Planning a trip with an injury? Find out how to travel safely and comfortably with helpful tips and advice.
So the time has finally arrived for your dream vacation! The downside, however, is that you recently sustained an injury and it is affecting you. Depending on the severity of the injury, this can mean several things for you. It is important that you take the time to sit down and understand what traveling is like with an injury and what you can do to prevent it from getting worse. Here are some handy tips to remember when traveling with an injury.
Go to a Doctor Beforehand
Before you even decide to set out on your trip, the first thing you have to do is consult a doctor to see if it is a good idea. This is strongly recommended, no matter what type of injury you have sustained. The doctor can also provide you with some general advice to follow in regards to the injury. For example, if you have sustained an injury at work just before your travels, it is important that you visit a doctor for two important reasons.
The experts at Marks & Harrison first recommend it because you open yourself up for compensation due to a workplace injury. Secondly, they can provide you with guidance as to whether or not you should be traveling. From there, you can get yourself a note that you can show your booking agency and potentially have your trip postponed without any extra charges. Always ensure that you are seeing a doctor before your trip.
Call and Plan Ahead
If you are planning to travel via airplane, there are many different services that they can provide to those who are traveling with injuries. That being said, you cannot just show up on the day of your flight and tell them this and expect for them to make the necessary changes. As soon as you have free time after your injury, call them up and inform them of the situation. By giving them adequate notice, they will be able to accommodate your needs and ensure that your travels are as safe and comfortable for you as possible.
Pack Light
Depending on your injury, you might not be able to carry and support as much weight as you normally would. This means that you are going to have to look at what you are planning to take and consider what is essential. You might have to leave a few luxury items at home, as they will only cause you issues. While the airline and the hotel will be able to accommodate your injuries, once you are traveling around the area, you will be on your own. Ensure that you are only taking what is essential and that you will be able to carry around your belongings for an extended period of time without much issue. Do not damage yourself further by trying to carry too much.
Invest in Travel Insurance
If the worst-case scenario happens and you find yourself further injuring yourself while traveling, you want to make sure that you will be able to get the healthcare that you need. Travel insurance is always recommended to anyone who is traveling; however, in a situation like this, it is essentially mandatory. Insurance might be a little more expensive as you are already injured, however, it is better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to thousands of dollars. Get yourself some travel insurance so you can be taken care of if the worst happens.
Know Your Limits
While everyone wishes they were Superman, the reality of the situation is that our body has limitations that we must listen to and follow. If you are traveling about and you feel your injury starting to worsen, take a break from whatever you are doing and relax. It might be tempting to push through it and keep going, however, you are only opening yourself up to further damage. If you have an injury to your legs, avoid walking as much as possible and find other ways to travel about the city. It is extremely important that you recognize what you are capable of and stay within those limits to ensure that you stay safe during your travels.
These are all important things to consider when it comes time to travel with an injury. If your injury is too severe, don’t be afraid to call the airline and see if there is a way you can reschedule your trip. You would be surprised how understanding companies are when it comes to things like this. Take the time to get yourself better and give yourself plenty of rest so you can make the most out of your travels. Where are you planning on going?
