Can you travel abroad with epilepsy? What are the common hurdles to overcome? We reached out to our online community about travelling with epilepsy and got some incredible tips and tricks.
Travelling with epilepsy has its unique struggles, but for most people, it’s more than manageable and an incredibly rewarding experience. Prepare well, look after yourself, and get ready for an unforgettable holiday.
What should I bring when travelling with epilepsy?
The best way to make travelling with epilepsy easy is to be well-prepared and pack well. When we asked our community for what you should always have in your travel bag, we received some brilliant suggestions.
I always bring hand fan, meds with prescription info, and snacks
Staying comfortable is a great way to alleviate stress, which is often a major seizure trigger. Bring whatever comforts you need to stay calm and cosy, whether that’s a hand fan, a neck pillow, or sleep mask.
Wear your epilepsy international serpent med alert wristband
Making it visible that you have epilepsy when travelling means that airport and airplane staff are aware of your condition should you have a seizure and can respond accordingly.
First aid bag with steri strips and an ice pack in case I hurt myself when falling.
This practical tip is a simple, common-sense way to prepare for the event of a seizure. Painkillers, bandages, tape, plasters, and sterile wipes are also lightweight, easy to pack, and may come in handy.
Bring your meds!!!
The best way to stay on top of your epilepsy is to take your medication on the schedule that medical professionals have instructed. If you are travelling across time zones, it’s a good idea to keep a watch or phone on UK time so that you don’t miss a dosage.
What has your experience been going through airport security?
It can be daunting to surround yourself with strangers in a new environment, but airports have support for people with epilepsy.
My son was given an assisted travel lanyard. The Greek airport was so accommodating.
Reaching out to airport staff can allow you, or your travelling companion with epilepsy, to travel with more comfort. Accommodations like an assisted travel lanyard can make the process a lot smoother and less stressful.
They didn’t even question my meds or the letter from my neurologist
Remember, you aren’t the only one travelling with medication. While you are fine to travel with almost all epilepsy medication, bringing a letter from a doctor can help alleviate stress and prevent any questions at the border.
I had a seizure at an airport gate once and they said that I wasn't well enough to go on the plane even though my parents said that I would be fine.
Unfortunately, this supporter had an unpleasant experience with airport security. Documentation and a doctor's letter may help you explain your condition to those untrained in epilepsy, and the right travel insurance can help your recoup costs should your plans be compromised by a seizure.
Going through airport security has been good for us personally. For additional needs such as disabilities and everything, that has always been positive as well.
A fourth commenter's experience shows that most of the time, airports have accommodations for people living with epilepsy and staff should be happy to help.
Further travel tips
Our community had even more ideas for making sure your epilepsy doesn’t stop you having a fantastic time on holiday.
It’s a good idea to have ‘I have epilepsy’ translated when you travel
Learning a simple translation for your condition will help you explain to staff and strangers what is happening if you feel the onset of a seizure or are recovering from one. ‘J'ai de l'épilepsie’ in French, ‘Ich habe Epilepsie’ in German, ‘Tengo epilepsia’ in Spanish; Google translate can help you with the pronunciation.
Travel with people who support you
Those you are travelling with should not only be aware of your condition, anti-seizure medication, and emergency medication, but trusted friends or family members you can rely on. Avoid travelling with those who won’t respect your seizure triggers or may put you in situations you aren’t comfortable with.
Bring back up medication and catch up on sleep.
Tiredness is often a major seizure trigger. Though you’ll likely want to pack your holiday with activities and immerse yourself in the local culture, don’t neglect sleep or push your limits, particularly after a long international flight. You’ll enjoy yourself much more and put yourself at less risk of seizures if you stay well rested throughout your holiday.
I seizure a lot more abroad
This member of our community is candid that international travel triggers their seizures. Considering there will be a lot of ‘new’, this isn’t uncommon. However, knowing your triggers, keeping on top of your medication, and travelling with trusted people can minimise your risks and allow you to have an incredible trip.
Keep hydrated, cool, and HAVE FUN
Travel is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, experience different cultures, and enjoy amazing experiences. You may have to make more accommodations than others, but doing so will give you a chance to immerse yourself in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
