4ae73dc5482e4c2eb824cb56fb42095a

Easter Getaway or Easter Worry ?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:18:57 GMT

What you need to know before you jet off on your Easter Break

Flights across Europe are still running normally

Short-haul flights within Europe (UK to Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, etc.) do not pass through Middle Eastern airspace , so the conflict is unlikely to disrupt routes directly .

Most cancellations and rerouting are affecting long-haul flights that cross the Gulf region , not European city breaks. However, airlines worldwide are dealing with higher fuel costs and some scheduling pressure .

Oil prices may make flights slightly more expensive

The biggest effect for travellers is the rise in oil prices, which pushes up jet fuel costs.

Oil prices have surged due to the conflict, increasing airline operating costs.
Some airlines warn fares could rise up to around 20% on certain routes if fuel prices stay high.

That doesn’t mean your booked ticket will change — but new bookings may cost more .

Typical Easter Travel Costs (from the UK)

Below are realistic average costs in pounds (£) for a short European break booked in spring.

Barcelona (Spain)

Typical 3–4 night city break:

Return flight from UK: £120 – £180
3-star hotel: about £130 per night
Package flight + hotel: £210 – £700 per person , depending on hotel quality.

Estimated total per person for a long weekend: £350 – £650

Other popular European city breaks

Paris

Flights: £90 – £160
Hotel: £150 – £250 per night

Typical 3-night cost: £450 – £750

Rome

Flights: £120 – £200
Hotel: £140 – £260 per night

Typical 3-night cost: £450 – £800

Lisbon

Flights: £120 – £190
Hotel: £120 – £200 per night

Typical 3-night cost: £400 – £700

Other costs to expect in Europe

Typical daily spending per person:

Expense Average cost Meals £20 – £50

Local transport £5 – £15

Attractions £10 – £25

Coffee/ drinks £3 – £6

Daily spending estimate: £40 – £90 per day

Good news for European travellers

Despite global tensions:

✔ European destinations remain safe and open
✔ Short-haul flights are operating normally
✔ Hotels and tourism businesses are fully active

Most industry experts say European travel will continue largely unaffected, though prices may creep up slightly if fuel stays expensive.

Sun, Safety and Smart Travel

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 14:21:05 GMT

The UK Traveller’s Guide to European Holidays in Uncertain Times

The world may feel a little unpredictable at times, but the good news for UK travellers is that Europe remains one of the safest, most enjoyable and accessible places to holiday.

The world may feel a little unpredictable at times, but the good news for UK travellers is that Europe remains one of the safest, most enjoyable and accessible places to holiday .

While news headlines about tensions in the Middle East can understandably make travellers pause, the reality is that most European destinations are completely unaffected and welcoming millions of visitors this year .

In fact, now could be the perfect time to rediscover some of the wonderful resorts, coastlines and cruise routes right on our doorstep.

Let’s take a look at how travellers can holiday confidently, avoid common travel pitfalls, and find the perfect getaway this summer.

What the Current Situation Means for Holidaymakers

The ongoing tensions in parts of the Middle East are mainly affecting airspace and some travel routes in that region, rather than European holiday destinations.

For UK travellers heading to popular destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Italy or Greece, holidays are continuing as normal .

You might notice:

Slight changes to some airline routes
Occasional flight schedule adjustments
Higher demand for popular Mediterranean resorts

But overall, the European travel industry is operating smoothly and looking forward to a busy summer season .

Smart Travel Tips: How to Avoid Holiday Hassles

A little preparation can make your trip even more enjoyable.

Book with protection

Choose a package holiday with ATOL protection or book through a reputable travel company. This gives you additional security should flights or accommodation change.

Pay with a credit card

Using a credit card provides extra consumer protection if anything goes wrong.

Get Travel Insurance as soon as you book your holiday

Travel insurance remains essential, particularly for medical cover and unexpected disruptions.

Beware of travel scams

If airlines or travel companies need to contact you, they will do so through official channels . Avoid clicking on unknown links in emails or texts claiming to offer rebookings or refunds.

Wonderful European Destinations to Enjoy This Summer

Europe offers an incredible variety of relaxing and beautiful destinations, many of which are ideal for travellers who prefer a comfortable pace and excellent facilities.

Spain – A Classic Favourite

Spain continues to be a firm favourite for UK travellers thanks to its sunshine, friendly atmosphere and excellent infrastructure.

Top resorts include:

Costa del Sol
Mallorca
Tenerife

Charming towns such as Nerja, Cala d’Or and Puerto de la Cruz offer wonderful scenery, great restaurants and a relaxed pace of life.

Portugal – Relaxed and Welcoming

Portugal’s Algarve coast is perfect for travellers looking for beautiful beaches, delicious seafood and stunning coastal views.

Particularly lovely towns include:

Tavira
Lagos
Carvoeiro

These destinations combine traditional charm with modern comfort, making them ideal for a laid-back summer break.

Greece – History, Islands and Hospitality

Few places offer the magic of the Greek islands. Warm hospitality, fantastic food and crystal-clear seas make Greece a timeless holiday choice.

Popular islands include:

Crete
Rhodes
Corfu

Historic towns such as Rethymno and Lindos provide the perfect blend of culture, sunshine and relaxed coastal life.

Why Cruises Are Growing in Popularity

For many travellers – particularly those over 60 – cruises offer one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to see the world.

A cruise allows you to explore multiple destinations while unpacking only once.

Benefits include:

Comfortable accommodation
Excellent food and entertainment
Medical facilities on board
Organised excursions in each port
A sociable and friendly atmosphere

Mediterranean cruises are especially popular right now, with itineraries visiting Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia.

Another wonderful option is a Norwegian Fjords cruise , which offers spectacular scenery and peaceful sailing through some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes.

A Holiday to Look Forward To

The joy of travel has always been about discovery, relaxation and creating wonderful memories.

And despite global headlines, Europe remains full of safe, welcoming destinations that are ready to offer unforgettable holidays .

Whether you choose:

A sun-soaked Mediterranean resort
A charming Portuguese coastal town
A scenic cruise through historic ports

There has never been a better time to plan a trip that brings sunshine, relaxation and adventure.

So start dreaming, start planning, and most importantly — enjoy the journey.

Are You Really Sun Protected?

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:22:50 GMT

Sunscreen Buying Considerations For a Safer Holiday

When packing for your holiday have you really considered if your sunscreen has the right protection factor for you and is appropriate for the outdoor activities you’re looking forward to? It’s worth spending some time making sure you have exactly what you need so you can enjoy your holiday to the full without fear of burning and causing skin damage.

But when it comes to purchasing supermarket and branded sunscreens, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Branded products aren't always better, supermarket alternatives can work just as well for you, it all depends on personal preference and your budget. Whichever you decide to purchase, the packaging will tell you if its the best option for you.

What are you likely to see on the packaging and how do you know what protection a sunscreen offers?

Looking carefully at the packaging can reveal alot about how much protection is offered. You are looking for three things:

SPF (Sun Protection factor) – this is the number on the front of the packaging and usually ranges from 2 (very low) to 50+ (very high). People often think this is an indicator of how long you can stay out in the sun - it isn’t, it tells you how protected you are before your skin burns and this usually depends on the type of skin you have. If you have fair skin, you need a higher protection factor. But this isn’t the whole story, you need to look at the UVA and UVB rating as well.

UVA and UVB - what does it mean?

UVA and UVB are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While both can cause skin damage, they differ in their intensity and the type of damage they cause.

UVA rays are more intense, penetrate deeper into the skin, and can cause wrinkles, age spots, other signs of premature aging and skin cancer.

UVB rays are less intense but can still cause sunburn, skin cancer, and other forms of skin damage. It is important to understand the difference between UVA and UVB protection so that you can protect your skin from both types of radiation when spending time outdoors.

Ideally, using creams with a high protection for both UVA and UVB is the best option.

Star ratings are visible on the packaging for UVA and occasionally UVB. The ratings are often displayed on the back of the packaging as well as the front so take a close look. If you can only see a UVA protection symbol it doesn’t mean there is no UVB protection - the higher the UVA protection, the higher the UVB protection.

The following are examples of symbols you should be looking for on UK and EU packaging:

Star ratings are an indicator of how well the sunscreen will absorb UVA rays. Occasionally, you may see a UVB star rating but this is uncommon.

Spray, cream or lotion?

This depends on your preference and what you are most prepared to use. The important thing to consider is applying enough to ensure good coverage and to reapply frequently - this applies to whether you’re in the UK or overseas.

If you’re going to be swimming or participating in water sports then use a sunscreen which is water resistant and won’t wash off so easily.

Skiers should use sunscreen to protect them from the sun and the reflection from the snow. There are sun block sticks available designed specifically to protect the face for outdoor sports activities.

Ultimately, using sunscreen is the most important thing to do – it won’t stop you getting a tan (unless you’re going for a complete sun block and sitting in the shade fully clothed) but it will help to prevent burning and skin damage so you can enjoy your holiday and many more to come wherever you are!

UV been framed!

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:54:54 GMT

A guide to safe sunglasses

Sunglasses can be a fantastic fashion accessory but It’s easy to focus (forgive the pun) on what’s fashionable and whether they match your general style. They can be a significant part of your identity if you wear specs all the time – so it may be very important to you to carry this through in your eyewear collection. However, fashionistas beware! What’s really important is just how much protection your sunglasses give you. No matter your age, it’s never too early or too late to start giving some serious consideration to making sure you have the correct lenses for maximum sun protection.

So how can UV rays damage your eyes?

Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays - UVA and UVB, which can be harmful to your eyes and the surrounding skin. Frequent exposure to UV rays can cause serious damage which may be irreversible — especially if you aren’t protecting your eyes enough. The good news is that you can give your eyes a better chance of staying healthier for longer by wearing a good-quality pair of sunglasses which will help you to avoid some of the following conditions:

Photokeratitis - a sunburn like condition of the cornea, sometimes called ‘snow blindness’. Symptoms can include red, swollen eyes, although they are usually temporary and should clear up quickly.

Pterygium - (sometimes called ‘surfers’ eye’) causing fleshy raised bumps on the whites of the eyes which can grow and cover the cornea, affecting vision.

Cataracts – causing cloudy vision which can be made worse with long term exposure to UVA/B

Macular Degeneration – it is thought long term exposure to sunlight may be a factor in age related macular degeneration (AMD).

Cancer - affecting several parts of your eye and your eyelids.

8 things to consider when purchasing sunglasses

1. Make sure the lenses offer maximum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Look for a European Standard ‘CE’ or a label with ‘UV 400’

2. Style over substance is not the way to go when it comes to sunglasses, buy the best you can, you don’t have to break the bank to get the best lenses, particularly if you don’t need a prescription.

3. Dark lenses don’t mean better protection – they’re just dark - it’s the technology in the lenses which provides the UV protection.

4. Make sure the frames fit and sit properly on the bridge of your nose. If you pull them further down your nose you create space which allows UV light to enter behind them.

5. Make sure the lenses and frames cover as much skin surrounding the eye as possible, the bigger the better, this helps prevent light ingress onto the eye itself as well as damage to eyelids. Wraparound glasses are best.

6. If you wear prescription spectacles and don’t always want to carry a separate pair of sunglasses, make sure any photochromic options (lenses change from clear to colour on exposure to sunlight) afford as much protection as good quality sunglasses.

7. UV protection and polarization are not the same – polarization alleviates glare from surfaces like water or snow and is not a replacement for UV protection.

8. Have a spare pair – spectacles and sunglasses are in the top 5 items processed in Transport for London Lost Property office!

There are plenty of reputable high street and online retailers who can tailor-make sunglasses to your specifications, and it is possible to have safe and fashionable sunglasses – you just need to look around!

Many references in this article are attributed to Tongalp Tezel MD, dept of ophthalmology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

We've partnered with Fashion Eyewear , where designer glasses, sunglasses and exclusive eyewear collections are paired with the latest and best lens technology available.

Flying Solo

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 13:12:17 GMT

A Guide for the Solo Traveller

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a holiday on your own? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go somewhere but not had the opportunity before. Maybe your usual travel partner isn’t interested in visiting that destination on your bucket list. If you’ve never ventured out on your own before it can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’re thinking of an overseas trip.

There’s no denying that solo travel will usually take you out of your comfort zone if you’ve never done it before. Planning and preparation are key to making sure your first experience of solo travel is a great one and inspires you to do more of it.

language barriers, currency, travel infrastructure, local customs, meeting people and safety are probably what you’re thinking about right now; how do you manage all of this before you even get there and just how easy is it once you’ve arrived at your destination? Let’s take things step by step and get you on your first solo trip!

Package holiday or self-organised?

If you really want a gentle introduction to solo travel, there are plenty of companies that organise package holidays specifically for the solo traveller. These allow you to instantly meet fellow solo travellers who are possibly testing the waters just like you are. These packages have organised tours and visits which you can opt in or out of, so you’re not committed if you fancy venturing out on your own, or just feel like a day by the pool. Your holiday representative can give you help with any concerns you may have, and you’ll never be alone if you don’t want to be. I’ve done this myself and whilst I enjoyed it and I appreciated the company when I wanted it, I did find I was missing a sense of adventure and challenge. However, these holidays are perfect for those of you who just want a taster or prefer to have some company. One that I’ve used in the past is JustYou.

if you fan cy going on a cruise, there are operators that offer cruises specifically for the solo traveller which will allow you to meet up with fellow passengers and creates a great opportunity to make new acquaintances and friends. Remember, 'solo' cruises can be very different to a 'singles' cruise, where you may get more than you bargained for - unless you are actively looking for a holiday romance!

Wendy Wo Tours offer a bit more of a taste of the exotic. They're also one of the most popular tour operators for over 55s and probably the No 1 for tours to China.

Accommodation

As a solo traveller organising your own itinerary, it’s very important to research accommodation thoroughly. You need to consider a number of things:

Do you prefer a small hotel, hostel (all female dorms if you’re female), B&B, self-catering accommodation, or would you feel more comfortable in a larger, perhaps more commercial hotel with plenty of people around and meals provided?
Is the location close to the area you want to explore?
Does the location have the infrastructure in place to travel around the local area easily and to travel further afield if your accommodation is going to be ‘base camp’?
Is the location of your accommodation in an area regarded as safe? You can reach out to groups on social media if you want independent opinions and look on websites to get a feel for this.

Currency

Make sure you know which currency is used in your destination(s) and be sure you have some before you travel so you can tip and have a back-up in case your credit/debit card is rejected, not accepted or is lost/stolen. where you get your currency is worth researching, look out for the best exchange rates and lowest commission rates.

before travelling check if your card provider charges a transaction fee for using it overseas. Alternatively, you could get a pre-paid travel card where you load your chosen currency onto it before you travel and it can then be used on your trip like a normal debit card, many of these don't charge a transaction fee.

Safety

Safety is one of the biggest concerns for most solo travellers (and for your friends and family left at home) so here are a few tips which will help keep you safe & sound:

Arrang e airport transfers in a dvance – not only will this alleviate stress but it will also mean you get to your accommodation safely, especially if you arrive at night.

Let friends and family know where you are - give them a copy of your itinerary including details of flights and hotels and corresponding phone numbers (you might not get a mobile signal where you’re staying). Doing this will ensure someone knows where you should be and that you are always contactable.

Keep in touch - call, text, social media, whatever is easiest, it lets people know you are safe and alerts them if they don’t hear from you in a while.

Use social media - there are plenty of groups that may help you explore and even meet up locally if you want to go somewhere where there is safety in numbers.

Don’t attract attention – observe local dress codes and learn as much as you can about the culture of the area. Wear low-key and inexpensive jewellery, perhaps consider wearing a cheap wedding or engagement rings, especially if you’re female. Don’t wear expensive and branded clothes whilst travelling around and make sure your belongings are safely stowed in a cross body, zipped bag to deter pick-pocketers. Money belts hidden under clothes are a good idea and don’t ‘flash the cash’.
Use technology - There are some fantastic bits tech available these days. Like Apple's AirTag, a super-easy way to keep track of your stuff. A personal alarm is a good idea and can help you feel more secure, should you ever feel threatened and be aware of local scams and areas you should avoid so you are less likely to need it. Carry a battery powered charger – should your phone battery run low. A small torch is always handy.

Use public transport wisely – Research the public transport system so you don’t look obviously bewildered by it all and check when it’s possible and safest to travel.

Keep safe in your accommodation - take a travel door lock for extra security especially if staying in a hostel and remember, hotel lobbies are a great hang-out for pick-pockets.

Trust your instincts – if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Use your common sense when making decisions, perhaps even defer the decision-making until you’ve had the chance to do some research.

It’s a lot to think about but definitely worth the effort to make that solo trip the holiday of a lifetime!

What's the Best Luggage for my Holiday?

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 12:59:41 GMT

Great luggage can make all the difference to your holiday at home and abroad. How often have you wished for that suitcase to be lighter, the wheels to glide across those cobbles and that everyday touring bag to be light, compact and easily organised?

Of course, budget is a big factor if you want those high end brands but there are some great affordable options as well and these can be as stylish and practical as you want them to be.

Image copyright Samsonite

Investment Luggage

If you’ve got the budget to invest in some really high quality luggage then the world really is your oyster. It is worth spending money on good luggage if you’re a frequent traveller and want it to last but do bear in mind that unless you’re flying in a private plane, all cases are treated equally!

Shell or Fabric?

Because of their fabric exterior, soft-sided suitcases are easy to store and manoeuvre. They also tend to be more lightweight than hard-sided luggage. Plus, many of them also have exterior pockets, handy for items you need to access easily whilst checking in for your flight or cruise. The other advantage of soft suitcases is they often expand if you need them to, with extra space available at the pull of a zip, perfect when you’ve bought more than you thought on your trip!

On the other hand, hard-shell luggage boasts a sturdy exterior, which is generally made with plastic, aluminium or superstring fibreglass and polymer. There are some expandable options, created by a zipper pocket built into the case. Since hard-shell suitcases are, what they say on the tin, they may offer more protection if you’ve packed fragile items. They’re also easier to clean if the lid on that tube of toothpaste wasn’t on properly or you have a spillage.

Wheels or No Wheels?

A no brainer really, regardless if it’s a carry on piece of luggage or one to put in the hold, wheels make life so much easier and save your back. There are different types of wheel though, fully rotatable, or ‘spinner’ wheels which means the wheels rotate 360°, great as you’re dodging other passengers and negotiating tight spaces around the airport, on the streets and accessing public transport.

Fixed wheels will literally just go backwards and forwards, no dancing with these bags! But, if you’re simply going to drop it off, pick up at luggage collection and then get into a taxi, then this type of wheel may be perfectly acceptable in this case (pun intended)!

Keep it locked!

You’re all packed and ready to go but are your case and its contents safe? No point in spending all that money on a case and filling it with nice new holiday clothes and possibly gifts for friends and relatives if they’re not going to make the journey in one piece or, at all! Fortunately, many cases have built in locks these days, usually 3 digit combination locks but if you’re buying ones separately, there’s little you can’t get in the way of locks for your cases now. Combination locks, keycard locks, TSA approved locks, I’m not going to bore you with loads of information about this but there are some things you might find useful to know that can make a big difference to how you protect your case and your belongings.

TSA (Transport Security Administration) approved locks

So what is a TSA lock? TSA came about in the wake of the 9/11 attacks when extra security measures were put in place. I’m going to talk about these first because as long as your lock is TSA approved, there’s a good chance your case will be undamaged if extra security checks are required before your case goes into the hold.

Although an American initiative, many countries are now recommending the use of TSA approved locks; these are locks that can be opened by security staff using a master key. Although your case is scanned before it goes into the hold, if security staff are determined to physically check that strange looking item in your luggage, they will, even if it means breaking into your case, cutting the fabric or zip and destroying the lock. Some TSA locks are built in to cases, others can be bought separately. The way to check if a lock is TSA approved is to check for a red diamond logo on the lock itself and the packaging will clearly state it is TSA approved. Some TSA locks will come with an indicator to let you know if security had to open your bag. The indicator will be red after inspection or remain green if your bag wasn’t opened. The indicator can easily be reset using a pointed object like a pen or paperclip.

Combination & Keycard locks

These may or may not be TSA approved and are generally a good choice simply because you don’t have a key to lose but don’t forget the combination! Keeping it simple, perhaps using the last few digits of your phone number is a pretty safe bet. Just like a hotel room keycard, you can also get them for case locks. With no code to remember or small key to lose, these locks just have a credit card size key which fits into your wallet.

Keep track of your luggage

Apple's AirTag is a great way to keep track of your bags. Pop one in your suitcase or backpack a few seconds later, you're all set. There are also similar products available for Android phones, such as 'Tile mate'.

Have a great holiday and that you and your luggage, have a safe journey!

Travelling with Mobility Aids

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 13:02:41 GMT

We all like to dream about feeling the comforting warmth of the sun on our skin and the soft sand between our toes. For people with chronic illness or physical disabilities it could be therapeutic and help with their condition. It also seem like a bit of a pipe dream for anyone who relies on disability aids to move around and cope with everyday activities. This doesn’t have to be the case, there are many disability aids on the market designed to make travel possible. Airlines and cruise operators are usually happy to help customers travelling with mobility aid equipment. They'll each have individual guidelines about how they will do this. I hope the following information helps you to get on board, relax and enjoy your holiday!

Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are probably the bulkiest of all the equipment you may need to take with you. Investing in lightweight products is a great decision and can really help you to enjoy your holiday. A battery driven device needs to be compliant with airline policy so you really need to check this with your chosen carrier well beforehand. Airlines will also need to know the dimensions and weight of your equipment; all this can usually be found in the user manual so have this and all the necessary information to hand before you contact them. There are some great scooters and wheelchairs available on the market and when buying battery driven devices, always ask if they are suitable to take on a flight. If you are a regular traveller with mobility issues, a folding wheelchair can be a huge help, and if you're on your own an electric version can be a god-send!

Walking Frames and Rolling Walkers

The great thing about walking frames and rollaters is they are usually light and portable and depending on the model and airline rules, can be stored in the flight cabin. Again, let your airline know you will be carrying this equipment in advance of your flight. Wherever possible, invest in folding options especially if you need to use them during your flight as this will help cabin crew stow them. And while you’re at it, if you can buy one with a seat it’s a great choice for sight-seeing. Here are a few folding walkers that would fit the bill.

Folding Shower Chairs and Stools

You’ve probably checked your destination accommodation has facilities to meet your needs but what if they’re lacking in something suitable for you to sit on when showering? There are a number of products you can take with you from shower stools to full chairs and it’s not impossible to find one that folds. Folding items are easier to transport and stow but do check they are supportive and stable enough for your needs as well as being easy to assemble. Here are some great products you might like.

Portable Grab Rail

Did you know you can get portable grab rails? They’re attached to surfaces using suction cups and can readily be popped in your bag to use not just in your room but in other venues you visit. Before using, make sure they’re attached securely to the surface available.

There are a multitude of aids out there to help make life much easier for you whilst holidaying, these are just a few you can purchase to help with mobility so now it’s time to start thinking about your dream destination!

Flying with Medical Equipment

websitebuilder@1and1.de — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 14:34:32 GMT

Travelling with Essential Medical Equipment

Destination decided, and for most people the planning for a short trip or a longer holiday is quite straightforward. But what if you also need to factor in carrying essential medical equipment on your travels? If your medical condition means you rely on medical equipment for your everyday comfort and survival, navigating the rules and regulations for travelling with these items can be confusing and complex. You may have sleep apnoea and require a CPAP machine, a respiratory condition for which supplemental oxygen is vital or a renal condition which means carrying a portable dialysis machine.

The CAA is only able to provide specific guidance on essential medications, essential nutritional items and CPAP machines, so it’s reasonably straightforward if these are the items you need to carry

But it is advisable to check with your airline to confirm you will be taking any of these items on board. For more information visit: UKCAA

Portable ventilators, oxygen, oxygen concentrators and dialysis machines are very different. Oxygen is combustible, ventilators and dialysis machines require a power source and often contain a lithium- ion battery for which there are various regulations about transporting. While the medical industry has come along in leaps and bounds in making medical devices compact and transportable, there is limited space on a flight and these items need to be positioned properly when using during a flight so provision needs to be made for this.

Flying with Oxygen

This is perhaps the most complex of therapies to accommodate when travelling.

The CAA doesn’t give much advice about carrying medical oxygen other than a cylinder must fit underneath a seat and to contact your chosen airline well in advance of travel. However, your oxygen provider will be able to assist you with options and advice on how your needs can be met on a plane and a cruise. There is likely to be additional cost if they are supplying you with equipment to travel outside the UK. The British Lung Foundation can provide you with some advice.

Fitness to Fly - oxygen

Due to air pressures in a plane, you may need to be assessed for your suitability to travel if you have

a respiratory condition which requires oxygen in certain atmospheric conditions, even if you don’t require it on a regular basis. A Hypoxic Challenge Test (HCT) can be requested by your consultant, nurse, and GP, it is performed in a hospital lung function laboratory and simulates a cabin pressure using 15% oxygen.

Fitness to fly - general

A completed Fitness to Fly certificate often known as a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) will be required by all airlines in the following circumstances:

You’ve had a recent Illness, hospitalisation, injury or surgery
You have an existing unstable medical condition
You need to use medical equipment or therapeutic oxygen on board

MEDIF forms can be obtained from your airline or GP. There will be a cost for this to be completed.

Cruising with Medical Equipment

Cruise operators also have rules about carrying medical equipment and oxygen so it’s important you check these well in advance of your holiday. If you have any equipment that requires a power source to operate/re-charge, you need to check if their power supply is suitable to run your equipment effectively.

There are companies that specialise in supplying medical equipment for cruises such as Omega Advanced Aeromedical .

Travel Insurance

Anyone travelling with a medical condition should have appropriate travel insurance cover in place. Any medical care required overseas could be potentially very expensive. So make sure you’ve declared all your pre-existing medical conditions when you buy your travel insurance.

Be organised and enjoy your holiday!

The key to an enjoyable, relaxing holiday when travelling with medical equipment is to be organised. Yes, you will have extra things to consider and plan but it will be worth it, and help is out there to make it all possible.