Just because you’ve got Parkinson’s doesn’t imply you can’t make the trip aboard you always dreamed about or travel for business reasons internationally. If this really is a specific thing you want to accomplish, and then do, however, you may need to do some additional planning to ensure a wonderful vacation or excellent business travel.

Exactly where might you like to go and exactly how do you plan on travelling, with family, friends or perhaps on an arranged tour? Will this be by means of airlines, a cruise ship or by rail way. What will be the desired destination along with itinerary in addition where will you be lodging? All these inquiries should be a component involving your planning. Review your plans with your Neurologist and or Physician having them make suggestions especially in regards to amount of medications to plan for. It is highly recommended you to check with a travel agent or AAA for specific details and how they might affect your trip related to any special needs you may require.

Now that you are prepared to travel, how can you ensure your needs are satisfied during your travels? Anticipate Murphy’s Law: “If anything can go wrong, it will!” regardless of what method of transportation you are taking to travel. In order to minimize these “wrongs,” request specific assistance from the time you make your reservations. If you are flying, keep in mind that security regulations have tightened. Arrive at the airport terminal a minimum of two hours before the airline flight to help prevent a predicament. Time helps solve Murphey’s Law so allow you the luxury of time. If you have undergone the surgery for deep brain stimulation, a letter on your Physician’s stationary will permit you to circumvent electronic security and undergo other security inspections as an alternative.

The travel industry is in the hospitality industry so communicate your needs; the method of travel selected will probably go over and above expectancy to meet your specific special needs. But they will only understand and be aware exactly what these needs are if you communicate them. Better to communicate these prior than later, minimizing unexpected situations both for them and you. If you require early boarding then request, much better if you communicate this requirement when you make your reservations but could be accomplished at the gate. On international travel better to notify the method associated with travel (airline, cruise ship, rail way, significantly in advance as possible. Why take the risk of not being allowed to board early merely because you didn’t request them with advance notice.

The airline industry has to give assistance boarding and de-boarding an airplane which is also available in Europe and Canada. As well there has to be space provided to stow any equipment essential to be mobile, canes, and wheelchairs motorized scooters in near proximity to your seat.

These services are actually available, make use of them, and request assistance at every stage of boarding a method of transportation. You can by no means be certain when you will be “On” or “Off” therefore why undertake the risk? This is a component of the planning process of becoming prepared and organized to make certain the travel experience is enjoyable and pleasant. Parkinson’s disease is now part of your life, so adopt a lifestyle to manage the disease to have a quality of life, so manage Parkinson’s don’t fight it. If the travel industry provides these human resources then utilize them. Do not assume that you “may” be functioning well later — it is better to be safe than sorry.

And no you don’t have to tell anyone you have Parkinson’s only that you have needs that require specific assistance. Once you state that you have special needs, or need extra time to board a plane, that’s all you have to say. No one needs to know why, unless you want to tell them.