Holiday Planning After Brain Injury

• Published date: 16 August 2022
• Subject Matter: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration, Personal Injury
• Law Firm: Lanyon Bowdler
• Author: Ms Carole Walker

Going on holiday always takes careful preparation and there are many different things to consider such as your destination, how to get there, what to pack, among other things.

After a brain injury, planning a holiday might require even more care. However, holiday organisers are increasingly considering the needs and wants of people with disabilities, broadening your options of possible holiday destinations. There are various steps you can take to help your holiday to go as smoothly as possible. Whether you are planning on having a short weekend away or a long holiday abroad.

Travelling with a brain injury doesn't need to be a scary thing. If you plan for it, take your time and rest, you'll be able to relax and enjoy the full experience.

Preparation

Consider using a holiday planning app to help you with making arrangements. There are many travel comparison websites that can help visitors find accessible holiday packages to browse.

If you are planning on going abroad, check whether there are any special health requirements for the countries you are visiting. Vaccinations may be required or advisable against certain native diseases; you should speak to your GP about any vaccinations you may require.

Check in advance whether the places you are travelling to and from have accessible facilities such as toilets and if so, where they are located. You could consider marking these on a map to help find them. Some cities within the UK have this information available on their websites. You may need to have a Radar key to unlock some of these toilets. Most local authorities sell Radar keys, or you can buy them online.

If you require medication on your holiday, check whether there are any restrictions on bringing your medication into the country you are travelling to. Do ensure you have a good supply of any required medication, aids and equipment to last you for your stay. If possible, take extras with you in case you are delayed from returning, but make sure this complies with any restrictions on medication types/amounts in the country you are visiting. Label medications clearly, or where possible, keep them in their original packaging. The government suggests taking along a 'travelling letter' outlining the most common effects of your brain injury.

You could consider using a free translating service, such as Google translate, to translate the information into the native language of the country you are thinking of travelling to, in case you need support while abroad.

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