travelling and going on holiday...travelling and going on holiday factsheet 474 january 2016 going...

Travelling and going on holiday

Factsheet 474January 2016

Going on holiday should be arelaxing and enjoyable experience.This is no different for people withdementia and their friends andfamily. There are lots of benefits to a holiday, such as having newexperiences and giving the personwith dementia and those close to them a break from routine.However, dementia can make itmore difficult to travel.

This factsheet gives tips and advice about planning a holiday for people affected by dementia, including choosingthe right type of holiday and arranging travel insurance and medical care. It alsoexplains the best ways to get around and any financial help that is available for taking a holiday.

Contents n Planning your holiday

n Knowing your rights

n Preparing and packing

n The journey

n Financial assistance

n Other useful organisations

alzheimers.org.uk

Planning your holiday It is important to plan your holiday carefully in order to avoid any problems. People with dementia might find a new environment confusing,or may become worried if something doesn’t go as planned. They may also have difficultiesreadjusting once they return home. On the otherhand, their travelling companion may be soconcerned that the person with dementia has a good holiday that they forget to relaxthemselves. For these reasons, it is important to think about what kind of holiday is right foreveryone, and plan it well so that everything goes as smoothly as it can.

What type of holiday to take Everyone will enjoy different types of holiday,depending on their interests, personal preferencesand budget. You should also consider how theperson’s dementia affects their daily life whendeciding on the right type of holiday.

n Staying with friends and relatives – If you areconsidering visiting friends or relatives, or if anumber of people are going away together, you should talk openly about the situation andhow each person might be able to help. Forexample, some members of the group mightbe able to spend some regular time with theperson with dementia during the mornings or afternoons. This can give the person andtheir usual carer a break from each other.Alternatively, some people might be able tohelp with tasks such as cooking dinner. Peopleare usually more willing to offer help andsupport if they are clear about how they canhelp.

n Independent travel – Travelling independentlygives you more choice and flexibility than othertypes of holiday, which can be a good thing, but you have to do a bit more work yourself. You will need to arrange all your own travel andaccommodation. Speak to the hotel or B&Bbefore you book to check that it is the rightplace for you. Try to look for places that offer a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and wherestaff will be understanding and supportive if you have any difficulties.

n A package holiday – You may want to go on apackage holiday where everything is arrangedfor you. If you choose this option, talk to thetravel agency and holiday company before youbook. Make sure that they are aware of yourneeds, and that these needs can be met.

2 Travelling and going on holiday

Travelling and going on holiday

n Specialist holiday – there are a range of holidayand travel services available for people whoneed extra support. A person with dementiamay be accompanied by a friend, relative orcarer on one of these trips. Alternatively, youmay choose to use respite services that allowthe person with dementia and their carer totake a break from each other. If a carer feelsthey need to take a break on their own, theperson with dementia could go on holidayseparately. This could be arranged through acompany offering specialist support. For moreon this see factsheets 462, Replacement care(respite care) in England, W462, Respite care inWales, or NI462, Respite care in NorthernIreland.

The charity Revitalise provides specialist holidays forpeople with disabilities and their carers at theirpurpose-built holiday centres across the UK. See‘Other useful organisations’ for details.

Everyone will enjoy different types ofholiday, depending on their interests,personal preferences and budget. Youshould also consider how the person’sdementia affects their daily life whendeciding on the right type of holiday.

Planning your holiday: tips for carers n A person with dementia who is independent in

familiar surroundings may need extra supportwhen coping with a new environment or changesto their routine. Even if they are travelling with acompanion, the holiday may be more enjoyable foreveryone if another friend or relative goes too.

n Try to find out as much as you can beforehandabout the place you plan on going to. Are thereinteresting places to see, activities you can enjoyand pleasant places to relax? If anyone travellinghas a physical disability, will it be easy for you toget around? Local tourist offices can provideuseful information.

n A smaller hotel without too many corridors maybe less confusing for the person with dementia. Itmay be a good idea to book ‘out of season’, asplaces are likely to be less busy and staff will ableto give you more time and attention. The charityTourism for All provides a range of informationabout accessible places to stay (see ‘Other usefulorganisations’ below).

n Try to be open about the person’s needs – forexample, with hotel or airline staff. Explain thedifficulties or limitations the person may have soeveryone knows what to expect. Trying to hideproblems can make life more stressful foreveryone.

3Travelling and going on holiday

Knowing your rights There are laws that protect the rights of disabledpeople in the UK, and it can be helpful to know thesewhen taking a holiday. Under the Equality Act inEngland and Wales, and the Disability DiscriminationAct in Northern Ireland, UK businesses have to make‘reasonable adjustments’ to make their servicesaccessible to disabled people. Dementia is classedas a disability for the purposes of these laws, eventhough many people with dementia would not seethemselves as ‘disabled’.

These laws require service providers in the UK (forexample, travel agents, train companies andhotels) to remove any barriers that preventdisabled people from accessing their services.This might refer to physical barriers – for example,it might mean removing steps from entrances.The Equality Act and Disability Discrimination Actdo not just cover physical access, however.Making sure that a person can access a servicemay range from providing wheelchair ramps tohelping someone get off a train at the correctstation and waiting with them until their family orfriends arrive.

The law also states that service providers are notallowed to treat a disabled person less favourablythan someone without a disability. If you ask for aroom with an accessible shower, for example, theycan’t charge you more for it.

UK businesses have to make ‘reasonableadjustments’ to make their servicesaccessible to disabled people. The lawrequires travel agents, train companiesand hotels to remove any barriers thatprevent disabled people from accessingtheir services. Making sure that a personcan access a service may range fromproviding wheelchair ramps to helpingsomeone get off a train at the correctstation and waiting with them until theirfamily or friends arrive.

It is important to be aware of these laws, and if youfeel you are having problems accessing services orare being treated unfavourably, you should speak tothe company directly. If through speaking to themyou cannot get the problem resolved, considerputting in a complaint about the treatment that youhave received. These laws only cover the UK , so onlyservices within these countries are affected. Thismeans that air transport is not covered. However, aEuropean directive (a piece of EU law) requiresvarious service providers – such as airportmanagers, airlines, tour operators and travel agents– to be trained in disability awareness and disabilityequality. This directive is called Access to air travelfor disabled persons and persons with reducedmobility. However, vessels such as cruise ships arenot covered by this law if they travel more than 12miles from UK coastlines.

On the whole, most travel companies are aware ofthe needs of their passengers with disabilities.Whatever kind of break you are taking (whether ornot it is within the UK and covered by the Equality Actor Disability Discrimination Act), you should contactall the companies involved beforehand. It helps tomake a list of your specific requirements and askhow they can help you with each of them.


Preparing and packing The earlier you start preparing for your holiday, theless stressful it will be. You should allow plenty oftime to organise things like passports, insurance,medicines and visas (if necessary).

When packing, it can be helpful to write a list ofeverything you are taking with you. This should sayhow many pieces of luggage there are and what isin each of them. Each person should carry onecopy of the list with them, and another copy canalso be left with someone at home.

Make sure all luggage is clearly labelled with yourname and address. Also, put a sheet of paper withyour name and address on it inside each separatebag or suitcase, in case luggage labels areremoved or lost.

There are various different pieces of assistivetechnology or aids that might help if someonebecomes disorientated in an unfamiliarenvironment. You should talk to an occupationaltherapist if you think any of these could be useful.There is also information in factsheet 437,Assistive technology – devices to help witheveryday living.

Passport and other identification documents Anyone travelling outside the UK needs a validpassport. Even for flights within the UK, mostairlines require a passport, or another identitydocument that includes a photograph.

It is a good idea to make two photocopies of thepersonal details page of your passport. Leave onecopy at home with a relative or a friend and carrythe other copy with you (in somewhere differentto the passport itself, such as your suitcase). Alsomake copies of your other important documents,such as plane tickets and insurance documents.Write down the phone numbers of places to call ifdocuments or bank cards get lost or stolen.

A MedicAlert bracelet (which contains informationabout your medical condition and needs) orsimilar identification may be useful for a personwith dementia in case they become separatedfrom the person they are travelling with, becomeconfused or experience communicationproblems. For more information call MedicAlert on01908 951045.

Medicines Medication must be kept with you at all times. Ifyou are likely to be separated from your luggageduring your journey, keep medication in your handluggage or carry-on bag, together with a list of themedicines and dosage routines. Take a letter fromyour doctor to show to airline staff. If anymedication needs to be kept refrigerated, tell theairline in advance and make sure you will haveaccess to a fridge where you are staying.


Travel insurance Before you travel, you should make sure you areinsured against any problems that may arise, suchas sickness or lost items. Your travel insurancepolicy will need to cover all passengers for anymedical conditions that they have. You might alsoconsider making sure you are covered for traveldelay.

Some policies do not cover people for claims thatcome about because of a ‘pre-existing medicalcondition or defect’. This could mean that anyillness or accident linked to a person’s dementiamay not be covered. Policies without this clausecan be more expensive, so it is a good idea toshop around. There are a number of specialistinsurers that cater for people with certain needs,such as dementia. You might want to look intothese insurers.

The European Health Insurance Card It is important that you have the right medicaldocuments so that you are entitled to health careabroad. Inside the European Economic Area (EEA),UK residents with a European Health InsuranceCard (EHIC) are entitled to free or reduced-costemergency treatment. The EEA consists of the 27 member states of the European Union, plusIceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Switzerland isalso covered, with some exceptions. The EHICreplaces the previous E111 form. The card is freeand is valid for up to five years. You can apply for itdirectly from the NHS.

For more information call the EHIC line on 0300 3301350.

There are a number of circumstances in which theEHIC does not cover medical treatment, so checkthrough the terms and conditions carefully beforetravelling. Remember also that the card is not analternative to travel insurance – you should alwayshave both, because you will still need travelinsurance to cover things like repatriation (beingreturned to the UK).

Treatment in countries outside the EEA Even if you are travelling to a country outside theEEA, where you are not covered by the EHIC, youmay still be entitled to some health care. The UKhas agreements with some other countries thatmean they will provide urgent medical treatmentat reduced cost or, in some cases, for free. You willusually not be able to get all the treatments andservices that are available on the NHS , however,and if charges are involved, the Britishgovernment will not refund you. You need to haveinsurance that can cover these costs.

To get treatment, you will normally have to showyour passport or some other proof that you are aUK resident, such as a driving licence or medicalcard. Every country will have differentrequirements. For more details visitwww.nhs.uk/nhsengland/healthcareabroad


The journey Airports, railway stations, bus stations, ships,trains and aeroplanes can be busy and confusingplaces. It can be very easy to get lost or to losetouch with someone. If you are travelling withsomeone with dementia, always make a mentalnote of what they are wearing and considercarrying a recent photograph of them. If you needhelp, look for people who are wearing officialuniforms (for example, security staff, airlinecounter staff or train conductors).

Give yourself enough time to get to the airport orrailway station. Arriving earlier means shorterqueues or waiting times, which may make yourjourney easier. You might want to considertravelling at times when fewer people travel –avoiding weekends at the height of summer, forexample.

Travelling by air If you are flying, you may need to tell the airlinethat you or your travelling companion hasdementia. Most airlines say that people with a‘permanent or stable condition’ do not requiremedical clearance in order to fly. However, youshould check when you book your flights whatmedical information the airline needs.

British Airways advise people with any conditionthat may affect their ability to fly to contact itsPassenger Medical Clearance Unit, which offers afree advisory service (see ‘Other usefulorganisations’).

Some airlines may not let someone with dementiafly on their own if there is a possibility of thembecoming distressed during the flight. Cabin staffare not there to help with people’s medical needs,eating or visiting the toilet, and airlines will insistthat a person who needs help with these activitieshas someone with them for the flight. Someairlines can provide an escort for a persontravelling alone, but the person travelling will haveto pay for the escort’s fare.

Give yourself enough time to get to theairport or railway station. Arriving earliermeans shorter queues or waiting times,which may make your journey easier. Youmight want to consider travelling at timeswhen fewer people travel – avoidingweekends at the height of summer, forexample.


Airports and airlines should provide anyone who hasa sensory, physical or learning disability with:

n assistance to reach check-in

n an explanation of emergency procedures and thelayout of the cabin for those who are travelling

n help with getting on and off the plane

n help with stowing and retrieving baggage on theplane

n an on-board wheelchair (not always available)

n someone to meet you as you leave the plane andhelp you find your way around the airport.

In order to get this support, you or the person you aretravelling with may be asked to provide some forms.These are the Incapacitated passengers handlingadvice (INCAD) form, and the Medical informationform (MEDIF), which must be filled in by a GP. You canget these from travel agents and airlines. They areonly valid for one journey, but some airlines providefrequent travellers with a Frequent traveller medicalcard (FREMEC) which can do the same job.

Many airlines can also help a person when arrivingat the airport. They may be able to escort peoplefrom the car park, train station or taxi stand if youask in plenty of time. You should think about whathelp the different airlines can give before booking,and check whether the cost of any specialassistance is included in the price of your ticket. If the airline cannot help, the airport may be ableto. Many airports publish information aboutfacilities at the airport, including information forpeople with special needs.

If you use a wheelchair, check the policy with yourairline as you may have to transfer to one of theairline’s wheelchairs when you check-in. If yourflight is cancelled, ask the airline to make specialarrangements for you if you need to rest. (This is agood reason to tell the airline of any medicalconditions prior to travelling.)

You should pack some essentials in your carry-onbag, in case your flight is delayed or your luggageis late arriving. Take the things you or the personwith dementia need to feel comfortable (such asa change of underwear, nightwear, shirt, socks,basic cosmetics and toothbrush) and anymedication that you might need.

You cannot take liquids, gels and aerosols in yourcarry-on bag in containers larger than 100ml. All containers must fit comfortably in onetransparent, re-sealable bag no larger than 20cmx 20cm (for example, a freezer bag). This includestoiletries, cosmetics and toothpastes. The onlyexceptions to this rule are essential medicines.Pack any other items in your hold luggage.


Travelling by train If you are travelling by train, the rail companies canarrange to meet you or your fellow traveller at thestation and help you to the right train, if you letthem know at least two days in advance. They will also take you to your connecting train, ifnecessary. This can be arranged through thenational Assisted Passenger Reservation Service. To do this, phone National Rail Enquirieson 03457 48 49 50 and ask for the phone numberof the rail company you are travelling with.

Eurostar provides help at no extra charge topassengers with special needs. This can beprovided at any Eurostar terminal. You canarrange this when you book, as long as it is atleast 48 hours before the journey. For moreinformation call Eurostar on 08432 186 196.

If you have arranged help with your journey, alwaysconfirm any arrangements the day before settingoff and make sure you have also arrangedassistance for the return journey.

Travelling by coach or bus If you are travelling by coach or bus, the driver should help with putting your baggage into thestorage area under the coach. You should keep allvaluables, tickets and medication with you on board, however.

Many coach companies run their own services fortravellers with special needs – for example, NationalExpress has an Assisted Travel Team, a helpline setup specially to deal with requests from disabledpassengers. For more information see ‘Other usefulorganisations’.

A number of specialist companies offer UK andEuropean coach travel with fully accessible vehicles, for people who use a wheelchair. For more information contact Tourism for All (see ‘Other useful organisations’).

Travelling by sea If you are travelling by sea, you should ask inadvance how accessible the vessel is. Vesselsthat travel more than 12 miles from the UKcoastline are not covered by the Equality Act orDisability Discrimination Act, so they may be lessaccessible than ferries travelling from themainland to the Isle of Wight, for example.

You should check with the ferry or cruise shipoperator to see if they need someone withdementia to have a companion or escort, orwhether they need to get medical clearance forthe journey. You should tell them when you bookyour ticket what assistance you will need.

Some UK-based ferry companies offerdiscounted fares for disabled people. However,you may need to book early to get this discount.

Travelling by car If you are planning a long car journey, try not totravel for more than two hours before having abreak. Plan your journey carefully, factoring inregular breaks from driving, and listen to trafficupdates before you set off. Try to ensure thateveryone is comfortable and that seatbelts areproperly fitted.

If you are planning to stop at motorway serviceareas, be aware that these can be big andconfusing, and it is easy to get lost ordisorientated, or separated from travellingcompanions. It might help for people with memoryproblems to keep a note of the model, colour andregistration number of the car (a clear photographwould be ideal).


Arrival: Tips for carers n A person with dementia may feel tired or

unsettled when they arrive somewhere new. It may help to have a cup of tea, relax and leavethe unpacking until later.

n You might want to ask for a mattress protectorand extra sheets to be left in the bedroom incase of accidents. This will mean you won’tneed to ask for them in the middle of the night.

n Consider the layout of where you are stayingand how best to help the person navigate. Ifthe room is en suite, it may help to keep thebathroom door open when not in use so it isclear where the toilet is. If you are rentingaccommodation, consider putting up signsthat make it clear what each room is.

Financial assistance If you have dementia or, are caring for someonewith dementia, and you are having difficultyfinding the money for a much-needed holiday, acharity may be able to help.

Tourism for All publishes a guide to what help isavailable to meet the cost of a holiday or respitecare. It gives details of the different charities thatmay be able to help. There is a charge for theseguides if you are not a member of Tourism for All(see ‘Other useful organisations’).

If you would like to enquire about funding forrespite care, contact your local authority socialservices department.


Other useful organisations

British Airways Passenger Medical Clearance Unit 020 8738 [email protected]

Advises travellers about whether they considerpatients with certain medical conditions to be fit totravel.

Dementia Adventure CIC Unit 11 Old Farm ParkMain RoadFord EndEssex CM3 1LN

01245 [email protected]/contact

A community interest company that delivers shortbreaks and holidays for people living with dementiaand their carers to enjoy together.

Mind for you 5 The WillowsBurton On The WoldsLeicestershire LE12 5AP

[email protected]

Company that offers supported holidays for peoplewith dementia and their carers together, throughoutthe UK.

National Express Assisted Travel Team 08717 818 179 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week)[email protected] – or use the enquiryform or live chat on the websitewww.nationalexpress.com

Provides specialist support on coaches across theUK.

Tourism for All UK 7A Pixel Mill44 Appleby RoadKendalCumbria LA9 6ES

0845 124 [email protected]

Holiday and travel information service for disabledand older people and their carers.

Revitalise 212 Business Design Centre52 Upper StreetLondon N1 0QH

030 3303 0145www.revitalise.org.uk

A national charity providing essential breaks forpeople with disabilities, visually impaired people andcarers. Revitalise’s centres provide 24-hour careon-call and personal support in a relaxed, holidayenvironment. They also run breaks for people withdementia.


Factsheet 474

Last reviewed: January 2016

Next review due: January 2019

Reviewed by: Dr Marilyn Cash, Post DoctoralResearcher, School of Health and Social Care,Bournemouth University and Sallie Rutledge,Dementia Lead Nurse; Proprietor, The MedeHoliday Respite Support, East Devon

This factsheet has also been reviewed bypeople affected by dementia.

A list of sources is available on request.

Alzheimer’s Society National Dementia Helpline England, Wales and Northern Ireland: 0300 222 11229am–8pmMonday–Wednesday 9am–5pm Thursday–Friday10am–4pm Saturday–Sunday

This publication contains information and general advice. It should not be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified professional.Alzheimer’s Society does not accept any liability arising from its use. We striveto ensure that the content is accurate and up to date, but information canchange over time. Please refer to our website for the latest version and for fullterms and conditions.

© Alzheimer’s Society, 2017. All rights reserved. Except for personal use, no part of this work may be distributed, reproduced, downloaded, transmitted or stored in any form without the written permission of Alzheimer’s Society.

Alzheimer’s Society operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Registered charity number 296645.

alzheimers.org.ukAlzheimer's Society is theUK's leading dementia charity.We provide information andsupport, improve care, fundresearch, and create lastingchange for people affected bydementia.

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