Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) doesn’t mean you have to stop traveling. As long as you plan your trips well and your doctor approves, you can safely travel with MS.
You might even find some health benefits from travel. A well-planned vacation can improve your mood, support your well-being, help you stay socially connected and give you something to look forward to.
“A vacation can also relieve stress, which can be a trigger for many MS symptoms,” said Lauralei Dirks, OTD, an occupational therapist with Banner Physical Therapy.
Is it safe to travel with MS?
For most people, yes. You can travel with MS with your doctor’s approval. MS affects everyone differently, so you’ll need to plan trips that work for you.
These travel tips for multiple sclerosis can help you enjoy your trip.
Managing fatigue while traveling
Fatigue is one of the most common multiple sclerosis symptoms. “This is the number one concern for most people with MS,” Dr. Dirks said.
A helpful way to think about your energy is to compare it to a rechargeable battery.
With MS, you may:
- Start the day with less battery life
- Recharge more slowly
- Crash if you overuse your energy
Before your trip, think about how quickly your battery drains and how long it takes to recharge. For MS travel planning, it may help to:
- Build rest breaks into your itinerary
- Schedule downtime between activities
- Pace yourself, especially in new environments where navigation can be draining
Travel is not a race. Slower days can help you enjoy your experiences more.
Planning for mobility needs
Mobility needs vary widely among people with MS.
If you use assistive devices, bring them. You may want to invest in travel-friendly versions that are lighter or fold more easily.
Think about how your destination matches your abilities. “Choosing the best match for the type of vacation you’d like can make a huge difference in your experience,” Dr. Dirks said.
When deciding on a destination, it can help to picture yourself in that environment:
- If walking is challenging, a cruise may be a better choice than a city.
- For accessibility, a resort may offer more options than adventure travel.
- For maneuverability, older cities may have uneven streets or stairs while newer cities may have ramps and smoother sidewalks.
- If you’re considering group travel, ask about accessibility, modes of transportation and whether free time is included, in case you need rest breaks.
Heat sensitivity and weather planning
You may find that heat makes your MS symptoms worse.
Before your trip:
- Check the average temperature for your destination
- Consider traveling during cooler months
- Plan your activities during cooler parts of the day
You may also want to bring items can help regulate your temperature:
- Cooling vests, towels and collars
- A small personal fan
- Lightweight, layered clothing you can easily add and remove
Staying cool can help you feel more comfortable and energized.
Planning for bladder concerns
Bladder dysfunction is common in MS. A little planning can help keep you from feeling stressed when you’re traveling:
- Know where restrooms are located and whether they are accessible.
- Use the bathroom when you can if you don’t know where the next one will be or when you will reach it.
- Plan restroom stops when you’re traveling by car.
Choosing the right accommodations
If you’re staying at a hotel, resort or vacation rental, reach out ahead of time to request an accessible room if you need one. Ask about your room location, the distance to elevators and whether there are walk-in showers. Planning ahead reduces surprises and gives you more energy to enjoy your trip.
Staying with friends or family
Whether you discuss your MS needs with friends or family is a personal decision. “If you’re on the fence about it, I’d say that most people like to be accommodating and welcome insight on what you need to navigate living with MS,” Dr. Dirks said.
You might want to ask about:
- Their normal house temperature, so you know if you’ll be comfortable
- Sleeping arrangements
- Where the bathrooms are located
- If you will need to go up and down stairs
- Parking
- Accessing the entry
Car travel tips for people with MS
There’s no strict rule for how long you can drive if you have MS. As is true for everyone, stretching every two hours or so can help keep you from getting too stiff and improve your circulation.
“Depending on your mobility level, a car handle assist can be a game changer for getting in and out of lower cars and moving between a mobility device and the seat,” Dr. Dirks said.
Air travel tips for people with MS
Airports can be exhausting for everyone and worse for people with MS. “Don’t be timid about asking for assistance,” Dr. Dirks said.
Airlines can provide:
- Wheelchair support
- Motorized carts
- Early boarding
“As far as the discomfort of asking for help or for a wheelchair, reframing thoughts about asking for assistance goes a long way,” Dr. Dirks said. “For instance, you can view a wheelchair as a tool for a legitimate mobility or fatigue concerns and see asking for assistance as a form of self-advocacy.” These tools help conserve your energy so you can enjoy your trip.
Avoiding overdoing it
There is no recommended “sweet spot” for how long a trip should be if you have MS. It depends on your individual abilities and interests, as well as practical issues like how much time you have for travel and what you can afford.
Some travelers with MS find that detailed planning helps them better manage their energy. Others would rather have more flexibility. Either way, build in rest time and pay attention to your limits. The goal is to enjoy your trip, not to push yourself so hard that you feel exhausted halfway through.
What to pack when traveling with MS
Choose luggage that reduces fatigue. Most people find that rolling bags are easiest to manage.
Other tips:
- Pack your medications in your carry-on bag
- Keep your medications in the original bottles if possible, especially if you’re travelling by air or internationally
- If you take medication that needs to stay cold, make sure you have refrigeration available throughout your trip
- Bring a second pair of glasses if you use them
- Wear supportive, comfortable shoes
Helpful resources
Check out the travel tips from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for more detailed recommendations.
The bottom line
MS may change how you travel but it doesn’t have to keep you home. With good preparation, pacing and self-advocacy, you can explore locations throughout the world.
If you’re not sure whether travel is right for you, talk with your neurologist or a Banner Health provider for help planning a trip that supports both your health and your sense of adventure.
