[dridobits]

Hello all, I am new here so not sure where to post. I see questions regarding travel and people have interesting different tips they have given. Here are some that I have used over the years.

For long travel...also on plane. I bring a donut to sit on for long flights...Got mine a Long's drugs or local discount drug store. I put this in a thin black bag so no one can see it's a donut to sit on. Sometimes when I forget the donut, I grab a pillow. I sometimes take a cheap pillow, throw it out so I'm not dragging it around on the trip and get another one for the flight back.

I try to bring a something light I can lie down on wherever I'm travelling..an old coat. I no longer try to "tough it out". I find a good place to lie down when I'm waiting for the plane. Near your gate might be an empty or "less" full gate where it's better to lie down.

If connecting in an unfamiliar airport, try to find out how far the gate you need to get to is "before" you start on your walk. That walk could wind up to be a long way. You might want to have help or have someone drive a cart with you in it.

I'm no stranger to lying down at airports, train stations, lying down in cars, etc. Sometimes I book a flight on a day where there is less travel thereby giving me more possibility of having 3 seats across. I've been stuck in the Singapore airport unable to move as well as stuck in Ecuador. U name it, I've done it.

If travelling through customs sometimes it's good to have a letter from your doctor describing your meds and why you take them in the appropriate language. I was once stuck at the border at Chile/Bolivia waiting in a llama hut while someone tried to translate my letter of medications to the customs people. I love llamas but they smell.

Do you have a "dissability" tag for driving? I bring this and show it to them when I check in. I ask for last minute upgrades...show them my brace, anything I can do to get help. I'm not shy. I was bumped for free on Virgin from JFK to Germany for free to first class at the last minute. I didn't feel too guilty was recouping also from cancer...it Saved my life. I had to wait but I told them anything they could help me with was tremendously appreciated.

I let people know the minute I check in I might need help with seating. Tell them later and they may not be able to help you. I'm very very very nice to everyone who works at the airlines etc. My grandfather said "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar". In all my travel this has been true for me. A steward/ess thats treated well you can make or break a flight...or an free upgrade.

I often try to sit not too far from the rear of plane so i can get up and stand a lot...this is personal preference. Remember how long they take to get that drinking cart down the aisle. I also understand why people don't want to be at the end of the plane...doesn't smell great and not the best place if trouble with flying etc.

When travelling internationally I often spend one night in a place to break it up...takes longer to get there but less painful. I always keep water and trail bars to help take meds.

I split up my meds in case I lose or someone takes my bag. I've lost meds on flights before. I put name and cell phone written in bag...taped whatever works with "reward" sign on it. I once had ALL my meds returned to me.

I count my number of bags as I go so I don't lose anything. At every stop, one, two, three. Make sure they are all there at every step. I one left my meds in a black bag on top of a garbage can. If it wasn't for my cell phone going off I would have left it. That's why I now count. I get really tired when I'm hurting and can't think as clearly.

I always "duplicate" all paper files I am bringing on the compter. I'll send myself an email that way if I lose anything all I have to do it get it again is to go on my email. I put all copies of travel files in a travel folder or appropriate folder where I can get my email. This can save tons of money if you have to change travel plans or lose anything.

If your paying out of pocket for surgery and have catastrophic insurance or even an HMO, make sure you have all the "forms" your insurance company would need if you need any emergency medical care after the surgery that they might cover. Sometimes having the right form can "make it" or "break it" in terms of insurance rules/laws.

Waiting till the last minute to get on the plane can lessen your time waiting on the plane. I go on last. If you need special assistance....this may not work. It can be those 20 minutes you save here and there standing and waiting than can really decrease your pain. Proof of disability if you have it can help in many different places.

In planning my own surgery I am going to opt I think for a wheelchair. U can call the airline to set this up before hand. You might not want to sit, but you might not want to stand waiting with a bag fighting with other patients in line dragging your bag or just standing even. Also with a wheelchair sometimes you won't have to do a long long wait. I'm no longer a hero.

I find it's the waiting that is hardest when I travel. The "unexpected" time delays that are hardest.

I've been to every continent since my accident. I wouldn't recommend it to other people but somehow I managed....and often with the help of amazing strangers. Certain airlines have better reputations for service (if at all) than others. I hope this may help. Thanks.

Liz