As the holidays get closer, more people will be planning trips or travelling to see their loved ones.
Lots of people with Parkinson’s travel. The condition shouldn’t stop you enjoying trips in the UK or abroad. You may just need to do some extra planning to make sure your holiday runs smoothly.
Here is some helpful advice: Holidays, travel and Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK
Please discuss or share some of your tips for travelling during the holidays.
I am currently in Australia after stopping of in Singapore for three days.
I thought it was going to be the headache of all headaches.
If going abroad check country’s website, particularly health and medication requirements. One of my tablets is a controlled drug in Singapore and you have to get a licence to take it with you
As long as I was honest and told them when I was arriving, leaving, how many I had, and they were for my use only, I got the licence within 48 hours.
My doctor gave me a patient profile which lists all my medication and what they are for, also keep your last repeat prescription.
I had to order 3 months supply of meds because I won’t be back until January 25.
Plan, check, Plan, then check again.
I know my holiday is a bit out of the ordinary, but you can’t overlook anything.
Bit of advice I wasn’t given, don’t try to do too much in the first week especially after flying half was round the world.
Hi! I’d like to go to Australia but am concerned about the massive change in time zones meaning that on arrival it will be morning in Australia and night in the UK. Did you change the timing of your meds and if so how did you achieve it (especially any long acting once a day ones)? e.g. did you make adjustments in advance or on arrival? I have been to Australia with Parkinson’s but before my meds started getting complicated!
Hi and welcome to the forum, @C3. You’re in the right place for support on this topic and many others. You’ll find everyone very friendly. I’d also invite you to share an introduction so we can get to know you better. You can do this by clicking on the three lines at the top right and choosing Introduction under Categories.
It’s brilliant that you’re thinking about a trip to Australia and also planning ahead by asking all the right questions. I know our members will have many answers for you. We also have some really helpful information for you here: Holidays, travel and Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK
Happy travels to you both and don’t forget to let us know how it goes.
Janice
Forum Moderation Team
Hi C3,
I used a number of method. Left my watch on UK time.
I have alarms set on my phone which change as you cross timezones. I make a note of how long it was since last meds. I have an hour ± to take med, do if its 03 am and i souks take something at 4 i usually give it 30 mins to take meds.
Sooner or later we are back on track.
Hi
Fortunately we have a Pharmacist attached to our GP practice and she has agreed to give me a plan of taking my meds through several time zones when I go to New Zealand in January.
Another good tip is to ask your GP for some Melatonin which helps in adjusting your sleep pattern but is particularly good for jet lag. Some countries sell it over the counter but in the UK it’s a prescription only drug. I find it very good. I always try to avoid getting too tired as I can’t function plus your meds work better when not so tired.
Always have a GP printout of your prescribed medicines when going overseas and take your meds in their original packaging and don’t use your dosette box until you arrive at your destination.( which frustrates me)
Take any relevant documentation, health reports etc in both an electronic and hard copy form with you.
If you need it, pre-arrange special assistance for the airport to avoid lengthy walking between terminals and standing in long queues.
If you normally travel with a Rollator, investigate hiring one in the country you are visiting to save the worry of your own getting lost or damaged.
Hope this helps a little.
