Travel adds joy to life. Whether you go to visit loved ones, try something new, or explore the world, traveling opens the door to new experiences.
COPD can make travel more difficult, but it doesn’t have to keep you at home. With some planning, you can enjoy a safe and rewarding trip. Here are a few things to think about before you go.
Life’s About the Journey… But Also the Destination
Where you travel can affect how you feel during your trip. If you are visiting family or friends, you may not have much choice about your destination. For other trips, it helps to think ahead about how a location might affect your breathing.
High-altitude locations can be harder for some people with COPD because the air is thinner. Hot, humid weather and poor air quality can also make symptoms worse.
Choose a destination that’s right for you. Think about how you will get around and what activities you want to do. It is also a good idea to look up nearby hospitals. Make sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor before you travel.
Planes, Trains, or Automobiles?
Getting from point A to point B can be one of the most complicated parts of traveling with COPD. Each type of transportation has pros and cons:
- Airplanes: Flying is often the fastest way to travel, especially for long trips. However, airplane cabins are pressurized, which means there is less oxygen during a flight. For some people with COPD, this can cause problems. Talk to your doctor to find out if you may need oxygen while flying.
- Trains: Trains can be an easier, more comfortable option. Many train services, like Amtrak, allow passengers to bring oxygen equipment on board. However, you may need to make arrangements ahead of time. Depending on where you live and where you are traveling, trains may not be the most convenient choice.
- Cars: Traveling by car gives you more flexibility. You don’t have to worry about airline requirements, paperwork, or crowded spaces. However, driving is the slowest way to travel. When you plan your route, think about rest stops, elevation changes, and air pollution along the way.
Do you use oxygen? Learn more about traveling with oxygen. You can also find tips on other parts of travel, like requesting a wheelchair at the airport and arranging oxygen deliveries to your hotel.
Packing Like a Boy Scout: Your COPD Travel Checklist
When traveling with COPD, the Boy Scout motto is one to live by: Be prepared! Make a packing list before your trip to make sure you have everything you need.
Beyond clothing and toiletries, here are some COPD essentials you might pack:
- All of your medications. Bring enough for your trip, plus a few extra days.
- A folder with important medical information. This might include a list of your medications, emergency contacts, insurance information, a letter from your doctor, and contact details for a hospital near where you will be staying.
- Prescription antibiotics, in case you get sick.
- Corticosteroids, in case of a flare-up.
- A portable oxygen concentrator, if you use one. Make sure to also pack any charging equipment, batteries, and accessories you may need.
- Hand sanitizer and a mask. These can help lower the risk of infection in crowded areas.
Nature Is Calling. It’s the National Parks
Did you know that you may qualify for a free lifetime pass to U.S. National Parks?
The America the Beautiful Access Pass is available to all U.S. citizens or residents who have permanent disabilities. This includes conditions that greatly limit major life activities, such as breathing.
To apply, you need a photo ID and proof of your condition. A letter from your doctor counts. Visit the National Park Service (NPS) website for more details.
The National Park System includes more than 430 sites. This includes National Parks, battlefields, historic sites, monuments, and more. Many locations offer accessibility features for visitors with different needs. Before your trip, check the NPS website to learn more.
Traveling with COPD may take a little extra planning, but it doesn’t have to stop you from exploring new places and making memories with the people you love.
Tell us in the comments: Do you have any trips planned this summer? What tips or strategies have made travel easier for you?