Tropical Times

Travelling is generally a challenge at some point whether on a practical, emotional or psychological level. But for many people with a disability I would imagine it is more on the physical side of challenges. Certainly that is my experience because of my Muscular Dystrophy condition. Periodically I have played around with the idea of travelling again as my mood and health have ebbed and flowed. The most recent was my brief foray into day-dreams about a trip to America, which didn’t materialize. This then transformed into ideas of returning to Australia. Unfortunately I also had to face the practicalities of life regarding that idea as well. After that reality check I had put the idea of travel to bed. Coincidentally though, it wasn't long after that I was offered the temptation of a winter escape to Samoa with my family.

 It was initially a bit of a shock for me as I had never considered the Pacific Islands as a destination that would be suitable for me with all the equipment I have and my mobility restrictions. I am also by nature and necessity a create of comfort and like to be in places and situations where I can still be ‘independent’ in my electric wheel chair and all the other things that help me feel comfortable. So it took some persuasion from friends and family and some introspection on my own to decide that it was the right time to say ‘YES LETS!! I was still a little anxious about the practicalities but the family motto has always been ‘anything is possible if you want it enough’. So here I am a week out from my departure date and feeling much happier with just a few remaining butterflies in my stomach.

As always my adventures are learning experiences and require planning and strategizing on a level akin to a military invasion. Fortunately this trips plan has been in the capable hands of my mum and her local travel agent. In some ways this has been a weight off my mind after previous travel planning escapades involved me being in charge. This time though, with me not taking the lead it has been testing my inner conductor/control freak to have someone else make the arrangements. I have not entirely been hands off as mum has worked with me around finding out things I already know.  As a result of our shared input and her own planning mum has learned a lot about the challenges and complexities of travelling with my current condition, regulations of airlines and travel companies. All of which have changed since I last went overseas with the family when I was much younger. It has been great to bring out some of my previous learning’s, namely; which airlines can accommodate my needs, the information they need regarding mobility arrangements, seating, transport, packing and paperwork.

Because this expedition will be a new destination and circumstances are different I have had the chance to learn a few new things.

1. Get a letter from your GP or specialist outlining your condition and listing any and all medication you will be travelling with. Keep a copy with you in your hand luggage and a copy in your suitcase for safety.
2. Take your medication or at least a portion with you in labelled and/or sealed containers/bottles in case your luggage is lost in transit. This would be especially important if you need regular doses to stay well and functioning.
3. If you are taking a manual wheelchair, make sure you have some way of securing foot rests and any other removable parts so that they can’t be lost. For example the manual chair I am taking has a removable head rest, back rest and foot plates and I am going to ensure that they can’t totally dismantle my chair. This will hopefully stop any damage or alterations to the specific settings on my seating.
4. If you have a special cushion to sit on it is a great idea to take it with you for sitting comfortably on the aeroplane.
5. Check with airlines or via your travel agent whether the airline will be able to provide the arrangements or assistance you need to board and exit the plan, as well as using the bathroom while flying if necessary. For me I will need a seat harness for the plane seat to help me sit upright and will also need an aisle chair to get to and from my seat. (An isle chair is a narrow, basic wheelchair that you can transfer into and be wheeled to your seat and then transfer or be assisted across.)
6. Make sure you leave plenty of time for everything, including planning and research. This is particularly important if you need specific facilities or equipment. An example for me is the need to rent an oxygen concentrator for use at night. There were none available in Samoa that I could find but there is a company in New Zealand called Invacare who can rent out different machines, depending on the requirements.
7. Take a basic tool kit if you are travelling with equipment, for example I will take an Allen key set, plumber’s waterproof tape and a tire patching kit to be able to make temporary repairs on my chair if needed.

These are the main points I have noted so far in my preparation. I hope to post another one or two posts before I leave and then I will post something hopefully either while I am away or when I return. Hopefully there wont be too much of a delay in coming up with a post when I get back. Fortunately I shouldn’t have to worry about jetlag as there is only approximately an hour’s difference between New Zealand and Samoa’s time zones. One thing I am definitely not looking forward to though is the climate shock when I get there, going from 10-12 degree days to 24-29 degree days and then the reverse when I return home, brrrrrr!!!