How do I decide whether to bring a mobility aid on this trip?

Bring the aid that protects your trip-level function, not home-level pride. Travel multiplies distance, terrain, and fatigue.

• Distance trigger? → cane/trekking pole.
• Standing trigger? → collapsible stool.
• Unknown terrain trigger? → brace + backup.
• Walking costs you days after? → travel wheelchair or scooter.

• Pre-Trip Ramp-Up: Decide early so logistics are calm.
• On-Trip Days: Aid = insurance for tomorrow.

Will airlines damage my device? Sometimes — label it and photograph it before handoff.

Is it embarrassing? Only if you let ableism plan your life.

Can I rent at destination? In some cities yes, but bring what’s critical.

• Airlines generally allow mobility aids and often exempt them from baggage limits.
• Energy-conservation frameworks treat assistive devices as valid fatigue/pain protection.
• Micro-anchor (OA/back pain): A cane or brace can save your knees/hips for the “good bits” of the day.
• Micro-anchor (migraine): Preserving energy lowers migraine probability later in the trip.