Come Fly with Me

It's been a few weeks now since I've been back from holiday and I still have a few more posts to share about it to continue the travel series. I know, it's never ending! This time I managed to document my journey to share some of my travel tips put into action and so that you get a clearer idea of what to expect should you decide to travel yourself.

Luckily pain levels etc were on my side and the days of complete rest before travelling helped me have the energy I needed.

Above is a glimpse of my travel outfit. I wrote a separate post on that which you can read here.

At the airport

If you have booked assistance from the drop off area which is useful for passengers travelling alone or those that need extra help with luggage and equipment there should be someone there to meet you. They should be wearing a fluorescent bib. If you have not requested help from the drop off point then once you get inside the airport locate the special assistance desk and check in there first. If you are travelling alone a member of the special assistance team will meet you there (if they haven't at drop off). If you have requested a wheelchair to help you through the airport you can collect that there too (again unless you got one at the drop off point). They will then direct you to the check in desk for your flight. 

Often there will be a separate queue for special assistance users or if not ask at the special assistance desk and they will usually tell you to go to the front of the queue. Cue lots of looks from those in the queue. At check in if you have your own wheelchair then you will need to get it tagged for identification purposes because it will go into the planes hold once you are on the plane. They will also tell you where and what time to meet a member of the special assistance team to board the plane. Unless you have booked assistance through the airport; in which case they will take you to the gate. The may also ask if you would like to get a coffee or drink to have while you are waiting.

Being in a wheelchair going through airport security is very different. Firstly as normal you will need to put all your hand luggage, jacket and hat etc into a tray to go through the x ray scanner. Take out your bag of liquids and put that separate. If you have any allen keys for your wheelchair with you like I do in a little pocket at the back of my chair then take them out and place them into the tray as well. Do show the security guard and explain so that they can pass it on to the person on the scanner. 

A member of staff will then take you to the side as you cannot go through the scanner, a female for female passengers and male for male passengers. They will perform a quick search of you and the chair. They should also ask if you are in any pain so not to hurt you. A swab of your shoes will also be taken. It's important that no other member of your party touches you or the chair until you have been given clearance by staff.

At the specified time, a member of the special assistance team will meet you and help check you in with a member of the gate staff. Once they have been given clearance they will take you out to either the ambilift or the plane's steps depending on what you have booked.

The top photo is of the ambilift that helps wheelchair users and those who cannot climb stairs to embark the plane. It's like a van with two lifts either side. One to lift you up the inside of the lift, where there are seats for others you are travelling with or those without their own wheelchairs. 

The 'van' then drives to the plane, generally to the back on the opposite side to where the other passengers are boarding and parks so that the front platform is level with the plane door. The floor of the van then rises level with the platform. I took the photo above as we were going up. It can be a little wobbly so hold onto the bar.

Once you are level with the plane and the plane door is open, you have the option, depending on your disability or symptoms on that day whether to walk to your seat or transfer into an aisle wheelchair or evac chair like the one shown in the photo above. I asked to use the chair as we were near the front of the plane and my legs didn't feel strong enough. Also as other passengers are boarding you can often not get directly to your seat. Having someone to help you to your seat makes people take notice. You get strapped into them.Those chairs are not very big or very comfy though and you will get tipped backwards to get over the lip of the plane door. Nor is it great when someone drops a suitcase on your feet! The evac chair is quite good though as it doesn't have any sides allowing for easier transfer into your seat.

On board

Now speaking of seats. Different airlines have different policies. Some have dedicated assistance rows. You can find out this information from your airline. Once on board make yourself as comfortable as possible and try to take small power naps or meditation sessions often to relax and recharge. I was lucky to be sat with my parents so that I could put my legs up across their laps (I was sat by the window.) If your legs begin to ache try and elevate them as much as you can.

Above is a photo of part of the menu for Ryanair, which I took to give you an idea of what is available and prices. As you can see the prices are quite dear so be prepared or take food on board with you.

Arrival

Once you land your wheelchair will be taken out of the hold and will be put by the steps of the plane and then taken to the ambilift if it is being used. If you do not have your own chair but have requested one then that will also be waiting. I recommend waiting until last to disembark so that you can do so in your own time. If you are using the lift and evac chair then you will do so anyhow. 

The above photo shows a bit more of how the ambilift works (and a very nice Greek man, I think you have to pay extra for him.) Once you are in the lift if your chair is in there you can transfer into that if not it will be bought to you once the lift is lowered. The van will then either drive closer to the arrival building or you will be taken on foot (obviously not yours.)

When it comes to transfers I've never had an issue with being able to put my wheelchair into the hold of the coach. The biggest issue is whether you can manage the steps of the coach. They can be quite steep. Again this is were a walking stick comes in handy. I've also often had people move from the front seats so that I could have them. A private taxi could also be a good idea. Only pay extra if you need a specialist vehicle and after checking policies etc. I know some holiday companies can arrange specialist transportation if you are on a package holiday.

Then all you have to do is relax and enjoy and take it easy. It will take a while to get over the travelling so make sure you rest. 

For a few more travelling tips take a look at my other posts.

travel tips round up page

at the airport and on the plane tips

I hope you enjoyed this post and it's took away some of the mystery of travelling as a disabled or poorly person. I have a few more posts on the travel theme to come, including my favourite products and some more interviews with other spoonies.

Sian x

Packing for holidays!

Yay! I know I have wrote a lot on this subject but I wanted to share with you some of the tips and tricks that I've shared throughout my travel series put into action to help me pack for my holiday. Mainly because this time I remembered to take photos. Apologies it's a few weeks late too but my head and body are probably still back in Greece. I've struggled a fair bit since being back for various reasons but on with the show.

My hand luggage: All the things a sick chick needs to survive 4 hours on a plane. As you can see I packed a foldable walking stick too, which you are entitled to carry and is not counted as an extra piece of hand luggage. Although I use a wheelchair I took the stick mostly for use on better days on holiday for short walks (I mean like 15m short). Also for use on the plane if I was ok enough to walk to my seat (although in the end I opted for the evac chair instead, due to my symptoms) and if I needed to use the bathroom on board. See my hand luggage post here for more details. Including a list of all the spoonie essentials that I pack.

Also in my hand luggage was this little clutch bag, in which I put the items I needed for take off and to get myself comfortable. As it saves searching around in your main bag for everything you need. In this bag I had an inflatable back cushion, inflatable neck cushion, travel bands, some chewy sweets to help any pressure in my ears and some face wipes. I have face wipes because often if my head begins to struggle with the pressure on take off or I get panicky then I get really hot; so I have these to help cool me down. They got a lot of us on our landing back home too as it was really bumpy and scary. So I kept dabbing myself like Mrs Bennett.

This was all my tablets for the two weeks. There was A LOT! Most went in my hand luggage but because of the sheer amount and because it was a 2 week holiday I put some in my main luggage too. I made sure I had some of everything in my hand luggage though. I also had all my tramadol in my hand luggage because it has been reclassified  so I wanted to keep it with my prescription in case there was any security issues. Which there weren't. Do remember to carry a prescription or doctors note with your medication and name on though. Read more about transporting your medication here.

Lastly in my hand luggage was all important straws. Why? Because they don't have them on planes and sometimes I struggle to hold a cup so straws come in handy. I feel really self conscious if someone needs to help me drink.

When it comes to actually packing little and often is key and always work from a list; especially if you're liable to brain fog. Also if you can get help doing the actual packing then all the better. Especially getting down your case.

 

As you can see from the photo above I packed my shoes along the sides of my case. This is a good way to utilise the space in your suitcase. You can even put smaller items like socks into them to save more space and also to keep the shape of your shoes. Remember to pack the shoes with their soles against the lining of the case as they might be a little dirty or dusty and packing them like this will stop your clothes getting dirty. Another tip is to put a shower cap over your shoes to further prevent any dust getting on your clothes. This could be really useful on your return journey when your shoes are likely to be covered in dust and sand.

In my packing post I featured a photo of a medication organizer that had jewellery in it so that it wouldn't get tangled. However I don't wear much dainty jewellery, I'm more a statement jewellery person, so I needed to find a way to pack that and avoid any tangles. What I did was to put each necklace into an organza bag, which I have loads of from jewellery making, but small plastic bags work too. Then I put them into a small wash bag to keep them all together. As you can see I packed a lot. I just couldn't decide! Plus I really don't get much chance to wear it at home. However because it was so hot I didn't wear necklaces often. Necklaces and sweat don't mix. 

Also in my packing post I mentioned that I also pre-pack my beach/pool bag to save myself time and spoons when I get there. It's an idea to also pre-pack your evening bag too. However as I doubled up my take off essentials bag as an evening bag I didn't do this.

Do take a look at my other posts on packing for lots more tips

hand luggage

hand luggage only

my packing list

packing tips

 

Sian x

 

Travelling with children

 

Following on from my last travel post, which was an interview with my friend Ali about travelling with her husband and daughter, which you can read here, where she shares some fab tips; I thought I'd do a post with some extra tips and advice I've picked up whilst researching for this series about travelling with children. 

Firstly I wanted to share this youtube video from Louise from SprinkleofGlitter. On it she shares her tips for travelling with children, along with some ideas on keeping them entertained on the plane. I thought this might come in handy for any of you that have children and be a great addition to my travel series. It's certainly worth a watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8RIgqhuZEY&featurhttp:/=youtube_gdata_player

 

Some other tips and tricks I've come across are;

 

Remember too that children get the same baggage allowance as adults so make the most of it. When it comes to packing for your children forget the less is more rule and go with the ' I need to keep them entertained and behaving' rule.

 

 

 

If you are travelling with a baby or toddler then bottles, or beakers of milk, water or juice are allowed to be carried in your hand luggage. Just be sure to tell the security officer as you are putting your hand luggage into the trays for screening. They may also be checked with a litmus paper test.

When it comes to snacks and meals. Firstly take a look at your airlines website to see what is included with your flight or available to purchase. If you are travelling short haul or wish to save yourselves the extortionate onboard prices then eating at the airport or purchasing food to eat on the plane atthe departure lounge is a good idea. You can take a look at what restaurants and shops are available on the airports website. The gateguru app also has this information for some airports. You can even bring food from home, just check that it is allowed. I know some airlines might be getting tougher on nuts due to the contained atmosphere and nut allergy risks. 

I would also recommend packing some straws for older children if they have a drink on the plane that doesn't have a sports bottle top so there is no spillages.

 

Planes aren't really the cleanest of places so packing antibacterial wipes and hand gel can come in handy. Also pack extra dummies should one get dropped. You can also buy portable disinfectant pots for dummies. And plenty of baby wipes to keep your own childs hands and faces clean.

If you are travelling with a baby take a look on the airlines website to see if they have cots available. Airlines that do will usually have this facility by an extra leg room space, like at the front of each class section. I would also check whether you are only entitled to one space in that row of seats, which is often the case. So you may want to prebook another seat(s) on that row to all be together. As well as the benefit of having extra leg room, there is also the advantage of being able to put down a blanket and creating a small play area for baby. Thank you Pinterest for that nugget of information.

The problem here is other passengers, but being polite and asking first will win you brownie points I'm sure. Remember the point I made above that it is likely you will only automatically be allocated one seat with the cot facility. The others can be selected by any other passengers. And they're popular, because of course there is the extra leg room. If you want to be guaranteed those extra seats in that row pre-book them. FAST. And be nice to the people sharing that space with you.

Just another note on seating your child. Children under 2 are permitted to sit on an adults lap, therefore saving you the cost of a seat. However I have read a few posts stating that often it is best to get them their own seat, that way both you and your child are much comfier. For take off and landing they will have to be seated on your lap however. If you do decide to get them their own seat, you can then fit a car seat in if needed. That way you are not stuck with a wriggly baby on your lap for the duration of the flight. And they will sleep better. However, there seems to be a lot of confusion surrounding taking car seats on to the plane. Obviously there are different regulations for each airline but I have read that there seems to be confusion between check in staff, ground staff and cabin staff having different opinions. I recommend reading the following blog explaining the issue a bit more. I can't say I have ever seen anyone take one. So I would say to double check with your airline and print off any information from their website so that you can show them that that is what their company states.

Another advantage for using a car seat is of course if you are planning to hire a car abroad. That way you know it's safe and you don't have to pay to hire one.

As for buggies/push chairs you can keep these with you until you go onto the plane. Make sure that they get labelled at check in. Then when you get to the plane hand over your buggy to ground staff who will put them into the hold. When you arrive at your destination buggies will come out of the hold first and will be waiting for you to collect by the plane. That is if you checked them with ground staff and not with the rest of your luggage at check in, in which case they will be put on the carousel.

In this day and age of technology make use of tablets, ipads, phones etc to help keep older children entertained. Load it with games, films or tv shows before you go and remember to turn any electronic devises to airplane mode before you get on the plane. This is particularly useful for shorter haul flights.

 If you only have one devise but more than one of you want to listen to something then get yourselves a headphone splitter, which allows you to plug more head/earphones into the device. Before you travel maybe download your child/children's favourite film or tv programmes or perhaps a new film that they haven't seen. This might be a good idea if you are travelling with more than one child. Or before you travel ask your children to agree on a film/ tv programmes they will all enjoy. If however you are not all seated together maybe work out a timescale for each child to have the device/s for. This could also work if you have different devices. Either way set the boundaries before travelling and involve them as much as possible (obviously depending on age etc.)

On longer haul flights entertainment is provided in the form of tv screens on the back of the seat in front of you. And includes a range of films, tv shows and games. You can usually check on the airlines website what films etc are showing. If there's nothing on there that will interest your child then take back ups. Also remember to pack head/earphones to be able to listen to them.

The following link is some tips on how to  negotiate whilst at your destination for parents/guardians of teens.

 

 

Sian

Travel tips round up

photo source: Pinterest

This travel series now has so many posts, I've just found that I have so much to say and I still have a fair few posts to add too. However my posts on all the basic sub categories of planning for a holiday are all done now, so I thought I'd compile some of the tips together and also add links to each individual post if you want to find out more tips on each category. I will also add all this information onto it's own page that you will be able to access in the tabs.

So first things first. Where do you start if you have decided that you want to go on holiday? Research, research, research! Find out as much as you possibly can about pontential hotels and destinations. Make a list of all the things that would be ideal for you and find somewhere that has all these key points. Whether it's accessible rooms to being near to lots of restaurants so you don't have to go far to eat. As well as the climate. You need to be as comfortable and happy with your choice as possible to the degree that you feel as though you know it before you go. Read my post here on researching holidays.

Be particular about who you choose to holiday with. You need to be totally comfortable with them and they need to know your condition and any requirements of care that it brings. The last thing you want is to feel like you're ruining someones holiday but more importantly you need to be safe.

Make sure all your documents (passport, health card, etc) are in date.

Make a check list of all that needs to be done after you have booked your holiday and schedule when each needs to be done. Remember to PACE and do a little at a time. Here is an example:

* arrange travel insurance and inform them of your condition

* book special assistance through your airline

* contact your hotel if you have any requests such as a room in a quieter area

* book or arrange transport to the airport and back. Or airport parking

* If you have pets arrange for someone to look after them

* Make a list of anything you need to purchase

* Familiarize yourself with the airlines luggage allowance

* Order any foreign currency

* If you plan to use your card abroad then remember to tell your bank so that they don't block your card thinking it's a fraudulent payment.

* Plan your medication and prescriptions

*  Make a packing list

More planning tips can be seen here.



photo source: Pinterest

Always declare your condition to your travel insurance provider. Read my tips on finding a good insurance provider here.

Special assistance can make your journey through the airport much easier. Ring your airline's special assistance help line if you want to talk about what services would be best for you. I have provided details of different airlines contact details to learn more about the special assistance services they offer here.

Take advantage of online shopping. You can buy just about anything online nowadays.

As well as your regular medication some other handy medications to take with you are bite cream, anti histamines, immodium, re-hydration sachets or tablets, sudocrem, prickly heat medication (I like to use mycil athletes foot powder, it helps calm down any stinging and can also be good for sunburn *) insect repellent and plasters. All info on preparing your medication can be seen here.

 Use a packing list, they're great for making sure you won't forget anything. Keep it nearby to add things to it when you remember something else. Tick things off as you go pack them.

When choosing a pool/beach bag waterproof options are best. You will always get someone that goes cannonball crazy and floods the whole pool area and they won't necessarily be children. Or keep your valuable items in a waterproof bag inside your pool bag.

Know your baggage allowance and restrictions for both cabin and hold luggage!

If you can't find your favourite products in a travel sized form there are many different bottles and pots available to buy that you can put them in to to take away with you.

When thinking about your suntan lotion, if you have fibromyalgia or are very sensitive to touch consider using a once a day lotion so that you are not having to apply as often and aggravating your fibro.

Invest in a filtered water bottle to take with you. Making tap water better to drink whilst abroad. It could save you energy by not needing to go to the shop as often and also the expense of buying bottles of water.

The week before you go away you need  to try and do as little as possible, as all your energy needs to go travelling. So being organized using all the planning tips above and having lists is really important. See my pre- packing post here.

photo source: Pinterest
Some of the places I'd love to go Las Vegas, Croatia, New Orleans, Santorini

Always pack for the weather, culture and the activities you plan on doing. Put your research to good use.

Pack all your essentials, things you rely on to help ease any symptoms. From heat pads to essential oils and of course all your medication and supplements. Put them at the top of your suitcase along with anything you will need that first day.

Get as much help with your packing as possible. I have some tips on packing, including some tips from seasoned travellers here. There is also tips on how to pack hand-luggage only here.

Put your take off essentials in a separate bag in your hand luggage so you can take it out when you get onto the plane and aren't desperately searching for them.

Make sure your travel documents are accessible as possible. An envelope style plastic wallet is great for this. Organize all your documents into order of use.

Keep all your medication in its original packaging and keep a prescription or doctors note with them.

Make sure any liquids in your hand luggage are under 100ml and are in a see through bag. All my tips on packing your hand luggage can be seen here.

photo source: Pinterest

Plan to wear your heaviest items for travelling to save weight in your case. Also plan on dressing with comfort in mind. Layers are a great idea as you never know what the temperature is going to be at the airport or on the plane. Or in fact what your body will decide to do. See some suggestions here.

On the day you go to airport tell everyone in your party to try and not get panicky or stressed as this can really affect you. You become like a sponge and soak it all up, which can completely drain you. 

Before you go to the airport, do a quick check that you have everything.

I have loads of tips and advice of what to do at the airport in this post. There's also info for nervous flyers on there.

I have a few more posts to come as I get ready for my holidays, I'll share with you how I'm getting prepared. Also I have some more interviews to come from other travellers, sharing their experiences. I hope you find these tips useful. If you have any tips of your own then please share them in the comments. I have also added a new page with all this info onto my home page, so that it's easy to find.

Sian

* A quick update, apparently Mycil is really hard to find now due to some ingredient. The chemist recommended a hydrocortizone cream or camomile lotion.

Some of my travel toiletry picks

photo source: Sian Wootton
elf tinted moisturiser with spf 20 http://eyeslipsface.co.uk
Nivea mini roll on
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Coconut and Orchid mini Conditioner, Shampoo also available (smells divine)
Head and Shoulders mini (can be great if your scalp is dry)
All minis http://www.superdrug.com/icat/travel-minis-accessories also available at Boots, Tesco and Asda stores

Travel sized toiletries are fantastic for so many occasions from popping in your hand bag or gym bag and any kind of trip away from home, from a weekend break to 2 weeks in the sun. They're just the right size to help you be economical with packing space but also after a longer holiday you don't need to pack them to come home. Also if you are on a flight with only hand luggage then they comply with all the security regulations.

Nowadays you can get so many of your favourite brands in a mini size, especially for travel. However if they don't then many places do a range of empty mini bottles and containers that you can fill with your favourite products. You can even get them from shops like poundworld etc. 

Aussie Miracale Moist Shampoo
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Coconut and Orchid Shmpoo
Aussie 3 minute hair mask (for added hydration that doesn't take too long)
Simple moisturising Face wash
Original Source Lemon Shower gel
St Ives exfoliator (great for use before holiday too to prepare your sin)
Batiste dry shampoo
Palmers Cocoa Butter (I love the smell of this, literally yum)
Sensodyne sensitive toothpaste (great for all that ice cream eating)

Dry shampoo is a gift to any chronically ill person, who doesn't always have the energy or strength to wash their hair. Batiste is a great brand and they have many different kinds for different hair types. What I will say though is if you are taking in on a flight you will need to pack it in your hold luggage as aerosols are not permitted in the cabin.

Photo source: Sian Wootton
Coconut & Cream shower gel (the smell of coconut instantly reminds me of holidays)
Boots Fair Trade Cocoa Butter 

Once a day sun tan lotions can be a great idea for any one with Fibromyalgia and are very sensitive to touch, as you aren't having to reapply and rub your skin so much. P20 is great for many people and one I've used in the past but I came out in very funny sun tan lines which might have been an application problem on my part.

As for protecting your face against the sun I find a lot of sun creams too thick and therefore look for other products with a high spf. My foundation of choice is Max Factor Face Finity 3 in 1 foundation, it has an spf of 20 and as it is oil based will fair better if you are in and out of the water. Tinted moisturisers can be great but I find them a bit too dark (even the lightest) for my sick girl pallour. I am going to try a bb cream instead for sun protection and for a bit of coverage. I was thinking this one http://www.superdrug.com/bb-creams/garnier-bb-cream-miracle-skin-perfector-light-50ml/invt/282267&bklist= but I think a higher spf would be more beneficial. If you have any suggestions let me know.

Nivea 50ml spf 30 suncream (Superdrug)
Ambre Solaire 50ml spf 30 suncream (Superdrug)
Ambre Solaire spf 30 lip balm
Quicies nail polish remover pads (available at 99p store!)
Sudocrem mini

Make up wise try to avoid things that are loose, such as powders, blushers or bronzers as they will get jostled about whilst travelling and could cause spillages. Opt for more compact versions for your holidays. I adore my 17 cheek stamp blusher. You literally just stamp it on to the apples of your cheeks then blend with a brush. There is zero mess and it's really compact with a useful mirror too. Peachy tones can be better for Summer holidays as they don't  make you look like you've caught too much sun. Holidays bring to mind to me fresh natural make up and radiant skin. I never like to wear to much make up in warm weather anyhow as I know that it will soon just slide off. Opt for products that make your skin glow, primers and illuminators can be a great base for a bb cream or tinted moisturiser. I swear by Clarins Beauty Flash Balm to help perk up my skin year round. If you want to go for something a bolder look though then add a pop of colour to your lips. I find this also makes my eyes look bigger and is easy to get redoing.

Photo source; Sian Wootton
Make use of any sample products you have

Photo source: Sian Wootton
Available at Boots 

The top 2 are from www.amazon.co.uk
Bottom 2 are from www.boots.com

Lastly a good toiletries bag is a must. One that you can hang on a door can be really useful. Especially if it is only a small bathroom or has limited shelf space. I also love the following idea, a little bit of genius. How well would that work for camping holidays etc? And you wouldn't have to worry about dropping any bottles, which could prove difficult to pick up for the chronically ill person. 

photo source: Pinterest

I always buy new products but if you are concerned about any spillages you can try the following tip, or as my good friend Ali suggested  to put sellotape around all the lids.

photo source: Pinterest

Visit the links or any of the shops mentioned in this post to get any of the products mentioned.

What are your fave holiday products? Or Summer must have products?

Sian x