Travelling can add a level stress especially if you are travelling by airplane, train or bus. This stops some people from even considering this, especially if they have chronic pain. Because there are so many resources, I have collected a few on this blog to help you get started. This blog is not meant to be really read from start to finish, but rather as a reference page for different resources.

1.  Travel Guide: In the United States, we are fortunate that there are many accommodations for people in pain. However, this may not be the case for other countries. One way to start your research is with the free guide from Lonely Planet. NOTE that the guide is a few years old and pre-pandemic, but it does give you a starting point.
If you are unable to access the guide, please e-mail info@specialtypaincare.com and we will help you get access to it.
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2.    Airline Mobility Resources and other Special Accommodations: Each airport has different resources available to help you get around the airport. To access these services, you need to contact your airline to arrange the special assistance.
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The U.S. Department of Transportation has some information that lets you know of your rights. Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) 14 CFR Part 382 – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel is the law that protects those with disabilities including those with chronic pain.  (https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/wheelchair-and-guided-assistance)
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I listed the different domestic airlines’ accessibility sites to help with the process of arranging the accommodation needed. (NOTE accessibility resources are also available for non-United States based carriers that fly into the United States.) The thing to remember is to book your travel as early as possible and ask for the accommodations when you make your booking:
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3.    Train Mobility Resources and Other Special Accommodations: When it comes to taking the train there are similar resources available as there are in air travel. As with air travel, the accommodations typically come from the railroad:


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4.   Bus Mobility Resources and Other Special Accommodations: When it comes to taking the bus there are similar resources available as there are with train and air travel.
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The one thing to note about traveling by bus is that with some of the smaller bus companies, they are given 48 hours to make special arrangements. If travel is booked less than 48 hours, you may find yourself stranded so make sure you consider this prior to booking bus travel.
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5.     Travel Insurance including Medical Insurance: When you are travelling internationally, sometimes your home insurance will cover medical care abroad, but most of the time you will need to get medical insurance for those emergencies when you are abroad.
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First, look at the credit cards that you have in your wallet: Certain credit cards have travel insurance including medical insurance included. Make sure you understand the situations they will cover your medical claims. For example, some credit cards require all the travel be paid for using that credit card for the coverage to apply.
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If you do not have a credit card that includes these benefits, you can buy insurance for those situations. I do not have a go to insurance company and am not an insurance agent. I have listed a few sites that list and compare different travel insurance plans. Please note the difference in coverage especially the included medical coverage.
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I hope this information helps with your travels whether it is during the holiday season or any time of year. One of the things that makes travel easier is having an advocate. If you are searching for a doctor to treat your chronic pain, request an appointment on my contact page and see how I can help you get back to doing the things you love, including travelling to your next destination.