Traveling with MS: Tips and Tricks

Get insights on how to make travel more accessible and enjoyable for those living with MS.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis doesn’t mean you have to give up your sense of adventure. I’ve always loved to travel, and that hasn’t changed since my MS diagnosis. Whether you're taking a road trip, flying across the country, or cruising the Caribbean, travel is still possible—with a bit of planning and the right mindset. In recent years, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks that have helped me enjoy the journey, even on days when my MS symptoms act up. Here's what I've learned.

Plan Ahead Like a Pro

Spontaneity is great in theory, but MS doesn’t always play along. The more you plan ahead, the less stressful your trip will be. Start by researching your destination:

• Know the terrain. Are you visiting a hilly city or a walkable beach town? Knowing the lay of the land can help you prepare physically and mentally.
  

• Check accessibility. Many hotels and attractions list ADA-compliant features online. Check their website or call to confirm things like elevator access, roll-in showers, or the availability of accessible transportation.
  

• Pack the right mobility aids. Whether it’s a cane, walker, or mobility scooter, bring what you’ll need to stay mobile and comfortable. For longer trips or cruises, a mobility scooter or rollator can be a game-changer, especially when there’s a lot of walking involved. Just make sure to check if your accommodations and transportation can support your specific device.
  

• Schedule downtime. You don’t need to see everything. Make time for breaks—whether it’s a quiet hour in the hotel or a slower-paced day in the itinerary.
  

Choose the Right Transportation

Flying

Airports can be overwhelming, I swear it automatically drops a persons IQ by 20 points the minute the step foot in an airport. It can be even more stressful when you’re dealing with fatigue or mobility issues.

When booking, I always:

• If needed, request wheelchair assistance in advance.
  

• Let them know ahead of time if you are flying with a mobility scooter.
  

• Opt for nonstop flights when possible to avoid the chaos of layovers. Sometimes this is difficult for us flying out of a very small airport (not many direct flights).
  

• Choose an aisle seat close to the front for easier boarding and bathroom access. Yeah... I don't do this, unless I'm having a bad day. I give my wife the aisle if I can, she like the aisle.
  

Driving

If you’re road-tripping, you’re in control, but MS still rides shotgun.

• Pack a small cooler with snacks, water, and cold packs if heat sensitivity is a factor.
  

• Plan bathroom stops and avoid overextending yourself with long stretches behind the wheel.
  

• Consider your energy level before deciding to drive solo.
  

Cruising

My wife and I have taken several Disney Cruises, and they’ve been some of the best vacations we’ve ever had. The ships offer comfortable cabins, wide walkways, and incredibly helpful staff.

On our upcoming cruise this November, I’ll be bringing a mobility aid other than just a cane for the first time—so we’ll see how it goes. I’m hopeful it’ll make things even more comfortable, especially when we're heading out for excursions. Just be sure to notify the cruise line in advance so they can accommodate your needs if you need special assistance.

Packing with a Purpose

Packing light? Not quite. But packing smart? Absolutely.

• Medications: Always carry them in your personal bag, never in checked luggage. Bring more than you need in case of delays.
  

• Cooling products: A portable fan, cooling towel, or neck wrap can help combat Uhthoff’s Phenomenon if heat triggers your symptoms.
  

• Mobility aids: Whether it’s a cane, walker, the Neural Sleeve, or mobility scooter, bring what you need to move confidently. I resisted this for too long, but using a scooter changed how much I could enjoy trips.
  

• Comfort items: Don’t forget the little things—compression socks for flying, a neck pillow for long rides, or even noise-canceling headphones to minimize stress.

Here's a pro tip: Buying your own scooter can save you money in the long run vs. renting one when you travel.

Listen to Your Body

This one sounds simple, but it’s easy to ignore when you're caught up in the excitement of travel. Pushing too hard can trigger fatigue, pain, or cognitive issues.

• Rest when you need to.
  

• Speak up when you need help.
  

• Say no to the things that drain you.
  

The trip is yours. Own your pace.

Use Tech to Your Advantage

There are great tools out there to help make travel easier:

• Apps like Wheelmap help find accessible places around you.
  

• The Cionic Neural Sleeve offers advanced mobility support by helping improve gait and leg movement using electrical stimulation and real-time feedback—making it a powerful option for those who need extra help walking during travel.
  

• Your phone’s notes or reminders app can track medications, appointments, and energy-saving hacks.
  

• Voice-to-text tools help when your fingers just aren’t cooperating.
  

There aren't a lot of apps out there specifically for people with MS, but there are a lot of tools that work just fine, and will work just fine for most people.

Know the Worst-Case—and Be Okay With It

This might sound like a downer, but it’s not: Have a plan B. What if you can’t do the walking tour? What if you wake up and your legs just aren’t working like they should? It happens.

• Keep the mindset flexible. Maybe that beach day turns into a balcony day with a book. That’s okay.
  

• Travel insurance can also give peace of mind in case a flare-up forces a last-minute change.
  

Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Travel

One of the hardest parts about living with MS is the feeling that your world is shrinking. But travel—whether it’s a weekend away or a big bucket-list trip—can remind you that joy, connection, and adventure are still on the table. You may have to do things differently, but different doesn’t mean worse. In fact, some of the best memories I’ve made came from trips that didn’t go quite according to plan.

So if you’ve been putting off that vacation because you’re unsure how to manage it with MS, consider this your sign to start planning. You’ve got this.