nick

Going on holiday with a respiratory condition

Going on holiday or just travelling with a respiratory condition can seem daunting, stressful or just too much to think about. Here are some holiday tips to help you on your next planned trip.

Holiday tips

• Make a plan in advance since you can forget anything important if you wait until the last minute. Consider your walking distance, your ability to climb stairs, your access to restrooms, and the types of transportation you can use.
• Be practical: locations you enjoyed in the past might not be appropriate right now. Select a physical task that both you and your caretaker can handle.
• Shop around to get the best bargain possible. varying providers have varying policies for those with lung diseases. Numerous travel agencies provide vacation packages for those with specific needs.
• Travel agencies are accustomed to handling unique requirements, so ask questions. They ought to be capable of responding to any of your questions and worries.

How do I choose my accommodation?

For trips to the UK National Accessible Accommodation Standard assesses all types of accommodation, including self-catering, for accessibility. It puts accommodation into four mobility categories:
Category One – suitable for people able to climb a flight of stairs that have extra fittings to aid balance.
Category Two – suitable for someone who needs a wheelchair some of the time but can manage a maximum of three steps.
Category Three – suitable for people who depend on a wheelchair but who can transfer unaided to and from the wheelchair in a seated position.
Category Four – suitable for a person who depends on the use of a wheelchair and needs help from a carer or a mechanical hoist to transfer to and from the wheelchair.

Holidays abroad

It's a common misconception that individuals with lung conditions cannot travel, but this is untrue. Packages vary, just like in the UK, so compare prices. Prior to choosing a destination, always confirm with your physician or other healthcare provider that you are well enough to travel and make all of your travel plans well in advance.

How do I get there?

By Ferry
People with disabilities can utilise lifts, restrooms and other amenities provided by numerous ferry operators. Vehicles carrying disabled passengers may be eligible for special parking and priority loading.

By Train
Passengers with specific requirements are catered for on Eurostar trains. Certain coaches are wheelchair accessible and permit the use of oxygen tanks. If you're going farther in Europe, find out the applicable European train company's rules regarding oxygen transportation.

By Car
Prior to your trip, be sure the vehicle you are driving has been inspected and/or serviced. Verify if your insurance provider needs a green card, which facilitates unrestricted automobile travel across international borders. Drivers of passengers with severe mobility impairments can park near to their destination in the UK thanks to Blue Badges. You might be allowed to use the Blue Badge overseas because the UK and other European Union (EU) nations have informal parking agreements in place.

Holidaying abroad with oxygen

Prior to your trip, you must plan for the provision of oxygen if you will require it for the duration of your vacation.

• You must get in touch with an oxygen supplier in the nation you will be visiting if you are travelling outside of Europe.
• Renting a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) has proven to be a more cost-effective option for travellers than carrying oxygen supplies for the duration of their trip.
• You might still need to think about setting up a backup oxygen source, though, in case of emergency.
• When taking a plane trip, keep in mind that various airlines have varied guidelines about the use and transportation of oxygen and medical equipment like POCs.
• Make sure you always confirm with the airline you are flying with.

by nick