Top Tips for Travelling with Multiple Sclerosis

Every person with multiple sclerosis, or MS, experiences it differently. You may feel almost entirely well between flare-ups or face significant ongoing physical challenges. But regardless of your symptoms, there’s no reason you shouldn’t go on holiday.

What is Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of nerve fibres, known as myelin, disrupting the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.

Symptoms can vary widely from person to person, ranging from fatigue and numbness to difficulty with coordination and mobility. While the exact cause of MS is unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Managing MS often requires a team approach involving healthcare professionals and tailored treatment plans to address individual needs. However, there are certain considerations if you have a physical disability, and several MS-specific factors to consider.

My Top Tips For Travelling with MS

Travelling with multiple sclerosis may seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right mindset, it can be immensely rewarding. Whether you're heading off for a relaxing beach holiday or exploring a bustling city, several factors can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

By focusing on preparation, comfort, and accessibility, you can maintain your health and energy levels while making the most of your trip. Here are some personalised tips to help you travel confidently and comfortably with MS.

Before Your Travel

Research Your Destination: Some people with MS find their symptoms become worse in hot or humid climates. You should avoid too much sunshine and consider visiting during the cooler months at your destination.

Seek Guidance: Talk to your specialist well in advance about any travel plans. For instance, you may be having treatment with regular infusions. This shouldn’t stop you from travelling, but you may want to schedule your holiday around these infusions.

Vaccinations: If you’re considering a venue where travel vaccinations are required or recommended, you may need to start planning further in advance. While the benefits of vaccination outweigh and risks of vaccines for most people with MS, you may need to take precautions if you’re taking some disease-modifying treatments, if you’ve recently had a relapse, or if you’ve taken steroid tablets in the recent past. Check with your specialist nurse well in advance.

Pre-Order Medications: Order repeat supplies of your medications well in advance and if possible, take enough to last twice the length of your trip in case of delays.

Packing Medications: Pack medication in your hand luggage and if possible, spread your medicines between you and a travel partner, just in case your luggage is lost. Keep all your medicines in their original packaging, and keep a copy of your repeat prescription. You may need a letter from your GP (they may charge for this as it’s not an NHS service).

If you have liquid medications that need refrigerating, speak to your pharmacist about a thermos flask or other equipment to keep them at the right temperature. And do check in advance that your accommodation has a fridge.

Controlled Medications: If you’re taking controlled medication, it’s essential to check the regulations on bringing medicines into the country you’re visiting. For instance, gabapentin and pregabalin (commonly prescribed for nerve pain in MS) have been classed as Schedule 3 controlled drugs in the UK since just before the pandemic in 2019.

That means that if you were bringing them into the UK, you would need to get a personal licence and carry a letter confirming the medication was prescribed for you. However, regulations in different countries vary, so you need to check with the foreign embassy of the country you’re going to before you travel.

Some medicines that aren’t controlled drugs in the UK have restrictions on them in other countries. You can find out more from our article on taking medication abroad. You’ll need to check a few weeks before you go because sometimes you’ll need to get an export licence to take medicines out of the UK (usually if you’re going abroad for 3 months or more).

READ MORE: Travelling with Medications

Buy Travel Insurance: Always make sure you have specialist travel insurance. If you’re travelling in some European countries, you’re eligible for some medical care using a Global Health Insurance Card – the replacement of the old EHIC. However, this doesn’t always mean free care and doesn’t cover all medical care, so it’s still essential to have separate insurance.

READ MORE: EHIC, GHIC & Travel Insurance

Whilst Away

Feeling Tired: If you have MS, you probably know all about feeling tired – it’s one of the most common features of MS. You’ll also know that if you overdo things, you may end up exhausted no matter how much rest you get over your holidays. So don’t plan too much and factor in regular rest periods.

Additionally, with the time zone changes there comes the possibility of Jet Lag - you may find it even more difficult to get fully rested. 

READ MORE: Holiday Insomnia and Jet Lag

Acclimatise: If you do opt for a trip to a hot destination, factor in a period after you arrive with no plans to acclimatise. Make sure there’s air conditioning at your destination and pack loose, lightweight clothes made of breathable fabric.

Accessibility: If you use a wheelchair, make sure to do some research on the internet for sights you’re interested in visiting, to see if they’re wheelchair accessible. Your travel company may also be able to advise.

Watch What You Eat: Getting a serious infectious disease can worsen MS symptoms. Take extra care to avoid tummy bugs: wash your hands regularly; carry hand sanitiser in case washing facilities aren’t easily available; opt for freshly cooked, piping hot food; avoid food from street vendors; steer clear of salads in areas where water may be contaminated; always peel fruit and vegetables.

Watch What You Drink: Where the fluid is concerned, stick to boiled or bottled drinks. Tea and coffee, beer and wine, and fizzy drinks from sealed bottles and cans are all safe. However, don’t add ice – which could have been made from contaminated water – to your drinks.

Blue Badge: If you have a Blue Badge as a result of disability, you can use it in some EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Do remember that rules and concessions will vary between countries, so check the details for the country you’re visiting.

In conclusion, travelling with MS requires careful planning and consideration, but it is entirely possible to enjoy a rewarding holiday experience. By taking proactive steps—such as consulting healthcare professionals, researching destinations, packing carefully, and ensuring accessibility—you can help mitigate potential challenges.

Remember to manage your symptoms by staying aware of environmental factors and adhering to your prescribed medication regimen. Ultimately, with the right preparations, travelling can offer not only relaxation but also invaluable opportunities for exploration and personal growth.