When travelling, you can never be too organised so packing can become overwhelming when you’re preparing for a holiday. You’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need for your trip away.
So, before we get started on the top ten essentials let’s go through the basics first.
The Basics
· Identification, companion card and/or passport
· Travel Documents
· Climate appropriate clothing
· Socks
· Underwear
· Pyjamas
· Hat
· Sunglasses
· Swimwear
· Travel pillow
· Eye mask
· International adaptor (if traveling abroad)
· Appropriate footwear
These are usually the sorts of things you would pack on a trip away, but there are some more essential to pack that you don’t want to forget. So here are the ten essentials to remember to take with you.
Our pick of the essentials:
1. Health Essentials
Sometimes it is easy to forget your medication, catheters, wound care kit, asthma puffer, first aid kit etc. Perhaps even packing vitamins, travel sickness tablets or pain reliever tablets will have you prepared for unexpected surprises. Depending on how long your travelling for, some items such as catheters, wound care kit, medical gloves, medication etc may make your luggage bulky, so consider asking the Scream Team to pre-order items to have delivered to your hotel in the destination thus saving you from travelling with it all. While you’re at it, we also recommend packing a letter from your Doctor including their contact details or documents relating to your medical conditions / medication list etc should it become required from providers when travelling.
2 Entertainment
Books, journal, magazines or even a handheld gaming console would be perfect to take with you to kill some time on the trip.
3 Chargers
If you’re taking your electric wheelchair, smart drive, laptop, ebook reader, camera, iPad etc it’s important to remember the charger for each of those things. Portable phone chargers also come in handy if you plan to use your phone for taking pictures and videos.
4 Secure travel bags and backpack
Whether you like it or not, people with accessible needs can be a target for pety theft or pick pockets. Simple luggage locks or zipper clips will deter thiefs and will secure your items safely. The secure backpack is great for storing things if you plan to go out on an adventure or to the beach. If you’re clumsy like us, its ideal to keep a change of clothes, sanitiser, mini medical kit etc in this bag in case of accidents when you’re out.
5 Equipment
Travelling with your own equipment can lead to increased luggage so first consider hiring items in your destination through Amplify Accessible Travel Specialists. Alternatively, items you may want to take includes travel commode, hoist, bed raisers, smart drive etc. Its also recommended if you require a hoist to consider taking your own sling to reduce concern over those hired abroad.
6 Seat Cushion
To reduce the changes of pressure sores or wounds, it’s recommended to take your personal seat cushion with you when you travel. If flying, its recommended you actually take this and use it on the airline seat for added comfort during your flight.
7 Hand Sanitiser Or Wet Wipes
Perfect use for when you’re at an airport or any other public area that a lot of people use. Keep in mind this is something that can also be pre-ordered and delivered to your hotel prior to your arrival.
8 Repair kit / pump
Sometimes accidents happen whether its from rough terrain or mishandling from providers and damage may occur to your chair or equipment. Therefore always travel with a repair kit and pump. Its also a great idea to get a list of recommendations from your chair provider for businesses in your travel destination that can assist with repairs if damage occurs to your chair or equipment.
9 Snacks
If your trip is going to take a few hours it’s always a great idea to take along some snacks to keep your sugar levels up. If you’re prone to getting travel sickness then take some nausea tablets and eat something light.
10 Toiletry Bag
There are a few things that go into the toiletry bag that you might miss. So let’s go through some of the items quickly.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Razor & shaving cream
- Personal Hygiene Products (including sanitary items)
- Moisturiser and Lotion
By utilising the above as a guide and adding or adapting to your specific journey and requirements, you’ll find you are better prepared and will reduce the stress of not having select items when you arrive in your destination. Something to consider is working with Amplify Accessible Travel Specialists to organise a carer who can help you pack before you leave and also unpack when you return home. In your destination, the team can also arrange a carer to help you settle into your accommodation and unpack for you thus increasing your holiday time while someone else manages the boring elements of the journey.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to enjoy your escape and take pleasure in relaxing knowing you are fully prepared with everything you need for continuance of care and enjoyment of your escape.
