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Joints, Muscles and Bones Psoriatic Arthritis Travel
Travel
Living with PsA

Travel

Living with PsA does not prevent you from travelling abroad if you would like to. However, you may wish to make certain choices to ensure your journey and holiday are as comfortable as possible.

For example, you can plan ahead for some potential complications, including:

  1. Booking travel insurance
  2. Checking the accessibility of the accommodation; for example, you may wish to avoid stairs
  3. Locating a nearby chemist, doctor’s surgery or hospital
  4. Calling up the airline before booking the trip, as they may be able to reserve a seat with more leg room, or organise a wheelchair to help you through the airport
  5. Learning how to say ‘arthritis’ in the local language

Sitting for a long time, whether by flight, train, car, or boat, may be uncomfortable for some people with RA. It may help to…

  1. Get some movement if you can (e.g., walking or stretching)
  2. Get some sleep to help address any fatigue
  3. Take shoes off to avoid any extra swelling

You may also want to consider packing:

An image of a suitcase, labelled as follows: Your medications in original packaging, with the patient information leaflet, comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and compression stockings, documents and emergency travel kit. Documents may include a copy of your prescription, a letter from your GP confirming your diagnosis and medications, a steroid card or MedicAlert bracelet, if you are on steroids and your travel insurance policy. The emergency travel kit may include wipes, tissues, toilet roll, disposable gloves, hand sanitiser, a change of clothes, barrier cream and air freshener.

Having a support network always helps. If you are travelling with a group, consider having an open conversation with them so they understand what you are likely to be comfortable doing. You may also want to call your rheumatologist to check if they have any travel recommendations.1

References

  1. Versus Arthritis. Travelling with arthritis - James's tips for making holidays easier. Available at: https://versusarthritis.org/news/2023/march/travelling-with-arthritis-jamess-tips-for-making-holidays-easier/. Last accessed April 2025.