Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) doesn’t mean giving up travel, especially if you’re willing to put in a little extra time while planning. Although MS symptoms such as fatigue, mobility changes, and heat sensitivity don’t magically go away when you hit the road, they can be managed with many of the same strategies you use in everyday life.
There can even be benefits for your overall health and well-being that stick around long after your vacation is over, says Lauralei Dirks, a doctor of occupational therapy at Banner Physical Therapy in Arizona. “Not only will traveling help you stay connected and engaged but a well-planned vacation can also relieve stress, which can be a trigger for many MS symptoms,” says Dr. Dirks.
There’s no getting around the facts — travel with MS is not without obstacles, and it’s understandable to feel intimidated or even give up on the idea completely.
If those feelings come up, it can be helpful to dig into that feeling and get more specific about what’s actually standing in the way, says Kathy Zackowski, PhD, associate vice president of research at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “Instead of thinking, I just can’t travel anymore, it can help to ask, ‘What part of travel feels hardest right now?’” Dr. Zackowski says.
For example, is it being alone and worrying you might need backup? Is it carrying luggage? Is it heat? Is it walking long distances? “Once you identify the specific barrier, you can often work toward a solution,” says Zackowski.
Because MS affects people in very different ways, no single strategy will work for everyone, says Zackowski. However, breaking down your individual concerns into manageable pieces and addressing them one by one can help turn your dream vacation into a reality.
Fatigue is the top concern about traveling with MS, says Dirks. People may start the day with less energy and take longer to recharge, which means long travel days, busy itineraries, and unfamiliar environments can be especially draining.
Pacing strategies are an important part of the equation, says Dirks. “It will be important to know the rate at which your individual battery drains and recharges, and to be aware of any signs you might feel to prevent a crash. Pacing yourself is key, particularly when navigating a new environment,” she says.
The good news: Even though the setting will be unfamiliar, many of the same energy-saving strategies you use at home can be just as helpful while traveling, says Zackowski.
Mobility concerns vary widely in MS, but they can affect how safe and comfortable travel feels. Long walks through airports, uneven streets and stairs, and handling luggage may require extra planning.
Asking for assistance isn’t a cop-out, Zackowski says. Airport wheelchair or cart services can help conserve energy for the parts of the trip you want to enjoy.
Heat sensitivity is a common and sometimes underestimated travel barrier. Warm weather, crowds, and long days outdoors can temporarily worsen MS symptoms and increase fatigue.
“Dress in layers and consider purchasing items that help regulate temperature, such as a cooling vest, cooling towel, cooling collar, or personal fan,” says Dirks.
Bladder dysfunction is common in MS and can add stress when traveling.
Wherever your travels take you, paying attention to where the nearest and most accessible bathrooms are will be very important, says Dirks.
Choosing the right destination and the right time to visit can have a big impact on how manageable a trip feels, says Dirks.
“Think about your current abilities, and picture yourself in each environment. For example, exploring a new city by foot will be more taxing than a cruise, and likewise for adventure travel compared with a resort, where everything is within close walking distance,” she says.
Timing matters, too. Traveling during cooler months or quieter seasons can make trips more enjoyable for people who have heat sensitivity, says Zackowski.
“In some cases, that might mean compromising the vision you had for your trip. Maybe you wanted to go to the coast of Italy during the summer, but it makes more sense for you to go a few months later in the cooler fall months,” she says.
Flexibility in planning can help you find workable solutions, rather than concluding you simply can’t go, says Zackowski.
Where you stay can either conserve energy or drain it quickly, depending on how well it fits your needs, says Zackowski.
Calling ahead or emailing your host to ask about accessibility features such as elevators, step-free entry, bathroom layouts, and refrigerators for medications can help trips go more smoothly.
While it’s always a good policy to ask politely, don’t be overly concerned about appearing too demanding, says Zackowski. “In most cases, people like to help out. You can’t get what you need if you don’t ask,” she says. Hotels and rental properties are used to these conversations and can’t accommodate needs they don’t know about, she adds.
If you’re staying with friends or family, talking through things like temperature preferences, stairs, bathroom access, and sleeping arrangements can prevent misunderstandings once you arrive, says Zackowski.
“Most people would like to be accommodating to their guests and would welcome some insight on what you may be going through living with MS,” says Dirks.
Deciding who to travel with or whether to travel alone is another important part of planning.
If you enjoy being on your own and have ways to get help with luggage or mobility when you need it, that could work, says Zackowski.
Traveling with people who understand your needs can make pacing and flexibility feel easier for some people.
“Being clear about what kind of support might be helpful and what you prefer to do independently can also reassure friends or family who may be concerned about safety,” she says.
For organized group trips, asking direct questions ahead of time can help avoid surprises, especially if you’re not sure if the group will be able to meet your needs, says Zackowski.
“Find out how much walking is involved, whether there are stairs, how transportation is handled, and whether there’s built-in free time for rest,” says Dirks.
There’s no single right length for a trip for people with MS.
How long feels manageable depends on symptoms, stamina, budget, and how disruptive being away from routine feels. “There are no set limits,” says Zackowski. What matters is whether the trip remains enjoyable and safe.
As you plan your time away, it could help to check in with people who see you regularly, such as family members or rehabilitation professionals. They can help you think through how fatigue or mobility issues might play out over several days away from home, she says.
Transportation can be one of the most tiring parts of travel, especially when it involves long distances, standing, or sitting for extended periods.
For car trips, stopping about every two hours to stretch can help reduce stiffness and improve circulation, says Dirks. Assistive tools such as car handle devices may make transfers easier.
“Depending on your mobility level, a car handle assist, also called a car cane, can be a game changer for the lower cars and help you transition between a mobility device and the seat,” she says.
Airports can be exhausting for everyone and even more so for people with MS. “Don’t be timid about asking for assistance. Airlines can make accommodations such as using a wheelchair or motorized cart to take you to your gate,” says Dirks.
If you feel uncomfortable asking for help or a wheelchair, try reframing your thoughts to view a wheelchair as a tool for a legitimate mobility or fatigue concern and asking for assistance when you need it as a form of self-advocacy.
When booking transportation, choosing a seat with easier restroom access may make travel more comfortable.
Planning ahead can help reduce the risk of exhaustion, says Zackowski.
That means “building rest breaks into travel days, prioritizing one main activity per day, and allowing downtime between excursions,” she says.
Everyone — not just people with MS — can get so caught up in the planning and details of a trip that you may miss the moments that make it all worthwhile. “Taking breaks throughout the day to give your body and brain a rest will ensure that you can enjoy each day and not burn out before your trip is over,” says Zackowski.
For people with bladder issues, try to find out where the available bathrooms are before you arrive at a new place. If that’s not possible, get that information once you arrive.
“A good rule of thumb: If you’re out and close to a bathroom, use it, especially if you don’t know where the next one will be,” says Dirks.
Packing thoughtfully can make travel feel more manageable without overloading yourself.
Choosing luggage that requires less strength, like rolling bags, can help conserve energy, says Dirks. Medications should be packed in a carry-on, ideally in original containers, and plan for the transport and storage of any meds that need refrigeration.
Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and cooling tools such as cooling towels or vests can help manage fatigue and heat sensitivity, says Dirks. Because vision changes are common in MS, bring a backup pair of glasses just in case, says Dirks.
“Plan to travel with any assistive devices you already use, and if your budget allows, invest in travel-friendly versions that are lighter or easier to pack,” she says.
Jessica Baity, MD, is a board-certified neurologist practicing in southern Louisiana. She cares for a variety of patients in all fields of neurology, including epilepsy, headache, dementia, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
She received a bachelor's degree in international studies and history from the University of Miami and a master's in international relations from American University. She graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Medicine, where she also did her internship in internal medicine and her residency in neurology.
Prior to practicing medicine, she worked in international relations and owned a foreign language instruction and translation company.
Becky Upham has worked throughout the health and wellness world for over 25 years. She's been a race director, a team recruiter for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a salesperson for a major pharmaceutical company, a blogger for Moogfest, a communications manager for Mission Health, a fitness instructor, and a health coach.
Upham majored in English at the University of North Carolina and has a master's in English writing from Hollins University.
Upham enjoys teaching cycling classes, running, reading fiction, and making playlists.
