The very idea of taking a trip is daunting, then add in the planning it can become an overwhelming demanding task when you have Parkinson’s. However trips and travel are at times a necessity as well as pleasurable when planned and prepared.

Traveling today can be a hassle especially when you have Parkinson’s but this does not mean you can’t have a wonderful enjoyable experience with planning and being prepared. Ask questions so you can manage the answers. The goal is to have an enjoyable satisfying trip with little stress, but this requires planning.

Begin by creating a checklist this will set the parameters for not being over packed as well as prepared. It is very important to be able to anticipate difficulties and being planned and prepared to help ensure the traveling is as risk free as possible.

Time is an important element of making a successful trip so begin the packing early. Your checklist will help develop a schedule so plan then work the plan. Untimely this will allow you to finish packing giving you time to relax and not have the stress of feeling rushed. Identify the clothes you are going to wear and lay them out a couple of days prior to departure, have everything ready for leaving ready to leave within easy reach.

There is nothing worse than traveling and being uncomfortable, don’t make the mistake of choosing style over function. Your apparel needs to work for you not against you, so pack clothes that are comfortable and for goodness sakes good comfortable supportive walking shoes. Being able to move freely, with comfort is the priority, be able to enjoy the trip to the fullest.

In your checklist meds should be top of the list, if you are low on something ask your doctor or pharmacist if they can fill the prescription early as well as write a prescription for refills. You want to have extra medications and prescriptions just in case, be prepared. It would be a good idea not to put your meds in a weekly organizer, keep in the original container, as security may have questions or trouble with this. Why take the risk, Keep your medications in their original, labeled containers in case you need to go through security or get refills.

It would be a good idea to make a list of your meds, in fact a duplicate list just in case and a letter from you doctor, on letter head, that you are a client with Parkinson’s disease. Keep this information in a place that is assessable and safe. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to put in a plastic insert or folder with other important documents. Keep you meds with you, also when you list the medications also put down the generic names if you are traveling internationally, other countries may not recognize our commercial names.

Regardless of the means of travel know as much as possible about your destination, hotels, rest stops, hotels restaurants and if they can accommodate your needs. Some things you may want to research are stairways, bathrooms, ramps, parking etc. The internet is a good place to start. Be prepared.

Have your cell phone charged, and your charger assessable and within easy reach. If you get separated from you luggage you want the ability to communicate. Have your contact list current and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have the list of important contacts with communications coordinates with your meds. Be prepared and planned.

Have some fruit or snacks available as well as water so you can take your meds on time and keep you energy up. When travelling make sure you check the weather report. If there is a possibility of being stranded you want to be prepared.

Give yourself time, time is a luxury so be luxurious and don’t’ put yourself in a position of feeling stress by being pressed for time. Undue pressure will take the joy out of travelling so be well planned and prepared.