Getting injured just before a holiday is one of the worst things that can happen. But it’s surprisingly common. We’ve all spent months looking forward to a holiday, saving money, preparing, and booking time off work, only to be struck down by a bug, or injured the week before we’re due to leave.
Of course, there are some illnesses and injuries that will put a stop to your plans, but a broken leg doesn’t have to be one of them. If you’ve recently broken your leg, and you are due to travel soon, here are some tips to help you to enjoy your break.
Get the All Clear from Your Doctor and the Airline
Most airlines have regulations on when you can fly if you have a limb in a cast. For short-haul flights, this is often within a day or two, but they might ask you to wait for long if your trip means a longer flight. The linked article has more information on whether you can fly with a broken leg.
You should also check with your doctor to make sure you are safe to fly, and to ask about any precautions that you should take.
Pack Any Medication and Prescriptions
You should also check with your airline to see if you can take prescription painkillers if you have been given any. There may be limits on what you can take both on the flight and in the hold, and you’ll probably need to take your prescription and a note from your doctor.
Contact Your Hotel
Get in touch with your hotel to ask about the facilities. If there are no elevators, you might be able to request a ground-floor room for your stay.
Speak to Someone at the Airport
Most airlines offer extra help to people with limited mobility or additional needs. You might be able to board the plane early to avoid any rush, and they could offer you a seat with more leg room so that you can stretch out. They might even be able to offer you a wheelchair for use in the airport. Speak to someone when you check in to see if any help is available.
Get Lots of Rest
When you arrive, try to remember that your body is working hard to recover. You’ll need extra rest, and you might not be able to enjoy a holiday that’s as action-packed as usual.
Plan Days Out in Advance
If there are any days out or excursions you want to go out on, don’t do it last minute. Head to the booking office and speak to a rep about your needs and any help that’s available to you.
Eat Early
If you are staying at a tourist hotspot, restaurants are bound to get very busy at mealtimes. Eating early or late can make it easier for you to get about and give you more room to stretch your leg out.
You might need to make a few adjustments if you are traveling with a broken leg. But that certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t have a fantastic time.
