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

Travel interview with Ali

 Today's post is another interview with one of my spoonie friends, the very lovely Alison, who travelled with her husband and little girl to Palma Nova in Mallorca. I think it's great to get as many perspectives as possible of travelling with a chronic illness and this interview has the added perspective of travelling with a child too.

 

Name: Alison 
Illness: M.E
Destination: Palma Nova, Majorca

Who did you travel with? My husband and my little girl
What airline did you use?
 Jet2.com. We also booked the holiday through them

 

First of all, how was your holiday?
Really nice, the sun always helps my symptoms and it was our 3rd time at the same hotel so I knew everything would be good re accessibility etc.  Was nice spending time with my daughter doing things like finding shells on the beach or being in the pool with her.

 

What was your biggest worry before travelling? And how did you overcome it/ justify it?
I was panicking about how much the travelling was going to wipe me out. I had to try to tell myself it would be worth it & had some tips from friends about how to stay calm!

 

Did you notice any changes in your health whilst away? Good or bad? Any new symptoms?
I always find the sun helps with my pain a bit but then, despite hiring a mobility scooter, I walk about more than I should be doing so end up suffering afterwards.  I always tend to sleep better on holiday which may be down to the sun plus doing too much!!

 

 

How was Palma Nova as a resort/ destination in relation to your illnesses/disability? (Access, flat, close to restaurants etc, quiet)
It's a really good resort for wheelchair or mobility scooter users. There are many places to hire disability aids from & it is very flat. The only problem I found was that there were no flat kerbs in some places on either side of road so if you wanted to cross you could get down onto the road but not over again on the other side! Had to try to remember where the sections were that did have flat kerbs on both sides! Otherwise would have to drive on the road which with how they drive over there I didn't fancy!The beach is good as it has a wooden platform with a covered area which you can drive straight onto & leave scooter on (in my case).

 

How did you find attitudes/perceptions towards you by other travellers and from the locals?
Really good mainly. As I am young I am used to getting looks from people when I am in wheelchair or scooter but didn't notice it too much.  People were helpful regarding opening doors & passing me stuff etc if I was on my own.

 

From your experience(s) what piece(s) of advice would you pass on to other spoonie travellers?
Always use special assistance at the airport if travelling by plane.  Makes such a huge difference & makes travelling not seem as daunting or scary.  Also make sure you find out as much as you can about the resort/accommodation & how accessible it is if you use walking/disability aids.

 

What items would you not travel without?
Painkillers!! Heatpads, which I used on my back during journey to help with the pain.  Ear plugs to block out excess noise & eye mask for light sensitivity or for when need rest.

 

What are your favourite holiday beauty products?
Not sure if classed as a beauty product as it's more a necessity but I love Malibu suncream, the smell is yummy! I use anti shine face sheets from e.l.f on an evening, I have to take a few lipsticks & eyeliner, anti frizz hair serum to try to tame the huge holiday hair, I always take some Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream & will never be without nail polish remover pads & a few polishes!

 

If you were to go on holiday again what would you do differently?
Not panic as much about the travelling as it wasn't anywhere near as bad as I expected!

 

How are you after the holiday?
It took it out of me for a while after getting back.  We had a late flight home plus a horrible experience when the plane was about to land & the landing was aborted due to the weather so that really freaked me out & probably flared my symptoms too.

 

Do you think that despite all the extra 'hassles' of travelling as a chronically ill person it is still worth it?
100%. I would definitely rather have a holiday than not.

 

What are the biggest stresses when it comes to travelling with children when you're chronically ill?
 For me, keeping them safe & making sure they stay with you whilst at airport.  I have always travelled with special assistance so she either walks with us or sits with me on wheelchair. Thinking about all the stuff they will want to do while you're away & knowing you won't be able to is a bit stressful but is more upsetting!

 

Do you have any tips or methods of getting your child more involved with packing etc?
She tried outfits on before we went so she knew what we would be taking & she would be wearing whilst there. She helped fold stuff up & put in case! But other than that, not really. I always pack as much in advance as possible.

 

What are your top tips for keeping them entertained on the journey?
Buy them a kids magazine, they usually come with a gift of some sort & have various puzzles games & stories in.  Colouring pads/pens. I got her a colour your own pencil case in which kept her occupied for ages. And snacks/sweets!

 

 

How do you balance keeping your child entertained and having a good time but also making sure you get the rest you need? Is this something you feel is important to consider when choosing a hotel/ resort?

Make sure you have someone else with you who can do stuff with them!!! ...Our hotel had a children's club which she joined in with a few times but she was quite happy going in the kids pool & we could be at the side to keep an eye on her if didn't want to be in the water.  She was also happy on the beach making sandcastles so I could sit next to her & chill while she did it.  She is 5 so it was much easier than in previous years as she never stayed still! I would preferably opt for a hotel with entertainment so they can join in with kids club in day then disco & games at night rather than try to find things to do with them outside of accommodation.

 

Did you have to make any special arrangements for transfer from the airport to the hotel because you were in a wheelchair? Or did you, or have you ever, encounter any problems about this?
No transfer was (& has been on previous holidays) included in holiday package & they take us on a coach so always room for wheelchair in with the baggage.  If we booked separate flights & ,accommodation though we would have to arrange own transfer.

 

Thank you to Ali for taking part and offering up some insight into what it's like to travel with a child in tow. Although her little girl is angel and very well behaved. You can read more about Ali and how she manages motherhood with a chronic illness over on her blog beingamummywithme.blogspot.com

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.

At the airport and on the Plane

First of all before you leave the house double check you have all your essentials. Don't forget Kevin! (A la Home Alone.) Check windows are shut and doors are locked etc. Then put your keys somewhere safe in your hand luggage. 

If you have booked special assistance then before you check in you may need to visit the special assistance desk first. It depends on what services you have requested. Should you require it a member of the airports special assistance team can meet you at a certain drop off point, to help with luggage etc or to push you and help you through the airport if you are travelling alone.

If you are using your own manual wheelchair then don't forget to take any allan keys or repair tools out of your chair at security and put them them in the tray to go through the scanner. In fact you are best telling the security person and they will do this. 

Whether you are in your own wheelchair/ scooter or one of the airports you don't get taken through the body scanner. A member of the security team (a male for males and female for females) will do a pat search of yourself and your chair. They should ask you whether you are in any pain and obviously they will take this in to consideration. They will also take a swab of your shoes. Also be aware that while you are being searched that no one else from your party can come to move you until you have been cleared. 

If you are in an electric wheelchair/ mobilty scooter make sure you are complying with all the regulations, which you can see in your airlines special assistance guidelines.

If you have a longer flight you may want to purchase any snacks/drinks at the airport. Download an app called gateguru, which tells you what shops and restaurants are at different airports across the globe (not all are covered though unfortunately but you may be able to find out more at the airports website.)

Use your time at the airport to relax and try to have something to eat/drink. You will already have used up a lot of energy getting to airport and through check in and security so refuelling is important. If you do not use a scooter or wheelchair or borrowed one of the airports then make sure you properly sit down to relax as much as you can before boarding. Close your eyes and practise mindful breathing, shutting out the rest of the world every so often too to give you a mini refresh.

Put on any flight socks/ compression stockings before you get onto the plane as you won't have much room to get them on once on the plane.

If you have booked special assistance you may be boarded first or last. It depends too if you are opting to use the lift or are happy to climb the steps. Either way identify yourself as a special assistance user so that the cabin crew know and can take you to your seat. Remember the special assistance team that help you through the airport and to the plane are from a different company to your airline. This can be all the more important on flights that have a quick turn around, where pretty much as soon as the arriving passengers disembark the outbound passengers are getting on. I've been in the lift whilst passengers have been getting on board. This can mean that the allocated seats for special assistance users don't get mark as reserved and other passengers could sit on them at first. Depending on whether your airline does allocated seats of course; both in general and for special assistance users.

If you are using the lift then you enter the plane via the opposite side so the cabin crew will automatically know that you are a special assistance service user. Do not rush yourself. If you need to wait till the aisle is clear then do so. Or if you need the onboard wheelchair to get your seat then a member of cabin crew will help you.

If you have a cushion on your wheelchair don't forget to take it with you before your chair gets taken to the airplanes hold and don't forget to take it off the plane with you. It can be useful too for extra comfort for your back or for use as a pillow. Just another quick note on personal wheelchairs it may be useful to pack (in your main bag) a tiny tube of super glue should anything break. Last year one of my foot plates snapped. I'm sure it wasn't a handling issue though just from being in the hold of the transfer coach and plane.

Like I said in my post on hand luggage, keep your essentials close to you. Even if you have a separate bag that you can keep with you, if your main bag is too big. What you need depends on how you cope with flying and all the extra sensory stimulants. I put my travel sickness bands on as soon as I'm in my seat and always have a boiled sweet or lollypop handy if I need help to pop my ears or some mints if I start feeling a bit sick. I would also keep a sleep mask/ sun glasses and head phones/ ear defenders handy too if you have particular sensitivities to light and sound. On my last flight during take off I really suffered with the change in air pressure etc and felt realy dizzy and hot. Luckily I had some face wipes handy to help cool me down, so I thoroughly recommend them.

Also if you have an inflatable neck pillow, I recommend blowing it up before take off due to the change in air pressure or any dizziness as it will obviously make you more so. Or get someone else to help you with this. If you are suffering from any dizziness always wait until the plane has reached it's cruise altitude before leaving your seat, should you need to. Leaving your seat as soon as the seat belt sign is off can lead to a dizzy spell (curse you nervous bladder.)

Remember to put any electronic devices that you have onto aeroplane mode and also that you cannot use them during take off and landing. It always gets kindle readers that one!

During your flight try to relax and make yourself as comfortable as possible. If you can, put your legs up. This will obviously depend on seat allocation and how many others are using the special assistance seats. Or elevate them by putting them on your bag under the seat.

If you are sat by the window shut the blind if you are suffering from the brightness or a sleep mask. A hat can also be great for keeping the sun out of your eyes on a flight. Take care when moving from looking out of the window to inside as turning your head quickly between the different types of light can cause you to feel quite dizzy. 

If you are a nervous flyer then try and practise some mindfulness techniques, focus on your breathing or listen to some calming music. I have a fear of turbulence, the last time I flew I was just in a constant state of panic, which of course is not good for my other symptoms. I think this comes from a fear of being sick/ill as well. I know that sounds a bit crazy for a sick chick to say but I mean actually vomitting. I hate it. And when you suffer from motion/travel sickness the added stress of turbulance can obviously make you more fearful. I think the trick is to not let your brain catostrophise and get carried away. Sometimes our own thoughts can rush until we start imagining the worst possible situation. So try to distract those thoughts. Again do mindful breathing or focus on calming music. 

I have viewed a few videos on youtube about fear of flying psychology and ways to help you cope. I really recommend the ones by Tom Bunn a former aeroplane captain turned psychologist. There are also some from Virgin Atlantic that help explain all the different noises that go on during a flight as well as the movement of the wings. They've certainly helped me calm down but on the plane may be another story. However, I will certainly be trying out some of the techniques.

Do you have any tips for plane journeys?Or must do's at the airport? Please leave a comment if you have any tips.

Sian x

Packing your hand luggage

Photo source: Sian Wootton

Some things I'd pack in my hand luggage. It's by no means complete just what I had to hand for the photo. The amount of medication shown is a clear indicator of how incomplete it is!

What you pack in your hand luggage is really important when travelling, especially on a plane, as you don't have access to the rest of your luggage (if you have any.) Not only is this for security reasons; we all know the long list of rules, but also because for you as a chronically ill person it will contain your 'spoonie survival kit'. Nothing to do with safety; I'm not saying pack a parachute, just all your essentials to make the journey as comfortable as possible for you.

So there's the first 2 rules of packing your hand luggage always adhere to security and airline guidelines and importantly always pack your spoonie essentials. Anything that you rely on to ease symptoms. I'll put a comprehensive list further down in the post.

Your first port of call is medication. Not just what you need for your flight but for your whole holiday. It's always best to keep them with you. See my post dedicated to it here.

Photo source: Sian Wootton

Funnily the amount of medication you have will probably dictate the bag you choose and what else you can fit in. And let's face it that's A LOT of medication. Some airlines do allow you to go over your baggage allowance if you have exceeded it due to prescribed medication. Check the rules of your airline though. You can see this in my post on special assistance here. 

The type of bag you take depends on your preferences and whether you are travelling hand luggage only or not. I know many people now have carry on sized suitcases on wheels (hence why no one can stow their bags in the overhead bins.) I've never used one myself, either travelling as an able bodied passenger or disabled (but I will do a post dedicated to it as may be useful for others or myself in future.) Mainly because I don't find them practical. Especially while they had the one piece of hand luggage only rule. It would annoy me to keep going in and out of a case for documents or my purse etc. From a wheelchair user point of view I don't see how they're very practical either. It depends though on who is travelling with you. For example when I went away with my parents and sister my parents pushed 2 cases each with a rucksack and Mum's hand bag. While my sister had on her rucksack and pushed me with my hand luggage over the handles of the wheelchair. So easily manageable. Should you need extra help though add this to your list of requirements for special assistance. Someone can then help you with your luggage or extra mobility aids you may have (remember you are entitled to 2.) In my opinion a bag that you wear across your body, if you are able bodied, to keep your hands as free as possible to pull your case and get things from the bag, is a good option. Or a bag with big handles can work well to put the handle of your case through. A bag with a long strap (again suitable for wearing across your body) is good for hanging on the back of your wheelchair without it catching on the wheels, as it would just using the handles. This is how my bag as shown above got scuffed, which makes me sad and why I put the longer strap back on it, as it's a great bag to use for hand luggage. 

Photo source: Pinterest

The other reason I like to use a bag rather than a case is that I prefer to have my bag under the seat rather than in the overhead bin. I just prefer knowing that it's there and I have everything to hand which can be reassuring when you have a chronic illness. Another solution though would be to have a smaller bag with all your immediate essentials that you can have with you and your main bag stowed away. If your airline only allows one piece of hand luggage then just keep it in the larger bag until you get to your seat. 

Having your documents as accessible as possible is really useful. I used to keep all my documents that I needed for the outgoing journey in a plastic wallet and all other documents such as reservations, transfer details etc in another. The envelope type wallets are best, as I discovered after an incident with a ring binder type plastic wallet and a bottle of water. Luckily not too much damage was done but that's the last thing you would want. So I would have flight booking/boarding card, passport and repeat prescription together in one wallet to begin. Then at some point during the flight I would move transfer and hotel reservations into that wallet with my passport and put the used documents to the back of the pile. I was so organized I had each document placed in order of when they'd be needed. Including documents/ tickets for any excursions/ attractions. Then simply putting that days needed documents into the spare wallet to carry in my handbag. Keeping the rest safely in the hotel. Another option is to use a bag that ties around your waist. A bit like a bum bag but specially designed to carry travel documents/ valuables.

Photo source: Amazon

One disadvantage to using a large bag though is often you can find yourself rooting through it for ages, trying to find what you want. And let's face it there will be a lot in it. Whilst researching for this post I came across these (above) handbag organizers on Amazon. You simply put them into your bag and fill up the pockets. Meaning your things are more organized and therefore easier to find.

Photo source: Sian Wootton

Also remember that any liquids you pack need to be under 100ml each, this is particularly of note if you are only using hand luggage. Make sure your toiletries are within regulation. The great thing though now is the variety of travel sized products available, from toothpaste to hair gel. I'm hoping to do a separate post on travel products soon. Or you can buy empty plastic travel sized bottles to fill with your favourite products. If you wear contacts then again be careful of the size of your saline solutions. 

Remember all liquids must be kept in a see through bag. I like to use the one above. It was from a gift set of Charles Worthington travel size hair products. The above items are just what are in it for now. However when flying I use it for some aromatherapy roll ons to help any pressure headaches and calm me down. My biofreeze roll on for any sore muscles, which inevitably happen. Anti bacterial hand sanitizer gel is also great for planes. Also I pack a moisturising lip balm, like carmex as the filtered air on planes can cause dry/ cracked lips. For this reason I know a lot of people also carry facial moisturisers. There are a lot of moisturising/energizing spray products that claim to be great for use on planes, however I think you need to be careful how you use them. Spraying products on a plane seems a bit rude to me. Us spoonies can have a strong sense of smell anyway but subjecting others to it when there is no fresh fair seems a bit unfair. That could just be me though. I guess a way to get around it is to spray the product onto your hands first. Also, if you're using a tube of moisturiser be careful of the air pressure expanding the tube and causing it to rush out when you use it. I know a lot of people will also keep the majority of their make up in their hand luggage too. 

Some spoonie survival essentials to pack in your hand luggage include:

Neck pillow (I have an inflatable one which saves space but is still comfy)

Over ear headphones/ear defenders (to block out plane noise or noisy passengers)

Flight socks

A extra pair of socks in case of cold feet or a small pair of slippers

Straws for your drinks if you struggle to hold your cup

A scarf/ pashmina is a great way to keep warm

Travel sickness bands

Essential oils 

Heat pad (one of those stick on ones)

Face wipes/ wet wipes (great for keeping fresh or cool) 

Sunglasses ( for light intolerance especially if sat by a window, a hat is also good for this)

Snacks (eat when you need to not just when the trolley comes around)

Drink (to be bought in departures or if you have a filtered water bottle fill it up in departures)

Photo source: Pinterest

My next post I will be sharing a more comprehensive packing list. 7 weeks to go and I'm starting to pace and prepare myself. 

So stay tuned. Please also feel free to share your own travel tips in the comments too.

Sian x

Some useful tips for travelling with a chronic illness: special assistance

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Apologies for the interval between this series of blog posts on travelling with a chronic illness. Perhaps now is a good time to start up again though, with the advent of Spring (yes I'm a comedienne) putting many people in the holiday mood, or more likely just the rubbish weather making us want to escape to the sun. I know that I certainly am desperate to jet off to my favourite Greek Haven.

Just to recap, I started this mini series of posts to give advice to help chronically ill people know that there are ways and means to travelling when you have an illness. Yes, it requires a lot of planning and consideration but it is possible. The first installment of this series on research, a very important stage of preparing to go away can be read here. My tips on finding travel insurance can be found here and a list of all the planning, a checklist of necessities that you will need to do here. You can read about my adventures abroad here, where I had a meltdown at the airport because I could literally not walk another step, so we had to ask for last minute assistance. This is also where I knew that when I got back from holiday I'd be needing a wheelchair to help me get around. Then the next time we went away I used prebooked special assistance, which you can read about here.

This post is dedicated to the mecca of spoonie travel and that is special assistance. It really does make all the difference. Special assistance is a service that helps those with a disability of any kind or those that cannot walk far through the airport and on the flight.

Airports are big, busy places, generally with lots of walking and waiting/ standing around. Cueing to check in, cueing at passport control, cueing at security, cueing for the toilets (ladies), cueing at the boarding gate, cueing on the plane as people stow their things. And the distance to your gate can be long. Therefore special assistane for anyone with limited mobility is ideal. 

I reccommend anyone with a chronic illness or disability, invisible, hearing or sight problems or otherwise, including learning or mental health difficulties consider adding special assistance when booking their flights. Say for instance you are travelling alone and you are hard of hearing then special assistance through the airport can help you get through the airport and onto the plane. A member of the team can help you at check in, security and th boarding gate. Also I have seen people who are very nervous about flying use the service so that they avoid cues getting onto the plane, which may bring on a panic attack. Special assistance through the airport is usually ran by a seperate company, however it must be reqested through the airline so that they have all the necessary information to keep you safe during the flight and arrange assistance on arrival at both airports. I will list the special assistance pages of a number of airlines at the end of this post. However when booking assistance I always reccomend phoning them as you can discuss your needs in more detail then. Phone numbers can be found on each page.

If you have mobility problems and use a walking stick or crutch then these can be taken onboard, they don't incurr any extra charges and don't count towards the number of carry on items you are allowed. The only rule is that they are scanned and that they do not obstuct the planes ailse once onboard. For wheelchair users or those that need to use one to cope with walking distance at the airport but do not have your own whelchair, then you can request one to help you through the airport. Sometimes if you only require assistance to your boarding gate a buggy may be used. You also have the option of someone taking you, which s good if you are travelling alone or one of the other members of your travel party can push you. Before boarding anyone using special assistance is asked to wait in a designated  area, where members of the special assitance company will come and collect you for boarding. 

Different airports and airlines have different boarding policies, some will board you first, others last, sometimes there is some cross over with other passengers so be careful and clear that once on board you do not want to be stuck in a cue as others stow their bags. This is why you are usually boarded first or last. To get onto the plane you have the option of walking up the steps if you are able to or to use a special lift. Once you're up you can then choose whether you walk to your seat or use a specialist wheelchair that will fit down the ailse. The lift will be used at the back of the plane for reference on how far you will have to your seat. Think about the size of the plane you are on. Last year I choose not to use the lift and was boarded at the front of the plane, our seats were towards to centre but it was still quite a walk, luckily by that point everyone was sat down and I had help of one of the ground crew to lean on. Funnily enough there had been some mix up between the airline and special assistance company, so the gate manager was wondering where the heck 7 passengers were and a wheelchair to go in the hold. A few more minutes and they probably would have had to have took our bags off the plane. I was just grateful that everyone else was sat down and the aisle was clear.

In terms of your seats again it varies between airlines. Some have specific seats that have moving armrests on the aisle seat for easy transfer and slightly more leg room. These seats will be reserved for you at no extra cost. When we flew out last year I was lucky as we got 2 rows between 4 of us, so I could stretch out my legs. it is dependant on how many passengers there are. Other airlines will allow you to book seats where you like, other than on an emergency exit for safety reasons. Of course it can also be dependant on what class you are flying.

I mentioned there about wheelchairs going into the hold. If you are taking your own wheelchair, which you can do free of charge then it needs to get tagged at check in. You can stay in it until you are on the plane and then it gets put in the hold. Once you arrive at your destination it will be taken out first and be ready for you to get into. If you are using the lift you will usually sit in one of the special assistance chairs until you are on the ground and can be transfered into your own chair. One thing to note if you are taking your own wheelchair is that if you have any tools for your chair tell security so that they can be put into your tray to be scanned. 

It is also possible to use a scooter but there are different rules about types and batteries, which can be read in each airlines policies below. The same applies for powered wheelchairs. Sometimes you will need to give dimensions when you book to assure there is room in the hold. All airlines are supposed to give an allowance of 2 pieces of special assistance equipment to go in the hold, unless the flight starts or ends in America in which case there is no limit.

There is a range of other in-flighg services available too depending on your airline and often destination. For example an onboard wheelchair for access to the toilet. On board oxygen. Specialist meals for different dietary requirements. Captioned entertainment on longer haul flights. Again it is always best to ring up the airlines special assistance helpline who can taylor requirements to your needs.

Here is a list of a number of airlines special assitance pages click on the names to be taken to the page.

Ryanair

easyjet

Virgin Atlantic

Thomon Holidays as Thomson is a holiday company they also have more information about assistance requirements needed at your resort or onboard one of their cruises.

British Airways

Stay tuned for the next installment, all about medication whilst travelling.

Please share your experiences if you have ever used special assitance to go abroad or have any more tips to share.

Sian x