Top tips for a stress-free summer holiday

If you have MS and are planning a holiday, you'll know it can be harder to be spontaneous. Is the accommodation going to be accessible? What are the rules on travel insurance or taking your medication? How will you deal with MS symptoms while you're away from home?

Thinking ahead can mean less stress and a more enjoyable break. Here's a checklist of things to consider in your holiday plans, however your MS affects you. 

Having MS doesn’t mean that you have to compromise when it comes to holidays. You can match your desire for fun, relaxation or adventure to your budget and accessibility needs. Planning ahead is key, as accessible holidays are often booked a long time in advance.

Specialist travel organisations can help you search for your perfect break. For accessible accommodation in the UK and abroad try the Disability Holidays Guide and Disabled Holidays. They also cover specialist tour operators, flight assistance, taxi transfers and mobility equipment hire. 

Once you've found a place you like, it’s best to contact the resort or accommodation directly. That way you can check that they can meet your specific accessibility needs before you book. For example, there may be a lift in the hotel, but is there step-free access to all areas? Is there room in the bathroom for your chair, so you can get in and out of the shower?

Don’t forget to research the area around where you’re staying too. What’s the terrain like in the area you’re staying? Are the paths suitable for mobility aids? Most towns and cities or tourist destinations will have a website. You can find out about accessible restaurants, transport and leisure activities nearby.

You can find detailed accessibility information on places to visit in the UK from AccessAble and Tourism For All. Sometimes it's good to get a personal review. The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain lists reviews for attractions all over Britain.

It can be daunting to face a long or complicated journey, especially when you have MS. Symptoms like fatigue, bladder and bowel issues, or mobility problems can make travelling tricky. 

Be prepared to pace yourself. Take long journeys in stages and make time to rest and stretch. If you're travelling by car, can you share the driving? Make the journey at a good time for you, when you know you will have more energy. 

For longer journeys by train or plane, you may be limited by timetables on when you can travel. Think about finding somewhere to sleep overnight near an airport or station if you have an early start. Allow yourself to take things easy the next day so you can recover from the trip.

Each airport, airline, station or rail operator is a separate company. However, National Rail and the Civil Aviation Authority have legal rules for accessible travel. This is known as Passenger Assist for the rail networks and Special Assistance for the airlines.

Let the rail company or airline know what assistance you’ll need when you book your travel. It’s useful to get written confirmation of the assistance that’s been agreed and confirm this when you arrive or check in. 

Airports must provide free assistance to help you check in, move through the airport, board the plane, find an appropriate seat, use the toilet and leave the plane. Sunflower Lanyards are being rolled out in airports across the UK to discreetly alert staff of passengers with hidden disabilities who may need extra support. Get in touch with your local airport to request one. 

Sometimes we don't explore the places closest to us. There could be a hidden holiday gem on your doorstep. That way you can cut travel time but still enjoy being somewhere new. Consider joining a national heritage organisation like the National Trust, English, Welsh or Scottish Heritage and plan your holiday around some of their wonderful sites. These generally have the benefit of good parking, toilets and food options as well as clear communication about disability access arrangements. Some sites even have places to stay as well.

Many people with MS find that heat can make their symptoms worse, so if you’re jetting off to a warm country (or if there happens to be a heatwave in the UK!) think about what you can do to prepare for hot weather in advance. Sensitivity to heat can be managed in a number of ways, including:

• Drinking cold drinks regularly throughout the day
• Using a small mist spray bottle to spray your face with cold water
• Running your wrists under cold water
• Using a handheld fan when out and about
• Eating light meals, such as a salad
• Taking a cool bath or shower
• Investing in cooling garments, such as cooling hats, scarves, ties and wristbands, which can be worn throughout the day.

Cold sensitivity can also cause MS symptoms to flare up. If you’re going away somewhere where the weather may be cool, make sure you take enough clothing with you so you can layer up. 

Countries have different rules and regulations when it comes to medicines. Make sure that the country you’re travelling to will allow you to take your medication into that country. To check this, you should contact the embassy for the country you’re visiting. You can find a full list of foreign embassies in the UK on the GOV.UK website.

If you’re travelling by plane, keep your MS medication with you in your hand luggage, unless your airline tells you otherwise. Make sure it’s kept in its original packaging.

As a general rule, when travelling abroad it’s best to take a copy of your prescription with you and a letter from your GP. This should have details about your medication and your health condition, to avoid any problems at customs.

Some medication needs to be kept chilled. If you’re travelling somewhere warm, speak to the manufacturer of the drug. They may be able to provide a travel pack to keep your medication cool during your journey. At your destination, you may need to request access to a fridge.

Finally, wherever you’re travelling to, make sure you take enough medication with you to last the whole holiday. Plus a little extra in case of travel delays. 

Once you’ve booked a holiday it’s important to get your travel insurance sorted as soon as possible. Travel insurance covers you for unpredictable events whilst you’re on holiday and for things going wrong before the trip. Most insurance providers will cover people with MS, although it may be more expensive. Shop around to find the best price.

You should let the insurance company know that you have MS and check through the documents to ensure the policy covers everything you need. For instance, does it cover any mobility aids you’re taking? Will it cover costs for any medical treatment you need because of your MS whilst on holiday? Comparison websites are a good place to start looking for insurance. Some insurance companies cater specifically for people with pre-existing health conditions.

If you’re really struggling to find travel insurance at a reasonable price, an insurance broker will be able to search for you. The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has a database of brokers which you can search by medical condition. 

If you’re travelling in the EU or Switzerland, don’t forget to take your UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) with you. This card allows you to access medically necessary state-provided healthcare on your trip. The UK GHIC covers illnesses and accidents that happen on holiday and treatment for pre-existing medical conditions. So if your MS symptoms flare up while you’re away and you need treatment, you’ll be covered. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC) is free and can be ordered online.

All the hours of planning and researching are done. You’ve finally made it to your chosen destination, whether that’s a sandy beach, a cosy cabin or a swish hotel. Be sure to relax and enjoy your holiday!

• Temperature sensitivity and MS
• Insurance
• Travel and holidays
• Holidaying with MS: Caroline's top tips