Holidays and days out
With some careful planning, going away for a holiday or a day out can really give your wellbeing a boost and give you confidence to do other things too.
Based on their own experiences, members of the long COVID Peer Support Group have some practical tips that can help:
- it can be easy to think not to bother, that it will be tiring but it's so much better for your wellbeing. Seeing the sea instead of your usual street can be well worth the travel time to get there
- be organised before you go. Pack over several weeks and pace yourself rather than leaving it until the last minute. The physical and mental act of packing can be hard and tiring so allow plenty of time. Make a checklist and ask someone to help you lift things into your case
- if you’re going abroad check what medication you can take with you
- plan your journey so that you know how much energy you’ll need
- if you’re flying or travelling by train, book assistance at the airport/train station. Swallow your pride and remember it’s worth doing for your wellbeing. It can be a bit hit and miss but is worth trying. Extreme fatigue is a hidden disability so you may need to try to be more open and tell people
- staying well hydrated and fuelled is important to avoid running out of energy and feeling faint. Take a refillable water bottle to the airport. You can fill it up after security at one of the water stations and pack some snack bars
- do not compare to how you were before. Maybe you cannot walk down the pier to see the sea, but you can sit on a bench to watch it. Always try to focus on what you can do, not on what you cannot do.
- get a taxi to the fish and chip shop
- if you can, go on trips and days out midweek when it’s less busy and fewer queues
- find out before you go if you’ll be able to hire scooters or even a car to help you get around. Look into car hire schemes like Enterprise Car Club where you can join and then book a car out for just a few hours
- if you’re going with a group, try to explain what long COVID is like for you to help them understand your limitations. Often even close friends and family think they understand the extreme fatigue, but then still try to encourage you to do more. Try to stick to your pacing and keep control over what you do
Additional information
Manchester Airport
The Manchester Airport website includes information about special assistance services. Booking assistance must be arranged with your airline at least 48 hours before you travel.
You can also find information about invisible disabilities. You can pick up a special lanyard from the assistance desk in each terminal which identifies you to staff as someone who may need additional support on your journey through the airport. It also permits access to family and priority lanes at security as well as the use of special assistance lanes at the UK Border on arrival into Manchester Airport.
There are also some top tips for travel.
Keep up to date with the latest travel advice from Manchester Airport.
National Rail
Passenger Assist allows you to request assistance from rail staff for your journey to make sure everyone can travel by train safely, in comfort and with dignity. It's always best to book as far ahead as possible.
The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain
The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain has just published a new, updated edition.
There is more guidance to assist carers and people with hidden disabilities, and many of the suggested excursions are outside attractions.