MS and Travel

Preparation is Key to a Successful Journey Many people with multiple sclerosis believe their travelling days are over—but that’s not necessarily true.

However, before boarding the plane or packing the car, careful planning is needed to make vacations relaxing and enjoyable.

“Do your research before you decide where to go,” says Michelle Amerie, an artist and MS Society volunteer in Toronto. “There are many travel agencies and websites that can help you find out the accessibility of different destinations and resorts.”

When Amerie, who has MS and uses a wheelchair, and her husband, Raymond Cohen, publisher of Abilities, decided to visit Paris, France, in 2002, they did their research and discovered that the Paris subway system wasn’t very accessible. They planned ahead and made alternate arrangements so that they could still see the city.

Researching the accessibility of vacation destinations is crucial, but so is factoring in your physical status. For people with MS, heat and/or humidity often make symptoms worse. A solution could be a cooling vest or other cooling devices. If you normally become fatigued during the day, keep that in mind when choosing where you stay and any excursions.

Many travel agencies offer packages that include activities such as snorkelling, hiking and scenic tours, as well as your oom and meals. It’s your choice to participate in these activities, but you may not want to purchase a package you can’t enjoy, so shop around before making a decision.

Experienced travellers suggest that before you book your trip, make a list of all your needs and develop a good relationship with your travel agent. Don’t forget to list all assistive devices and note activities with which you need assistance. Also, ask questions about whether you will be able to get wheelchair assistance and if your hotel room will have sufficient air conditioning.

“An educated traveller means a happy traveller,” said Amerie. “Many people don’t do the research beforehand and then find that their vacation was disappointing.”

Before you can enjoy your vacation, you have to get there first. Companies such as Air Canada and Air Transat offer assistance with registering, boarding, deplaning, and stowing and retrieving luggage. They also have wheelchairs available on all planes, and you may pre-select your seat at booking to suit your needs.

If you’d rather sail clear waters while enjoying the sun, then a cruise could be the right vacation for you. Carnival and Holland America offer some rooms for individuals with disabilities and recommend that non-ambulatory guests bring a companion.

Also, bring your own wheelchair, as ship wheelchairs are for emergency use only. The crew will let you know which excursions are physically demanding and, if you feel they are unsuitable, the staff will suggest alternatives. Make sure when booking your cruise that you know about the excursions, and how many you can participate in, as well as the accessibility of all the ports.

While the idea of doing lots of research may seem time-consuming and not very appealing, being able to relax and enjoy a new culture and city will make it all worthwhile.

Bon voyage!

Quick Facts about MS

* MS is the most common disease of the brain and spinal cord of young adults in Canada.
* Canada is a high-risk area for MS.
* MS is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40.
* Approximately 1,000 new cases of MS are diagnosed each year in Canada.
* Women are more than twice as likely to develop MS as men.
* Treatments are available for some types of MS.

For more information about MS or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, please visit http://www.mssociety.ca .

Helpful Resources

Access Guide Canada
http://www.abilities.ca/agc
Guide to accessible transportation and services in Canada.

Access to Travel
1-800-465-7735 and http://www.accesstotravel.gc.ca
The government provides info on local, provincial and national accessible transportation and the rights of people with disabilities.

Access Holidays Canada
416-502-1541 and info@accessholidays.ca
Specializes in accessible travel.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel
http://www.carlsonwagonlit.com or http://www.cwtvacations.com
This travel company has almost 200 locations across Canada.

TASC International
250-388-9940 and http://www.tascinternational.org
Matches travellers with disabilities to registered travel providers.

Touristocrat International
416-818-2592 and http://www.touristocratinternational.com
Researches and provides accessibility info about any travel destination.

Travel Professionals International-Handi Travel Services
1-800-240-6662 and http://www.handitravelservices.com
For people who need special travel arrangements.