Travel Plans Supporting your clients to independently plan a holiday
N
ow that travel is back on the cards for most of us it is understandable that most people are keen to get some form of holiday booked. It has been a long couple of years and many of your clients may be feeling the need to spread their wings and bask in a change of scenery. A break away from the usual everyday routine can do so much for a person’s emotional wellbeing. The last two years have been hard on everyone, but for many people living with disability or illness it has been like living with a dark cloud over their heads; constantly worrying about COVID-safe practices, terrified they may contract the virus, and not knowing how it will affect their health. These feelings do not just go away overnight because the government decides there is no need for masks. The anxiety about emerging back into a world where everyone is interacting as they were in 2019, can be overwhelming for some people, but as occupational therapists you are ideally placed to support your clients if they want to look at booking a trip away. Whether that be a UK break or venturing further afield, the whole process of planning and booking a holiday can be used as part of a therapeutic practice with many clients. Everything that goes into planning a holiday can be looked at in a therapeutic manner, that can help build confidence, encourage independence, relieve anxiety, and improve mental wellbeing. We have highlighted many of the processes that go into planning a trip and covered many of the areas that will need to be considered to ensure a safe and hassle-free trip.
DESTINATION DECISIONS First off, the destination needs to be decided. Is it a staycation or do they want to venture further afield? Use this opportunity to discuss where they would like to go, find out if there is anywhere they have fond memories of and
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