Yes, you can travel with multiple sclerosis

Whether you’re planning a trek across the country or a trip abroad, it’s all possible when you have multiple sclerosis, also called MS.

Some thoughtful planning and packing — and a pretrip visit with your healthcare team — can set you up for smooth sailing, driving or flying. Mayo Clinic experts offer the following advice for traveling with MS.

Make a plan for travel when you have MS

• Make a plan to meet with your healthcare team. About 4 to 6 weeks before your trip, share your travel plans and ask if you’ll need any vaccines or medicines. Get advice about how to handle an MS flare or new illness while traveling. Ask for a printed letter that lists your health conditions, medicines, special needs and how MS affects you.
• Get extra medicine. Pack enough medicine to cover your trip — and an extra day or two in case of delays. You may have to talk with your insurance provider if you need more than a 30-day supply.
• Insure your trip. Consider buying travel insurance. This short-term insurance gives you a refund in case of delays, illness or accident. Trip cancellation and travel health are two separate policies you can buy.
• Book for accessibility. Search for a hotel, vacation rental, resort or cruise that’s fully accessible. Ask detailed questions about bathroom facilities to meet your needs. Confirm that rooms are big enough to fit your wheelchair or lift device. And ask if you have to meet any health or vaccine requirements.
• Plan how to get around your destination city. Check the city’s options for ride-sharing services, car rentals, taxis, buses or subway. Find out if you can rent a wheelchair or other equipment. And make a list of nearby hospitals, clinics and pharmacies in case you need care.
• Get in sync. If you’re headed to an area outside of your regular time zone, reset your body clock before you leave. Match your travel city’s time zone by going to bed earlier or later. If you’re traveling for an important event, consider arriving 2 days early to adjust to the time change.
• Check for travel advisories. If you’re from the U.S. and plan to visit another country, enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. You’ll receive messages about security, health, weather or disaster situations from the U.S. Embassy.

Packing for travel with MS

• Check your bag. If you live in the U.S., go to the Transportation Security Administration website to learn what you can pack in a carry-on bag and what needs to go into a checked bag.
• Print your itinerary. Include your name, address and phone number, and contact information for where you’re staying.
• Organize your medicines. Put all your medicines, including injectables, in a small bag or purse. If you can, put your labeled syringes in an insulated bag with an ice pack. Include your healthcare team’s letter with your medicines.
• Pack your poles. Pack walking poles if you plan to walk a lot. Put them in your checked bag if you’re flying. They aren’t allowed with you on the plane.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Pack a travel health kit with over-the-counter medicines for bladder problems, headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, aching joints or cold symptoms. Don’t forget bandages, sunscreen, hand sanitizer and masks.
• Beat the heat. If you’re traveling to a warm weather destination, pack a cooling vest to manage your core temperature.

Steps to take while traveling with MS

• Get up and walk. Make a plan to stand, stretch your legs and walk every 2 to 3 hours while traveling. Walking can help prevent blood clots and leg cramps. Be mindful of your balance while walking up and down a plane or train aisle.
• Listen to your body. Feeling too stressed, tired or hot could make symptoms flare up for a while. Know what to do if you have an MS relapse. Get care if you have a new infection like a bladder infection, or an illness like the flu. If you’re too hot, use a cooling vest.
• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water. Water helps manage bowel and bladder issues. Bring a fillable water bottle or buy bottled water.
• Bust jet lag. Eat small meals and avoid alcohol. If you get tired during the day, take a 15- to 20-minute nap. Avoid caffeine and exercise in the evening.
• Calm your mind. If traveling is stressful, help calm your mind with meditation, relaxation exercises, deep breathing or music.
• Guard your health. Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer often. Consider wearing a mask if you’re in a crowded area. And avoid touching your face.

Special considerations for airplane travel when you have MS

• Fly through screening. Airplane security and screening applies to everyone who flies. Consider enrolling in a program that offers faster screening with no need to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket. In the U.S., it’s called TSA PreCheck. There may be a cost to use this type of service.
• Call ahead. Call the airline to tell them you’ll have injectable medicine. Ask if there are policies for equipment like wheelchairs or devices like leg braces.
• Be an early bird. Give yourself extra time to arrive at the airport in case of construction, long security lines or departure gate changes.
• Carry on. Don’t put your medicines in your checked bag. Keep them in a carry-on bag or purse. Take out your medicines, including injectables, for security screening. Have your healthcare team’s letter handy.
• Ride like royalty. Take an electronic cart or wheelchair to your airline gate. You can call ahead and ask to arrange a ride.

Following this travel advice will help you feel confident and prepared to enjoy your travels, whether you take the scenic route or the road less traveled.