that this will be your temporary home for the holiday period.
Wheelchair accessibility is the main concern for someone with a spinal cord injury as you want to be able to travel to and from places and relax with ease. Additional amenities such as disabled parking or an accessible swimming pool is something that will set hotels and resorts apart from less abiding places.
Spontaneous trips are exciting, but things could quickly turn sour if you are unaware of what to expect. Planning your trip can help put your mind at rest when you first start to go on holiday after your injury. It is also helpful not to assume everywhere either understands what wheelchair access means or has it.
Make a note of the places you would like to visit and look into any restrictions that may limit you from experiencing any of them. Make sure you know:
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What your insurance will cover you for and if it includes any damage to wheelchairs or equipment
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Where the nearest hospital is and ensures you have enough medication and some spare with you in case of any emergencies
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Which local destinations provide wheelchair accessible options, and what you plan to do at each location
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Whether local cultural norms might affect any of your routines.
Get medical advice before you go
You may wish to seek professional advice before travelling so you can ensure you have enough medical supplies and any other items that may be useful whilst you are away. A doctor can advise you about whether it is safe to travel in your specific condition if you have a very high-level injury and what you can do to mitigate any risks. With issues such as thermoregulation in mind, your doctor may be able to advise on the best techniques to ensure you remain safe and well on your travels.
Plan travel ahead of time
Most people will consider travel options based on the best price or simply for pleasure purposes. With a spinal cord injury, it takes more thought – meaning that you need to choose the option that is most accessible to you. Air travel can be difficult for those with a high-level spinal cord injury and even paraplegics may find cabin pressure and limits to toilet access difficult to manage. If you have a high-level injury you may wish to consider if it is possible to travel by car, ferry or sea to the location.
If you are looking to rent a vehicle to travel to or around your holiday destination, consider that not all rental companies will have wheelchair friendly vehicles or hand controls available, and some may limit interstate travel in countries such as Australia with hand controls. We recommend that you plan your rental far in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Plan for emergencies
Dealing with a spinal cord injury means the days of packing ‘light’ can feel well and truly over. When you start going on holiday after your injury, we suggest you plan for any and every contingency until you become used to what you really need. Pack every essential, even if you think you might not need it. Does your accommodation provide equipment such as shower chairs? Or will you have to pack your own? It’s essential to ask before assuming. Ensure you have surplus medication in case you are delayed and pack some in hand luggage in case your suitcase becomes lost or damaged.
Look into travel insurance
Travel insurance is something everyone needs before travelling abroad, but many travel companies will only supply basic cover, so you need to make sure that the policy meets your requirements before travelling. You must inform the travel company that you have a pre-existing medical condition for them to provide the correct policy, and that may come at an additional cost, but it means you will be covered for your SCI should anything happen.
It’s normal to have concerns or feel worried about what to expect when travelling with a spinal cord injury, but the more you travel, the more accustomed you will become. Until you know how your body responds to travelling, it’s better to take every possible precaution. Planning will help you take control of your spinal cord injury so you can enjoy your holiday in peace.
We’re a Different Kind of Law Firm
Aspire Law is a specialist law firm, working for people with SCI. We help and support everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Want to talk about air travel? Get in touch: just give us a call on 0800 030 20 40.
