ICAN BECAUSE
THE MS TRAVEL COMPANION
NAVIGATING THE WORLD WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Yes! That’s me.
NAVIGATING THE WORLD WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Traveling with MS isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. It’s a different kind of adventure—one that requires more grace, more grit, and a good sense of humor.
BECAUSE I CAN: THE MS TRAVEL COMPANION was created to help those of us living with MS find our way through the world with confidence, comfort, and courage.
Finding my way through the airport and the streets of Philadelphia to run then run the 8K during Philadlphia Marathon Weekend, for example, wasn’t as effortless as it used to be, but I did it slowly, stubbornly, and proudly. Why? Because I can, and so can you.
This isn’t just a guide for travel; it’s a reminder that every journey, no matter how far we go, is proof that we still can.
Allié McGuire Co-Founder of AwareNow Media Producer of Because I
Can www.becauseicanfilm.com
The journey isn’t about how far you go... It’s about how deeply you arrive.
THE ROAD THAT CHANGED ME
A personal reflection on travel, movement, MS, and what it means to keep moving, no matter what.
PACKING FOR POSSIBILITY
How I prepare to travel with MS, including the essentials I pack physically, mentally, and emotionally.
REST STOPS & RESET MOMENTS
The art of slowing down on the go while building rest and recovery into the rhythm of travel.
AIRPORTS, HOTELS & HOPE
Practical travel tips I’ve learned from experience: accessibility, communication, and self-advocacy in motion
THE MINDSET MAP
How gratitude and perspective guide me through fatigue, unpredictability, and uncertainty.
THE TRAVEL COMPANION CHECKLIST
Keep yourself in check with these packing reminders, mindset cues, and must-have resources for traveling with MS.
TRAVEL TIPS
1. Plan with grace, not pressure. Build flexibility into your itinerary. Allow for rest, reroutes, and recalibration.
2. Keep your essentials close. Always pack meds, snacks, and water in your carry-on to stay steady and hydrated
3. Focus on purpose, not perfection. Your journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful.
TRAVEL TIPS
1. Pack light but right. Choose clothing that layers easily, reduces fatigue, and keeps you comfortable through temperature changes
2. Create a “wellness kit.” Include medication, hydration packets, essential oils, and a small comfort item that grounds you emotionally.
3. Double-bag your peace of mind. Keep medication in original packaging with documentation, and store backups in a separate bag in case of delays.
TRAVEL TIPS
1. Schedule your stops. Build intentional breaks into your day before your body asks for them.
2. Carry comfort cues. Eye mask, headphones, or a playlist that signals rest Teach your body to relax anywhere
3. Reset often. Hydrate, stretch, and breathe deeply every few hours to keep circulation and calm in balance.
TRAVEL TIPS
1 Ask early, travel easier Request assistance with boarding, luggage, or mobility in advance of your trip.
2. Book accessibility with intention. Look for ground-floor rooms, walk-in showers, and hotels near transportation hubs.
3. Keep a kindness kit. Carry gratitude notes or small thankyou cards to share with those who help along the way. Gratitude makes travel lighter.
TRAVEL TIPS
1 Anchor your mornings Begin each day with three affirmations or gratitudes to set your tone before takeoff.
2. Name your milestones. Celebrate the small wins. These include: getting to the gate, making the walk, and staying present
3. Release the route. Let go of rigid plans. The best journeys are often the ones that rewrite themselves.
THE TRAVEL COMPANION CHECKLIST
I love lists, not because they keep me organized, but because they remind me I’m capable. Every checkmark is a promise kept to myself.
The Travel Companion Checklist isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparation rooted in self-respect. These are the items, habits, and thoughts that keep me grounded when the world moves faster than I do It’s not just about what to pack. It’s about how to pack peace. Because travel, like healing, isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, it’s a living, breathing process of trial, error, and triumph.
PACKING FOR POSSIBILITY
What you pack should make travel easier, not heavier Here’s what I pack to protect my comfort, calm, and confidence.
ESSENTIALS:
☐ Prescription medication (in original containers)
☐ Printed medical documentation/doctor’s note (for TSA)
☐ Health insurance card and emergency contacts
☐ Cooling accessories (vest, scarf, wrap, or cooling towels)
☐ Heating aids (heat patches or small hot/cold packs)
☐ Lightweight, breathable layers for temperature regulation
☐ Compression socks or leggings for circulation
☐ Comfortable, supportive footwear
☐ Hydration supplies (reusable water bottle + electrolyte packets)
☐ High-protein snacks or blood sugar–steadying foods
☐ Vitamins and supplements
☐ Sunglasses and blue-light glasses (for sensory sensitivity)
☐ Travel pillow or small blanket
☐ Sleep mask and earplugs
☐ Portable phone charger and extra cords
PRO TIP: Keep all medications and essentials in your carry-on, never in checked luggage. Luggage can get lost. Your peace of mind shouldn’t
TRAVEL HABITS THAT HELP
Good travel isn’t about endurance; it’s about rhythm. These habits turn motion into momentum.
BEFORE YOU GO:
☐ Contact airline to request wheelchair/boarding assistance early
☐ Inform TSA Cares of your needs for smooth security screening
☐ Download list of accessible airports/restrooms along your route
☐ Check your hotel’s accessibility features
☐ Allow extra time for transitions as rushing increases fatigue
☐ Keep a list of current medications and doses (digital + printed)
☐ Store an extra three-day supply of medication in a separate bag
☐ Have a small “ emergency card” listing your condition and contacts
☐ Confirm travel insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions
☐ Know where the nearest hospital or urgent care is at your destination
☐ Carry your neurologist’s contact info and a recent summary of care
☐ Keep a backup pair of glasses or mobility aids (cane tip, folding stick, etc)
DURING TRAVEL:
☐ Stretch or walk every 1–2 hours to improve circulation
☐ Stay hydrated and avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol
☐ Use compression socks or elevate legs
☐ Carry a cooling towel/handheld fan to manage heat
☐ Use noise-canceling headphones or meditation apps to reduce sensory overload.
☐ Schedule rest periods into your daily itinerary
☐ Track your energy levels, not just time zones
☐ Maintain a consistent medication schedule
☐ Adjust for time changes in advance
AFTER ARRIVAL:
☐ Rest before unpacking. Recovery is part of arrival.
☐ Avoid scheduling high-energy activities the same day as your arrival
☐ Continue stretching and hydrating — fatigue can linger after flights
PRO TIP: Movement matters, but so does stillness. Build recovery into your itinerary the same way you plan sightseeing.
When I was younger, I thought the destination mattered most Now I know — it’s the distance between who I was and who I’m becoming that truly counts.
Traveling with MS has taught me that strength isn’t in the sprint — it’s in the steady steps. It’s in showing up, packing up, and not giving up.
Wherever you go, there you are. And that’s enough. Because you can