Dr Sarah Jarvis is the Clinical Director of the Patient Platform, an active medical writer, broadcaster, and the resident doctor for BBC Radio 2.
If you have arthritis or mobility issues, there’s absolutely no reason you can’t enjoy the holiday of your dreams – although you may want to steer clear of bungee jumping or mountain climbing! Some forward planning is the key to being able to relax and enjoy yourself to the full.
Before You Go
Consider the weather. Humidity, temperature and rainfall can all affect your joints – but barometric (atmospheric) pressure, caused by the weight of the air around you, seems to have more of an impact than any of the others. Damp, windy days with low barometric pressure may be worse for your joints – although some people find they get more joint pain in hot weather, possibly related to fluid retention. Book a destination where the weather is likely to suit your joints.
Look into accommodation. If you have limited mobility or use a wheelchair, reaching your destination and discovering you can’t access your room would be a nightmare. If you’re booking self-catering accommodation, check it’s accessible for your needs before you book it.
Contact your hotel. Most hotels can offer you a ground-floor or accessible room if you contact them in advance. Let them know if you need a wheelchair-accessible room.
Sightseeing safely. Walking on uneven terrain increases the risk of falls and injuries – take this into account if you’re pre-booking outings at your destination. If you’re booking an inclusive trip, ask your travel agent or search online for accessible holidays.
Order your medication well in advance. You should pack enough to last the whole of your trip and a couple of weeks’ extra supply, in case of emergencies or delays.
Your medication and your skin. Check with your pharmacist if your medications could make your skin more sun-sensitive. Take extra precautions with your packing if this could be an issue, to make sure you keep your skin protected.
Keep it cool. Some medications, including biologic medications taken by injection, need to be kept cool at all times. You can buy small portable plug-in medication fridges, which can be powered by a battery or plugged in. For shorter trips, cool packs with reusable ice packs will keep your medication cool for several hours (but do make sure the hotel is happy to freeze them for you for your departure). Make sure there’s a fridge at your destination to keep your medication in.
Write me a letter. Depending on what medication you’re travelling with and where you’re going, you may need a letter from your doctor. See our guide to travelling with medication for more information.
Is it legal? Many stronger painkillers are controlled drugs, and there are different restrictions depending on the country you’re visiting. Check the Government website’s list of controlled drugs. For other medications, check the embassy website of your destination.
Tablet timing. If you’re travelling across time zones, it’s important to check if you need to alter the timing of your medications. Your pharmacist can give advice on how to adjust the timing of regular injections or tablets.
Check your route. All UK airports, most train stations, and many London underground stations have step-free access. However, it’s worth mapping out the whole of your route to ensure they have accessible access.
Prebook airport assistance. UK airports offer free assistance for people with mobility issues. This includes helping you to your transport, getting you safely to your seat and ensuring your luggage is stowed. This needs to be booked at least 48 hours in advance – check the airport website for details of what they provide and how you can access it.
Travelling by train. For train journeys, download the Passenger Assistance app for all GB railway lines. This allows you to search for your journey on the app, select your access needs and submit a request. The request is sent directly to the train company, which will send you a confirmation email. You can also phone them on 0300 022 3720 up to 2 hours before you travel to ask for assistance.
Get insured. Even if you’re travelling to a destination covered by the GHIC (formerly EHIC), it’s essential to take out specialist travel insurance which covers pre-existing conditions, including arthritis – such as Medical Travel Compared.
Consider a trial run. If you don’t travel regularly, you may not know how long you can sit still without being very stiff or uncomfortable when you get up. This is a particular issue if you’re travelling by bus or car, when you can’t get up and walk around as you can on a train or plane. Think about doing a trial run, and build in as many stops as you need for your journey.
Time your flights and transfers. It may be tempting to save a few pounds by getting up at the crack of dawn to travel to an early flight. But travelling can be especially physically demanding if you have arthritis. And tiredness can make your symptoms worse. Consider a flight later in the day, or book a hotel room near the airport the night before you go to split your travelling.
Do you need vaccinations? You need to consider travel immunisations if you’re planning to travel anywhere outside Western Europe, the USA, Canada or Australasia. You can find out more from our guide to what vaccines you need on holiday. Check with your medical team if there are any vaccinations you can’t have, especially if you’re taking medications that damp down your immune system. If you do need vaccinations, book them at least 8 weeks before you travel from your practice nurse, community pharmacy or travel clinic. Remember that you may need to pay for some or all of these.
Packing
Along with the swimwear and sunscreen, there are a few extra considerations for packing if you have arthritis or limited mobility.
A case in point. Carrying luggage around can put extra strain on your joints. Make sure you have a lightweight case with 4 movable wheels that you can roll, rather than drag along.
Carry your medication with you. Always pack your medication in its original packaging in your hand luggage. If you can, split it with a travelling companion just in case you lose your luggage. Keep a copy of your repeat prescription in your hand luggage with your medication, along with the letter from your doctor if you need one.
Comfy cushions. Would you benefit from a travel neck pillow and/or a seat cushion to relieve pressure on your joints when you’re sitting on a plane or in a car? If packing space is tight, inflatable versions are available.
Topical pain relief. You may get relief from painful joints by using a topical anti-inflammatory gel or cream. Remember that this will need to be no bigger than 100ml, and may need to be placed in a see-through plastic bag to go through airport security. Some airports now have updated security systems, which means you don’t need to remove liquids and gels from your packing. You may also find reusable hot or cold packs helpful.
Best foot forward. Supportive footwear with good cushioning and arch support is a must when you’re going on holiday. Even if you’re not planning much sightseeing, you’d be surprised how much walking and standing around is involved getting to and from your destination.
Support yourself. If you use splints, compression gloves, sleeves or braces, don’t forget to leave room in your packing for these. If you use them most days, put a sticky note on top of your suitcase so you don’t forget to pop them in before you leave.
Getting around. Even if you don’t need mobility aids at home, a folding cane can be really useful if you’re travelling.
Cool as a cucumber. If your medications might make you more sensitive to the sun, pack a wide-brimmed hat & loose, floaty long-sleeved tops & long trousers. They will protect you from the sun as well as ensure you don’t get too hot and sweaty, which can lead to irritating prickly heat.
Keep it chilled. If you’re carrying temperature-sensitive medication in a portable cooler, charge the spare batteries before you depart. Make sure you carry in your hand luggage plugs for every eventuality while you’re travelling – a USB port to plug into the car or on board the plane, and a universal adaptor which works at your destination.
While Travelling
Build in plenty of time. If your trip is long, you may be tired, and that means it may take you longer than usual to get in and out of seats or walk between transfers. You’ll be much less stressed if you leave yourself plenty of time to get to the airport – and once you’re there, you can and settle down with a guidebook to your destination, to get in the holiday mood.
Find your assistance for transfers. When you book special assistance at an airport or train station, you should be informed where to find it when you book. Make a note of where you need to go and keep it with your ticket.
Going underground. If your journey involves changing trains and travelling across London, take advantage of Transport for London’s ‘please offer me a seat’ badge if you’re travelling on the Underground.
Find your flight seat. An aisle seat will make it easier to get up regularly and stretch, reducing the risk of stiffness. Make sure you don’t get an emergency exit row seat – you won’t be able to use this seat if you have mobility issues, and you can’t keep a bag under the seat in front of you.
Get stretching. Moving your joints regularly will reduce the risk of stiffening up while you’re en route. As well as getting up regularly to stretch, there are lots of seated exercises you can do to keep your joints mobile (as well as reducing the risk of a clot in the leg called a deep vein thrombosis).
Stay hydrated. Keeping enough fluid in your system helps keep your joints lubricated, as well as helping you avoid headaches and urinary infections.
Set an alarm. If you’re taking regular medication (for instance, for pain), it can be confusing if the time zones are changing during your journey. Set a regular notification on your phone to alert you when it’s time to take your meds.
At Your Destination
You’ve arrived! All you need to do now is look after yourself, allowing you to make the most of your well-earned break.
Ask the locals. If you’re planning to explore the area you’re staying in, ask your hotel staff or tour guide for tips. They’ll often be able to offer advice on local terrain, transportation, distances and amenities.
Make your tour guide your friend. They should be able to give you precise details of whether buses are accessible, whether there are steps
Don’t overdo it. While it may be tempting to fit in as much as you can into your holiday, this can be a recipe for disaster. Packing your itinerary too full makes you more likely to get overtired and have a flare-up of your symptoms. Prioritising comfort means you’re more likely to be able to enjoy the whole of your trip.
Build in rest days. You don’t have to be rushing around every day to make the most of a holiday. Find out about relaxing activities where you’re staying – book a sauna or treat yourself to a massage, and eat in the hotel rather than going out for dinner.
Get your zzzs. Do try to ensure you get enough sleep – being sleep-deprived can worsen symptoms and make it harder for you to cope with pain.
Consider trigger foods. One of the joys of foreign travel is tasting the local cuisine. But do be aware that what you eat can have a significant impact on your joints. Everyone’s triggers are different, but as a rule of thumb, you should minimise processed and sugary foods, which often increase inflammation.
With a little preparation, heading away on holiday with mobility issues or arthritis can be a fantastic experience. Don't let any fears or concerns hold you back from exploring new places and enjoying new experiences.
For more helpful tips, visit our travel blog.