When vacation time rolls around, you will be excited to get away from it all. But, if you have an injury that causes you to hobble around on crutches, your excitement might be pushed to the side a bit. Being on crutches isn’t easy at home, much less away. However, there are a few things you can do to help you enjoy your vacation even when you are injured. Here are some traveling tips for those on crutches.
Tip 1: Plan Your Routes
Traveling on crutches will be tiring, but if you plan things out in advance, you will know the fastest way to get from place to place. Think about the sites that you want to se that might have disabled access points so you can save time. Make sure you work frequent breaks and rest time into any route you plan.
Tip 2: Avoid Lines
Standing around in a line on crutches is about the last thing you want to do when you are on vacation. Many airports and sight seeing destinations will have entries that allow handicapped individuals to skip the line. You might feel bad about going in front of other people, but standing in line is so physically draining you’ll get over your guilt fast.
Tip 3: Call Ahead
Be sure to call your hotel or other accommodations in advance to request a room either on the ground floor, or one that is close to the elevator. When you explain that you are on crutches, most places will be happy to help you in any way they can.
Tip 4: Consider Portable Bags
If you are taking a trip that is long enough to drag luggage along, try to see if you can fit the essentials into a backpack. You can wear it on your back and allow yourself your hands to work your crutches. Normally, suitcases on wheels are nice, but not when you have no hands to drag them.
Tip 5: Pre-Board your Transportation
If you are flying somewhere, taking a train, or riding the bus, request pre-boarding privileges so you can get on before everyone else and get situated. You will have to deal with working your crutches through the small aisles and it won’t be easy if other people are in the way.
Tip 6: Gain Strength
When you will be doing a lot of walking, it is a good idea to get in shape and use your crutches a lot in advance so you are in shape for the occasion. Then, once you are on vacation, you won’t feel as sore from using them so much.
Tip 7: Consider Alternatives
If being on crutches wears you out at home, it will most likely be even harder when you are away. There are alternatives to crutches that might be better options for you. Goodbye Crutches has three such devices: the Hands Free Crutch, the Knee Walker, and the Seated Scooter. The Hands Free Crutch, for example, will allow you the use of your hands at all times. The Knee Walker can help you take the pressure off your hands and armpits be allowing you to scoot from place to place instead. And the Seated Scooter gives you the rest you need because you can sit while you move from place to place. Take a look at the differences between the devices and think about what type of vacation you are planning, then match a mobility device up to your summer needs. Not only will one of those items make your vacation easier and more fun, but it will also help you in your day-to-day life as you recover.
Author Bio:
Brooke Williams is an award winning writer for Goodbye Crutches, the largest distributor of modern alternatives to crutches that serves those who can’t bear weight and can’t bear crutches. A former radio announcer turned freelance writer, she contributes to many other websites. She has authored four complete books as well. Brooke has been married for 10 years and has two daughters, Kaelyn, who is nearly 4 and Sadie who is one month old.