Traveling

Do you yearn to go to far away and exotic places? Or do you consider yourself a home body who is glad to stay put? I fall somewhere between these two lifestyles. I certainly love to see new things and appreciate the beauty of other states and countries, including the cuisine and wines,  But I also cherish the sense of staying in place and enjoying my home and neighborhood. I have decided I want both....

When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I assumed (wrongly) that my travel days would come to an end. I thought that I would not have the mobility to navigate the cobblestone streets of Europe, or the subways in New York or the hiking trails of the National Parks.  I was scared about the future and had questions.  Would I lose my balance and fall? Would I freeze (a common problem with PD where you just stop and cannot move)? Would my tremors get stronger?  I did not know what to expect so I thought the worst.

I realized if I wanted to travel, I should do it now. And so I did. I first met a girlfriend in Washington, DC for a long fall weekend. Then I traveled to Orlando to see my husband’s family , and then I ventured to Paris with my youngest son who just graduated from college. It was a fabulous trip. He realized I needed his support and he was sooo there for me. I will always treasure our time together. Since then, I have made several local trips and ones to New York City, Charleston, Washington, Savannah, and to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. 

What I have found with traveling, like most things, is where there is a will, there is a way. And most importantly, I follow some basic guidelines. I hope they help you too.

*Wherever you go, you will need to pace yourself. Instead of seeing this as a negative, think of it as a way to take in a new place from a different perspective. You do not need to see every site as highlighted in the tourist book. Enjoy visiting a small local area within the city. Linger in an intimate museum or gallery and browse the small boutiques stores.  You will get the feel of the culture and the people without feeling agenda driven.

*Be flexible with your schedule. Figuratively, Parkinson’s has a mind of its own. Some days, without rhyme or reason, the symptoms overwhelm you and you just have to listen to your body. Sleep later and go to bed earlier than usual. Remember sleep is when you replenish dopamine. You need more of it than you did before you had Parkinson’s. Don’t fight it. Enjoy the rest. Maybe fall asleep reading about the local area. Most hotels and inns provide books or brochures on the history and sites where you are visiting.

*Naps are our friends! When we were very young, our moms realized the need for us to nap. We were less cranky, irritable and demanding after one. Naps can provide the same effects now and even more so. Give your body and mind a rest in the afternoon and you will feel better. Make it part of your day, especially when you travel.

*Pack lightly. Unless  you have a dedicated assistant to carry your items, you will need to carry what you bring. Learn to dress in layers so you can adjust to the weather accordingly. I try never to bring a bag that I need to check if I am flying. I just pack lightly and bring a small carry on with me. I will have a post soon on packing lightly, watch for it.

*Keep your meds with you. Parkinson’s patients know this because our meds are our life line. I have mine in my purse at all times, with extras in my suitcase.

*Don’t be afraid to tell people you are traveling with that you need a break, a rest, or to simply sit this one out. You know what happens to you when you overdo a good thing. It usually takes two to three times longer to recover from being overtired than it did before you had Parkinson’s.  It is better to prevent this than dealing with the fatigue afterwards. Don’t overdo it.

Remember, with or without Parkinson’s, life is an adventure. Enjoy the journey..