Take That Trip

When someone in your family is stricken with PsA the thought of traveling can be terrifying, especially for the person with the disease. What if I have a flare? What if I can’t keep up? What if I have to stop on the road? The what-ifs run rampant through their minds and in full disclosure, the same thoughts probably run through your mind too. Well, guess what it’s not so scary. People do it every day and sometimes there are even advantages to it! 

Go with the flow

The most important rule of traveling with someone with PsA is to be in vacation mode. Truly. I don’t recommend planning some crazy over-scheduled by the minute trip. I actually don’t recommend that kind of trip for anyone, but especially for someone with PsA. One of the most important things I’ve learned from years of travel, is you have to go with the flow. Flights get canceled, good weather is never a guarantee, landmarks unexpectedly close and people with PsA have bad days. The solution is to book something that is flexible. I’m not saying to not get those advance tickets to Dear Evan Hansen or to wait to book that trek to Dunn River Falls but for the most part keep your schedule relatively loose. Know the things you want to do, but don’t be so rigid that if a bad day comes on everyone is crabby in a hotel room because you blew a bunch of cash on an adventure you can’t do. 

Planes, trains, automobiles and boats

There are tons of ways to get there no matter where you’re going and all of them have pros and cons when you’re living with PsA. 

Seat selection

Getting on that flight is, of course, the fastest way to a destination but can be extremely uncomfortable if you have to sit for hours on end wedged into a tiny seat. Plus, it is an absolute cesspool of germs. So, should planes be avoided? No, of course not. You just need to be ready and prepared. Pay the extra few bucks to pick your seats in advance and pick an aisle. If everyone in your party wants an aisle, why not book two aisle seats across from each other? You’re still technically sitting together, and everyone can get up and stretch as needed without disturbing anyone. 

Help getting from point A to point B

Don’t be afraid to pre-arrange a wheelchair even if you aren’t sure your party will need it. There’s no cost other than a tip to your handler. You automatically get to board first. The wheelchair team has direct access to the airline to make sure you make it to your connection even if you land at the other end of the airport. And there’s the added bonus of the ability to throw smaller hand luggage under the chair or even on your loved one’s lap for that trek. 

Germ free

Remember your anti-germ battle kit. Don’t forget face masks, wipes and anti-bacterial gel for your loved one with PsA. The germs in airports are no joke. If you forget them, all those items can be purchased in shops at the airport. Although pricey it’s still more than worth it! 

Try the train

Not a fan of the friendly skies? Hop on a train. Although still full of access to germs and not as fast as a flight, the train can be a great way to see great scenery and head to your destination. Plus they’re reasonably priced. You’re free to get up and stretch as necessary and no one has to drive.

The sleeper options are usually not the greatest but depending on the length of your journey can be an option to snooze and stretch out a bit along the way. 

Road warrior

If hitting the open road for a classic road trip is your jam, then why not? So, what if you have to stop so your loved one can stretch every couple hundred miles. What difference does it make? What’s the rush? Isn’t stopping along the way, part of the fun? Why not pick random tourist traps or cities as stopping points to truly maximize the journey? And for those with PsA, don’t be stressing about making everyone stop. I guarantee there’s going to be someone else in the car who wants to stop on the regular because they drank a gallon of water before getting in the car and someone else who wants a souvenir magnet from every state so you will be in good company. 

Cruising the open seas

Although, taking a cruise is not my favorite way to travel it’s still an awesome option and something that would be a great option for someone with PsA. Plus, there are often amazing deals for cruises.

First and foremost, though, the negative. The germs… yep, you know the drill. The positive is cruise lines know it and are doing everything in their power to try to keep everything clean and sanitized including anti-bacterial gel at every turn. The advantages are, of course, the amenities for someone with PsA. There are spas, gyms, walking tracks, everything you need to keep moving and loosen up. Countless meal options that can fulfill any dietary requirements are also a major advantage.

Plus on the land days, you can decide exactly how much you want to do and can come and go onto the ship whenever you want. This way no one is stuck or stranded doing too much or not getting to do what they want because they aren’t feeling well. Did I mention that a lot of cruises hit the most beautiful and warm destinations in the world? That’s a major win! 

What to pack

Packing for a trip with someone with PsA can seem overwhelming. Will they have everything they need? What if you go to another country and there isn’t access to things? If they need it. They should pack it. Don’t get super stressed about taking an extra bag or being slightly overweight. If you’re going for a three-week trip and they need a full jar of coconut oil for their scalp. Let them pack the coconut oil. Paying a little extra for something that can make their trip more enjoyable is worth every penny. Now, if they’re packing too many shoes...no comment. 

Look into a portable scooter to purchase. If your loved one struggles with walking long distances packing a travel scooter is never a bad bet. There are some easily foldable versions that transport with ease. Even if it ends up sitting in your hotel room and is only used as a drying rack for your bathing suits, the reassurance can be worth it. Plus, that qualifies as a medical/disability device, which means checking it on a plane with no fee.  Oh, and you didn’t hear it from me, but if you’re packing any sort of medical device like this that has a case, you know you can always stash that extra pair of shoes in that bag free of charge. 

Where to go

I say anywhere anyone with PsA wants to go, they should go. Do the research, find out what the limitations or difficulties will be and make an informed decision from there. A lot of places that may seem too much may actually be the best places of all.

For example, major theme parks are more than equipped to handle people with all abilities of mobility. Right down to special opportunities to jump the line for popular rides. Now, I’m not advocating jumping in front of a bunch of little kids if PsA is at bay that day but knowing it’s an option if things get rough should put your mind at ease. 

Major cities are also well equipped. The hustle and bustle of New York and others may seem beyond manageability but guess what there are thousands of people with PsA living in those metropolises making their way every single day. It’s not uncommon to see people on walkers, in wheelchairs, with canes all over Manhattan bustling their way through town. Plus, cities that never sleep have a constant stream of taxis, buses and the like whenever it’s time to hop a ride and on every corner, there are bars, restaurants, benches and more to take a load off. 

The hardest places to manage with travel tend to be the more remote beaches and historic locations, but a little bit of research and taking care to understand what accommodations are available in advance and everything should be just fine. 

Don’t let the fear of a flare keep anyone from going out and seeing the world. You and your family live with PsA every day. There’s no reason you all can’t live with it while experiencing all the world has to offer and who knows, you may stumble on something or someone that can change your loved one’s world for the better!