Diglossos

Let’s face it:  Traveling can be challenging, especially in today’s climate of overbooking, TSA regulations and lack of guarantees from travel organizations.  You think you are booking the perfect holiday only to learn that the hotel is undergoing a major renovation, and you can’t rebook or get a refund.  The flight you booked is delayed, and you may not even fly today.  Servers are down, and you can’t check reservations or alert the hotel.  On top of that, you have to contend with a broken leg.

All is not lost, my friends.  The fact is that you can have that vacation and the mojito, too.  Of course, you have to be more careful because you have to mind that arm/leg/knee, but it doesn’t mean that you can relax.  You just have to be prepared.

First, you need to make arrangements that account for your injury.  If you have a broken leg, you’ll need room to let it jut out straight.  If you have a broken arm, you’ll want to avoid people bumping into it.  So, if you do have the time, check seating arrangements online and book a seat at the very front of the plane where you do get more leg room.  Also, keep in mind on which side you need to sit so that your leg is not in the way and you avoid someone tripping over it.  (OUCH!)  Do the same thing for the arm.  Get a window seat so that no one bumps into your healing appendage.  If you can’t do this online, get to the airport early so that you can talk to the rep at the gate or at the airline counter.  He/she can move things around.

If you’re traveling with an injury, make sure you have plenty of medication to cover the time you’ll be away, and make sure that you have that in your carry-on.  You don’t want your anti-inflammatory in your checked-in baggage at the moment that you’re having a spasm!  If you’re traveling domestically, you’ll appreciate that national pharmacy chain, like Walgreens, because their database is hooked up nationally; so, if you run out of or lose your medicine, they can check online for your prescriptions.  If you travel internationally, refill before you go, or ask your doc for help.  He can give you a prescription to take with you that you can fill locally.  Keep all medications in their original containers.  TSA officials may need to see the actual labels. Also, go online and check out the nearest chemists and hospitals.  You can also check with the hotel upon arrival, but don’t wait to ask when you’re in the middle of a problem.  Plan ahead and save yourself grief and delay.

When packing, keep your carry-on weight to a minimum.  Remember: airline staff are there to help, but they are not there to serve.  In other words, you’re expected to take care of yourself.  If you’re traveling alone, they’ll assist you, but be reasonable:  An injured person should not be carrying a 50-lb bag anyway. Pack only what you need to get by.  This includes your medicine, basic toiletries (any liquids in the 3-oz baggie), a change of clothes – including underwear.  If your checked-in bag is unavoidably detained, you can at least muddle through for a day or two. Bring cash as well as traveler’s checks.  You want enough cash for tips and for a cab ride, and you can exchange the traveler’s checks once you get to your hotel.  (In your planning, you should also scope out banks or AmEx offices for this reason.)  Avoid using hotels to change money.  Rates can be high, and not all hotels offer the service.

OK.  You’ve planned, you have your ideal seat, you have your bag tucked away, and your about to land.  Now what?

Simply put, now you can behave as you would at home with your injury.  Don’t do anything rash, be careful, walk/workout as prescribed, eat, drink and be merry.  You may not be able to go sky diving, but you may be able to go hiking.  If the knee’s a problem, maybe you can do some site seeing.  Depending on the extent of your injuries, you can walk, rent a scooter or hire a driver or rent a car.  Hotels keep a list of good walking trails and city tours.  Also, they can either make car arrangements or they can point you in the right direction.  In Mexico (Guadalajara), we were able to hire a driver who acted as tour guide as well, and he took us to local spots as well as some of the popular haunts.  He cost as much as renting a car on our own, and we saw a lot.  We did the same thing in Merida, and we had a great time.

Take advantage of the concierge or desk clerk for hints on good spots for walking, playing, hanging.  He/she can tell you of places to avoid, given your condition, as well as places that will be great for you.  The concierge or clerk will also know about activities that you perhaps had not considered.  All you have to do is ask nicely.

So, pack those reasonably weighted bags, grab that prescription and take your trip.  You can relax, unwind and heal while enjoying your time away and having fun.  Just don’t forget your camera and your sense of humor.

Bon voyage!