Welcome back to Cool With A Cane! If there’s one thing multiple sclerosis has taught me, it’s this: life doesn’t stop just because your body moves differently. For me, travel has always been about freedom, discovery, and joy. But let’s be real, traveling with MS comes with unique challenges. Fatigue, mobility needs, heat sensitivity, unpredictable flare-ups… they all try to tag along.

Still, I refuse to let MS steal my adventures. With planning, creativity, and a little grace, travel is not only possible, but it can be empowering. So, here are my best tips for making adventures happen while living with multiple sclerosis.

1. Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible

The first rule of traveling with MS is preparation. I research destinations, check accessibility, and plan rest stops in advance. That said, I also leave room for flexibility. MS can be unpredictable, so I build “buffer time” into my schedule. That way, if fatigue hits, I don’t feel like I’m ruining the trip, I’m just moving at my own pace.

2. Choose Accessible Accommodations

When booking a hotel or rental, I always ask about:

• Step-free entrances and elevators

• Accessible bathrooms (grab bars, roll-in showers, etc.)

• Proximity to public transport or attractions

It’s worth calling ahead instead of relying solely on website descriptions. A five-minute conversation with staff can save hours of frustration later.

3. Pack Smart (and Light)

Traveling with MS means packing with intention. I bring:

• Medications in original bottles (plus extra in case of delays)

• Cooling tools like handheld fans, cooling towels, or a hat to combat heat sensitivity

• Snacks and water to keep energy levels steady

• Mobility aids (my cane is my ride-or-die travel buddy!)

Pro tip: I also pack an “MS survival kit” in my carry-on with essentials like meds, chargers, and a change of clothes, because lost luggage is stressful enough without worrying about health supplies.

4. Prioritize Rest Along the Way

Fatigue doesn’t care if you’re in Paris, Orlando, or at the Grand Canyon. I schedule downtime into every trip: a nap after lunch, a quiet morning, or even a full rest day between activities. I remind myself that rest isn’t missing out, it’s what allows me to keep going.

5. Communicate Your Needs

For years, I hesitated to speak up about my needs. Now, I see communication as power. Whether it’s requesting wheelchair assistance at the airport, asking for help lifting a bag, or explaining to travel buddies why I need a break, being honest makes the journey smoother. People are often more accommodating than we expect, they just need to know how.

6. Embrace Mobility Aids Without Shame

When I first started traveling with my cane, I worried it made me look weak. Now, I see it as a badge of strength. My cane doesn’t hold me back, it helps me keep moving, exploring, and living fully. If you need a cane, walker, scooter, or wheelchair while traveling, use it proudly. Adventure is about experiencing, not proving.

7. Focus on the Joy, Not the Limitations

The truth is, traveling with MS may look different than it does for others. And that’s okay. My adventures might be slower, quieter, or more carefully planned, but they’re still mine. I focus on the joy, the beauty of new places, the laughter with friends, the gratitude of being able to explore at all.

Final Thoughts: Adventures Are Still Possible

Multiple sclerosis changes the way we move through the world, but it doesn’t take away our ability to experience it. With preparation, self-compassion, and the right tools, traveling with MS is not just possible, it’s powerful.

So, pack that bag, grab your cane (or whatever helps you), and step into your next adventure. You don’t have to do it like everyone else, you just have to do it your way.

Because MS might shape your journey, but it will never define your spirit.