Planning

• It is important to consider different aspects of your trip so that you can plan for different situations. For example, where you will be going? What will the climate be like? What activities will you be participating in? Who will be with you and will they be able to assist you if you need it? What mode of transportation will you be using to get to your destination? Taking these different factors into consideration will help think of the practical things you will need to remember. For example, in a cold climate, your arthritis may act up more than in a warm climate. In a hilly region, you may want to pack different shoes.
  
  

Strategies

• Using the list you created, you can now plan ways to make traveling easier.
  
  When planning your trip tell your travel agent that you have special arthritis needs. If flying, try to get a seat at the bulkhead, since they will have more leg room for you to stretch out.
  
  If you check your large luggage, be sure to keep your pain medication in your carry on just in case your baggage gets lost.
  
  Arthritis Insight suggests that you pack lightly, but get someone else to carry your bags for you.
  
  When traveling by car, if you have a handicapped parking permit, take it with you so that you will be able to take advantage of handicapped parking as needed.
  
  However you will be traveling, it is especially important for people with arthritis to move around and stretch. Sitting in the same place for prolonged periods of time can eventually cause pain and add to stiffness. Some simple stretching exercises can prevent this from happening. For example, try rotating your shoulders in circles. Do the same with your wrists and ankles. Also, try gently tilting your head from side to side to stretch your neck. These simple stretches can help prevent additional stiffness from the trip.
  
  The Arthritis Foundation recommends using luggage with wheels. The newest wheeled bags feature coaster-style rollers, which allow you to rotate the bag in any direction for easier handling.
  
  

Be Prepared

• Even with the best planning, things can sometimes happen to throw a monkey wrench in the works. Be prepared for any eventuality. Have your doctor write an extra prescription that you can take with you just in case something happens to your pain medication.