Everyone deserves a holiday, but travelling with arthritis can bring unique challenges. The stress of planning, coupled with changes to your daily routine, can sometimes worsen joint pain and inflammation.
In fact, studies show that many people living with arthritis avoid travelling altogether due to concerns about managing their condition. But with the right strategies, there’s no reason arthritis should stop you from enjoying a well-earned break, whether it’s a weekend getaway in the UK, a sunny holiday in Spain, or a longer trip abroad.
While travelling with arthritis does require extra preparation, good planning, and the advice of your GP, it’s entirely possible to explore new places and create unforgettable memories while keeping pain under control.
How Does Travelling Impact Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. In the UK, over 10 million people are affected by arthritis or related conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.
Symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain and reduced mobility. Certain aspects of travel, including long periods of sitting, disrupted routines, and increased stress levels, can sometimes worsen these symptoms.
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Prolonged Sitting Can Aggravate Joint Pain
Travelling often involves extended periods of sitting, whether you’re on a plane, train, or car journey. For people with arthritis, staying in one position for too long can cause stiffness and discomfort. Regular movement, such as stretching or taking short walks, can help alleviate joint pain. Over-the-counter pain relief may also be useful during lengthy trips.
Fatigue From Travel Can Intensify Symptoms
Travel can be physically demanding, especially when dealing with early starts, long days, or time zone changes. This extra fatigue can increase arthritis symptoms, making rest and proper pacing essential to minimise pain and discomfort.
Dietary Changes May Influence Inflammation
One of the joys of travelling is experiencing new cuisines, but changes in diet can sometimes affect arthritis symptoms. Certain foods may worsen inflammation, so it’s important to remain mindful of your choices and try to include anti-inflammatory options where possible.
Related article: How to Travel With Enbrel Injections: Tips on Travel Kits, Packing for Air Travel, Crossing International Borders, and More!
Practical Tips for Travelling with Arthritis
While arthritis may require some adjustments to your travel plans, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips to help manage your symptoms while travelling:
1. Organise Your Medication
Make sure you have enough medication for the entire trip, with extra to account for any unexpected delays. Keep your medication in its original packaging and split it between bags to minimise the risk of losing everything. If travelling internationally, check any restrictions on bringing medication into your destination country and carry a doctor’s letter if needed.
2. Ensure Injectable Medications Stay Cool
Many injectable arthritis treatments, such as Humira, Enbrel, Cimzia, Actemra, Taltz, Cosentyx, and others require refrigeration or temperature-control when travelling.
Portable medical-grade coolers are an ideal solution for maintaining the correct temperature during your journey. These devices are particularly helpful for long-haul flights or extended trips.
3. Choose Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions like arthritis. Look for a specialist provider that offers comprehensive protection, including emergency medical care and trip cancellations related to your condition.
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4. Opt for Lightweight Luggage
Heavy suitcases can strain your joints and worsen arthritis pain. Invest in lightweight luggage with wheels to make navigating airports, train stations, and hotels easier.
5. Prepare for Flights
Flying is another big concern for people suffering from arthritis pain. However, it’s reassuring to know that many people do not experience any increased pain during flights. For those who do, the pain is probably caused by changes in air pressure and the fact that you’re sitting in the same position for a long time.
Call the airline company before your flight and inform them of your condition. They should be able to provide you with a wheelchair as well as offer you to board earlier and have someone to help carry your luggage. There are also a few good practices that have been shown to limit arthritis pain during long-haul flights such as moving, stretching, and others.
Related article: Flying with Arthritis, How to Prepare for Long-Haul Flights?
6. Bring Pain Management Essentials
When you’re travelling with chronic pain, you never know when the pain will strike. Make sure you’re always ready to act and have your personal pain management accessories available at any time. Some people find ice to relieve the pain, while others use medicated pain killers, over-the-counter topical creams, or walking devices. Pack whatever works for you at home.
7. Schedule Time to Rest
Travel can disrupt your usual sleep routine, which may worsen arthritis symptoms. Plan your itinerary with plenty of downtime to rest and recharge, ensuring you don’t overexert yourself.
8. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
From hotel staff to flight attendants, most people are happy to lend a hand if you need assistance. Before your trip, seek advice from your GP or specialist about managing arthritis during travel.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
We hope these tips inspire you to travel with confidence despite living with arthritis. If you have additional advice or experiences to share, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
