Diagnosed with a heart condition or undergone any cardiac procedure? Here are a few vital tips that heart patients should follow while travelling

Summer vacations have begun but are you one of them who has recently been diagnosed with a heart condition or undergone any cardiac procedure? Then, you will have to take utmost care of your heart while travelling.

Worry not as we got an expert on board to sort your health and travelling woes with a few vital tips that heart patients need to follow to stay heart healthy! Summer vacations mean relaxation and travelling to get rid of stress but heart patients who are planning to travel should be extra cautious.

Dr Sameer Pagad, Senior Consultant- Cardiologist at Global Hospitals in Parel, suggested some of the measures recommended for the heart patients:

• When patients with heart disease travel, they tend to forget their medicines. Post angioplasty and any other heart procedure, it is imperative for them to take the medication on time as suggested by the doctor. If one is traveling then he/she should stock medications as sometimes the medicines may not be readily available at the place you are going to visit. Skipping medicine can be disastrous for the patient if he/she has undergone any cardiac procedure. One should not face any problem as long as he/she is taking medication recommended by the treating doctor.

• If one is planning any adventure sports or hiking or climbing mountains at a higher altitude then it is recommended to take an opinion of a cardiologist and get evaluated.

• One should stay physically active and keep moving especially in long flights.. Try to do light exercises such as walking or spot yoga while traveling.

• It is necessary for heart patients to pay attention to their diet. Try to eat a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of oily food, canned and processed food.

• Visit the doctor to get cardiac tests, ECG, echocardiography, and stress tests before traveling. So, travel only when you are declared fit to do so.

• Get jabbed for Covid-19 if not get done.

• In flight wear comfortable footwear, drink enough water to stay hydrated, and wear compression stockings, if needed, take short walks to reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs.

• Do not neglect symptoms such as chest pain, breathing problems, or even undue tiredness, and immediately consult the local doctor if need be.

A trip to Europe can be one of the more memorable voyages of your life. But the last thing you want to do is sour your voyage by finding yourself unable to pay for dinner or train fare while you’re there.

While it’s okay to put most expenses on your card, it’s wise to also carry some cash for emergencies. Being over-prepared can help you avoid a lot of trouble—and perhaps some missed sightseeing opportunities—while you’re traveling.

Don’t Expect to Get Too Far Without Cash

There’s a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don’t expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you’re a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency. The same is true if you hire a guide to help you navigate your new surroundings.

Don’t bother to load up on cash before your flight. You can simply visit an ATM once you arrive and withdraw euros—the currency of 20 European countries—or other local currencies. With a conversion fee between 1% and 3%, and sometimes a nominal transaction charge, ATMs can be one of the least expensive and most convenient ways to get cash overseas—though you might want to check out local currency exchange bureaus, just to compare rates.

If you have more than one bank account, you may want to compare the different international ATM fees beforehand and of course, go with the one that’s more economical.

Tips for Using a Credit Card Abroad

Many businesses, particularly those that cater to travelers or are in cities, accept credit cards. Carrying plastic also cuts down on how much cash you have to carry, which eliminates some of the pain if your wallet is lost or stolen. Pickpockets are not uncommon in most European cities, and they know how to identify tourists.

If you’re planning to bring a credit card, there are a couple of things to remember. First, bear in mind that some cards are more widely accepted than others. MasterCard and Visa are among the most commonly used payment networks in Great Britain and the Continent. American Express, Discover, and Diners Club are less widespread, though some merchants will take them. Some cards also offer travel perks or cash rewards, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best credit cards for your needs.

You can use your credit card to get cash at an ATM, of course (and you may have to, if your bank card doesn’t participate in an overseas network). However, this should be a last resort: a credit card withdrawal will be considered a cash advance, which normally comes with higher interest rates than ordinary purchases. In addition, check with the card issuer (or dig out your terms and conditions paperwork, if you can find it) to see if there’s a transaction fee for foreign purchases or a currency conversion fee. They add up.

Some merchants now give you the option to pay with your card in either the local currency or in your own home currency (dollars or whatever). Paying in your own currency is a way to get around that foreign transaction fee. If your card doesn’t charge one, you might as well pay in the local currency.

Ensure Your Card Will Work

It’s also important to realize that Europe’s credit card technology is far more advanced, often using chip-and-PIN software. This means their cards have an embedded chip that helps validate the card’s physical presence and legitimacy. Rather than signing a receipt, cardholders often enter their four-digit PIN code to complete the transaction. American banks have rapidly rolled out cards that have the chip due to changes in fraud liability laws, but the PIN portion is often still not the norm.

You may still get away with a standard American card, as long it has a chip. If it doesn’t, the merchant will likely ask for your PIN. If you don’t know it—after all, PINs are rarely used for U.S. credit card transactions—it’s a good idea to get the four-digit number from your bank before embarking, or re-set it via telephone or computer to something easy to remember.

Also, remember to notify your bank that you will be traveling overseas. Many banks have enhanced their fraud detection protocols, and if they notice suspicious activity, such as an ATM withdrawal in Venice when you’ve never been there before, they could deactivate your card out of an abundance of caution.

Forget About Traveler’s Checks

If you’re worried about carrying a lot of cash, another option is to purchase traveler’s checks. The nice thing about these checks is that, as long as you record the number on each one and store it in a secure location, the issuer can usually replace them for free if they’re stolen.

However, traveler’s checks are a dying breed; many places don’t take them anymore. Even if a merchant accepts traveler’s checks, it’s often with a poor exchange rate. And they’re costly: Banks may charge a fee worth 1% to 2% of the face value to purchase the checks.

One alternative is to carry a modest amount of emergency cash with you in a location pickpockets can’t easily get to—in other words, not in backpacks or an unsealed pocket. Few retailers or hotels accept personal checks, so you may as well leave those at home.

Going Digital

Increasingly, merchants throughout Europe accept Apple Pay and other digital “contactless” payment systems. Apple Pay is accepted in over 70 countries as of March 2023. Doing it all with a tap of your phone can alleviate security concerns about having pockets picked and wallets stolen.

If you use Apple Pay to pay with a card overseas, that card’s same overseas charges, as discussed above, will apply. If you’re using the Apple Pay Cash card to pay (it’s accepted wherever Discover cards are), there’s a 3% across-the-board fee for international transactions.

Should You Use Cash or Credit When Traveling to Europe?

Most international travelers will end up using a combination of cash and cards when visiting Europe. While credit cards are accepted in most situations, currency can be more convenient for public transportation and small vendors. It’s also wise to carry an emergency fund with enough cash for a few days, just in case your card gets lost or stolen.

What Is the Most Common Credit Card in Europe?

Visa, Mastercard, and EuroCard are widely accepted throughout Europe, and American Express is usually accepted in tourist destinations.

Will My Bank Card Work in Europe?

Debit cards with a Mastercard or Visa logo are widely accepted in Europe. American Express is somewhat less common, except at tourist destinations. Most banks charge a foreign transaction fee and/or a currency conversion fee, so it is worth double-checking these costs before departure. You should also let your bank or card issuer know about your travel plans in advance, or else they might flag some of your overseas transactions as potential fraud.

The Bottom Line

As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” These days, that means carrying a chip-enabled credit card and a little cash, just in case. Also, pack your bank debit card for ATMs to keep yourself supplied with additional coin, as needed.

Preparing for a vacation can stir up a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to stress and panic. Taking a trip can be particularly daunting for anxious passengers who hate flying.

Whether you’re an anxious passenger bracing for your next flight or a first-time traveller accompanying someone grappling with travel jitters, the very thought of air travel can unleash a surge of nerves.

Between the seemingly endless airport waits, occasional turbulence-induced heart palpitations, and the less-than-luxurious plane seats, it’s hardly surprising that even the most seasoned travellers can feel intimidated.

To help you avoid an airport meltdown or an on-board breakdown, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite must-know travel tips for anxious passengers. From soothing techniques to carry-on essentials, this advice comes from former flight attendants, seasoned travellers and even nervous passengers themselves.

So, before you fasten your seatbelt, tuck away your carry-on, and check out the in-flight menu, get clued up on these essential travel tips for anxious passengers. With the help of a couple of deep breaths, distraction techniques and all of your favourite comfort items, you’ll be ready to navigate the skies with all the confidence and composure of even the most relaxed flyer.

Arrive at the airport early

If you’re somebody who feels uncomfortable or anxious in the airport, spending any longer than necessary there can seem counterproductive. However, arriving early can actually make the experience feel less stressful, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time.

Rushing can exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety, so aim to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time for domestic flights and three hours in advance of international flights.

Although it sounds like a lot of time, this buffer will enable you to navigate through security and settle into your pre-flight routine without the additional pressure of rushing or feeling like you’re going to be late.

Spend any leftover time at the airport doing things you enjoy – grabbing a hot drink, browsing for a new book or indulging in something delicious. You could also try an airport lounge if you really want to escape the traditional airport experience.

Be organized and prepared

One of the primary triggers of travel anxiety is the fear of the unknown. To help combat this worry, take the time to familiarize yourself with the entire travel process before your trip.

Do some research to understand what to expect during security checks, immigration, and customs. Knowledge is a powerful ally in reducing anxiety, and the more you know about the airport experience, the aircraft, and the journey, the more at ease you’re likely to feel.

Some anxious passengers find it helpful to create a step-by-step schedule, breaking down the journey into manageable increments. Others prefer having a comprehensive travel itinerary, allowing them to stay focused on the final destination.

It also may help to have hard copies of all your important documents to alleviate concerns about misplacing anything. Additionally, ensure all your electronic devices are fully charged to avoid any unexpected disruptions.

When it comes to attire, opt for loose, comfortable clothing with multiple layers to adapt to various temperatures throughout your journey. Clothing with spacious pockets can be particularly handy if you’re worried about losing items between the airport and the plane.

Many seasoned travellers recommend carrying essential items such as a portable charging bank, wet wipes, face masks, and hand sanitizer, providing peace of mind in handling unexpected situations.

Don’t forget to pack a few snacks as well, as hunger can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. Healthy options like granola bars, nuts, or fruit will help maintain your energy levels and keep your stomach content. And remember to stay hydrated, as dehydration can intensify nervousness.

Choose the right seat

When it comes to coping with turbulence-induced anxiety, choosing the right seat can make all the difference.

If you’re someone who’s uneasy during bumpy flights, consider opting for a seat at the front of the plane or over the wings, as flight attendants say these seats are generally less affected by the rocking and swaying motions caused by turbulence.

You could also consider a window seat, as having a view outside can help you gauge the severity of any turbulence and reassure you that everything is under control.

Keep in mind that individual preferences and aircraft configurations may vary, so it’s a good idea to check seat maps when booking your flight.

Plan your distractions

One of the best things about flying, particularly long haul, is having several hours of uninterrupted “you time” that you may not usually get to enjoy on a day-to-day basis.

Bring along a selection of your favourite distractions, like books, podcasts, pre-downloaded movies and TV shows, and consider choosing options or genres that make you feel calm and safe.

You could also compile playlists to will help you to focus on something other than your anxious thoughts, featuring reassuring sounds like your old favourites, familiar artists or meditative music.

Noise-cancelling headphones can also be a game-changer for reducing anxiety in noisy environments, whether you’re in a bustling airport terminal or on a crowded flight.

Try not to overthink

Overthinking is a common companion to anxiety, especially for those who find themselves feeling uneasy when travelling.

When you’re about to take off, it can be easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of “what-ifs” and hypothetical scenarios. However, it’s essential to remember that overthinking rarely leads positive outcomes. In fact, it often amplifies anxiety and makes the situation feel more scary than it actually is.

To combat overthinking, try to stay present in the moment. Focus on the steps you need to take right now, like checking your passport, making sure you have your essentials or by doing gentle exercises during the flight.

Other nervous passengers recommend focusing on facts. For example, fatalities caused by turbulence are exceedingly uncommon, and remember that planes want to fly.

Learn about turbulence

For many travellers, in-flight turbulence can really induce panic and anxiety, and it’s not hard to understand why. It can be scary! However, try to remember that it is a completely natural occurrence during flights.

It’s important to understand that turbulence is not an indication that something is going wrong; rather, it’s an ordinary aspect of air travel caused by factors like atmospheric conditions and air currents.

Travel blogger Helene Sula likened turbulence to being in Jell-O; even when an object moves within it, it remains stable in the Jell-O.

Another helpful comparison is to picture turbulence as a ship peacefully resting on a body of water; it moves up and down as the water’s surface fluctuates.

Trust the professionals

One of the most effective ways to alleviate anxiety while flying is to remember that you’re not alone on that aircraft — in fact, there’s an entire team of skilled professionals looking after your safety. This includes the pilot, co-pilot, and the cabin crew, who are all trained to handle a wide range of situations, including turbulence.

When you start to feel anxious during a bumpy patch of turbulence, try to remind yourself that it’s their job to worry about the plane, not yours. Pilots undergo rigorous training, and they’re well-versed in navigating through turbulence safely. They have access to things like weather reports, radar systems, and constant communication with air traffic control, all of which help them make informed decisions to ensure a smooth flight.

Likewise, the cabin crew are experienced in dealing with nervous passengers. They know how to provide reassurance and support when needed. If you ever feel uneasy, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

Take deep breaths

Anxiety often leads to shallow breathing, which will only fuel feelings of panic or unease.

Practice deep breathing exercises and mindfulness techniques to stay calm during your journey. Some travellers suggest inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for four. Repeat as needed.

Lean on the people around you

If you’re feeling anxious while travelling, remember that you’re not alone. Whether you reach for your travel companion, a fellow passenger, or a flight attendant, leaning on the people around you can make the journey feel easier.

Chatting with fellow passengers can provide distraction, while a travel companion can offer emotional support and practical help. Also, don’t hesitate to ask airline staff for assistance; they’re there to make your flight comfortable after all.

Remember, when anxiety creeps in, know that you have a support network right there with you to ease your worries.

Travel can feel overwhelming with chronic pain. Here are some tips to keep your pain in check during your getaway.

Vacations are not necessarily restful. There is always more we want to see, eat, and experience. Just when we think we’re finally content, Instagram sneaks us a new reel that sends us on an urgent new mission. Sometimes, we are so sleep-deprived that we need a vacation when we return from our vacation. But travel can be all the more exhausting with a health condition that causes chronic pain.

I used to be a restless nomad who was quick to pack and slow to miss home. But severe pain, neuralgia, and digestive issues from endometriosis—a pelvic condition that affects the entire body—has made travel more daunting. A heap of symptoms can be tough to bear on a typical Tuesday, let alone when hauled overseas. Every decision I make, from baguettes to beaches, has me considering its consequences as I learn to balance ambition and ability. Like many disabilities, chronic pain is difficult enough to manage in the security of our environment and daily routine. Is it even possible to travel comfortably to a foreign place with an unpredictable condition? Here are 10 practices that help keep pain at bay so you can enjoy your getaway.

1. Check Your Destination’s Accessibility

Preparation helps mitigate the anxiety that comes with unpredictability. Before you go, get familiar with your surroundings. How accessible is your destination? Are there endless stairs or hills to climb? Is there air conditioning to revive you from scorching heat? Locate pharmacies, markets, transportation, and clinics near your accommodation. Consider your room’s amenities: will you have a private bathroom and space to do your exercises? Are check-in and check-out times flexible to help you conserve energy? Look up whether beaches have bathrooms and other services that may be important for managing your condition. To the extent possible, choose a destination or accommodation where you would feel supported if you’re having an off day.

2. Plan for Pain

Booking travel is exciting. It’s tempting to imagine feeling our best and conquering our itinerary with ease, but the reality is that any change in routine can cause a chronic condition to flare, so it’s a good strategy to plan ahead for pain. When possible, select flexible bookings or refundable fares. Make sure you have health insurance. Choose activities that you’d be able to do on a moderate-to-high pain day, not just on your best day. Check in early for your flight to give yourself extra time. Book seats on your train in advance and consider how far you’ll have to walk down the platform or train car to access it. Invest in lightweight luggage with good wheels—your body will thank you.

3. Have All Your Essentials

Packing light is not always possible with an illness or disability, but packing smart is. Picture a bad day: what will you crave? Refill your medications and vitamins before you leave and store them in their original packaging with information on the prescription and dosage, as some medications (like narcotics) might require approval at customs. Pack your favorite clothes and comfortable shoes, and other soothing items you rely on to prevent or recover from flares and fatigue, like heat packs, essential oils, or compression socks. Use packing cubes or airtight bags to squeeze as much as you can in your luggage but keep your must-haves (including your medications) in your carry-on.

4. Know Your Triggers

Self-awareness is key to managing physical, mental, and emotional wellness. We all know our limits (though sometimes we ignore them). Pay attention to your triggers—foods, scents, boat rides on choppy seas, sitting for hours, being on the move all day, not having regular access to a bathroom, late nights, sun exposure… Check in with yourself regularly, even when you think you feel fine, to make sure you are honoring your needs and your body’s distress signals.

5. Pace, Don’t Push

So, you’ve made your itinerary. Great! Now, make a more realistic one. Give yourself breathing room before, during, and after your trip. If you plan excursions, space them out with a low-key day in between so you can linger and recharge. Leave days in your itinerary where you can eliminate the pressure of “doing” and focus on “being.” Consider the timing of your flights or other transport. Will you have to rush to make your connection? Are you leaving yourself enough time to settle back into your rhythm before returning to work? Avoid compromising on sleep (or, at least, not several days in a row).

6. Cultivate Calm

Chronic pain is very real and not “in our head,” but the brain plays a part in how it recognizes, amplifies, and attenuates it. Pain is a nervous system response to a threat, which means stress does play a role in triggering or heightening our pain. It’s a painstaking process to unlearn our fight-or-flight impulses and coax our nervous system out of crisis mode. Mindful travel helps create calm. Slow your pace. Make time to observe your surroundings. Ground yourself with your feet in the sand or deep breaths in a green space. Disconnect from your devices and refrain from documenting. Put your fork down between bites and tune your ear to local dialogue. Pay attention to where you are holding your tension—are your shoulders, jaw, and fists relaxed? Are you holding your breath? Honor your nervous system as you go about your day, so it can lower its guard and unwind.

7. Remember It’s Not All or Nothing

Our brain loves to categorize our options into either-ors and this-or-thats, but there’s an in-between space filled with relief and wonder—we just have to lean into it. To alleviate the emotional distress that comes with chronic pain, gently challenge yourself to think of an in-between option. Stay out late or stay in? Why not go for a bit and duck out early? Eat the food you’ll regret or spend the evening alone? Why not eat earlier on your own but join them for a drink? They’re all biking but you don’t feel up to it? Meet them there with an uber. It’s not always possible to find a workaround, but it’s almost always possible to reframe the black-or-white thinking.

8. Be Honest With Your Travel Companions

Traveling with others—even people we love—can be tricky. All travelers pack their own expectations and personality traits, which can create tension. It might make you feel vulnerable to be open about your condition or wellness needs, but it helps manage expectations. Communicate your preferences and limitations with your travel companions; tell them about your ideal rhythm and budget, activities you can’t do, foods you can’t eat. Agree to split up, meet up, and fill up when needed. Travel becomes even more beautiful when travelers hold space for their individual differences without judgment or resentment.

9. Pack Your Self-Forgiveness

There is certainly grief in not being able, or in not being as able as before. We can’t control how we feel, but we can do our best to recalibrate. Give yourself grace to exist as you are at any given moment, instead of harping on how (or where) you wanted to be. Practice reframing your mindset. Replace “I wasted the day” with “I rested today” or “I chose myself today.” And drop the guilt! Show yourself the inclusivity and empathy you’d want others to show you. A dose of self-forgiveness can feel incredibly refreshing.

10. Ask for Help

We are so conditioned to be independent and productive that we often hesitate to ask for help. Many of us think we don’t deserve accommodations and feel ashamed to ask for them. But a little help can go a long way in improving our day. Ask for pre-boarding if you need extra time, or for a wheelchair if you’re feeling unsteady. Ask for assistance to lift your luggage into the overhead bin, or for a corner where you can stretch during a long flight. It’s okay to ask for a seat on public transportation, even if your illness is invisible to others.

Though it can feel overwhelming to leave the comfort of home when your wellness depends on it, with some careful planning, self-awareness, and communication, your trip can do you a world of good.