How to travel with MS

Traveling with MS: Our Visit to Spain

Recently, my family and I traveled to Spain, and one of the most unforgettable parts of our trip was visiting the Alhambra in Granada. However since my mom has MS, several adjustments to our trip had to be made, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just means you have to travel smarter, not harder.

A picture I took in Sevilla, Spain

We knew the long walking distances could be difficult for my mom, so we made a few key adjustments to make the trip more comfortable. First, we scheduled our visit to the Alhambra for the morning when the weather was cooler and the crowds smaller. That alone made a huge difference. We also reached out ahead of time to ask about accessibility, and they were able to provide a wheelchair for the tour. These small things like planning, asking questions, and being honest about needs turned what could’ve been a stressful day into a smooth, really meaningful one.

MS might slow things down, but it doesn’t have to stop you from experiencing the world. It just means doing things differently. Travel is still 100% possible with the right mindset and preparation, it can be just as incredible, if not more so.

Some Tips for Traveling with MS:

1. Plan for Cooler Times of Day

Avoid the midday heat when possible. Mornings or early evenings are typically more comfortable, especially for walking-intensive sites.

2. Reach Out Beforehand

Call or email places you plan to visit and ask about wheelchair rentals, accessible entrances, and rest areas. Most sites are more than willing to help if you let them know ahead of time.

3. Pace Yourself

Build in downtime between activities. Don’t feel like you need to pack every hour with movement, some of the best travel memories come from sitting in a quiet café or watching a sunset.

4. Pack Smart

Bring whatever helps you feel supported; mobility aids, cooling towels, medications, and even snacks to maintain energy. Having what you need on hand makes a big difference.

5. Be Flexible

Some days will be easier than others. Don’t let a slow day ruin the trip. Adjust as needed and remind yourself that going at your own pace is still a full experience.

Don't ever let MS stop you from experiencing the world!