When my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s just over five years ago, it shifted everything. Our plans. Our priorities. Even how we see time. We realized life is now — not "one day" — and made a pact to stop waiting and start experiencing. And one of the most powerful things we’ve done since then is travel.

We’ve been all over, but we especially love Asia — for their lush nature, vibrant food, kind-hearted people, and the fact that it’s safe and surprisingly affordable. And while we travel for pleasure, we’ve come to understand that travel itself can be good medicine.

The Dopamine of Discovery — Literally

One of the major chemical players in Parkinson’s is dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement and motivation. As you know, in Parkinson’s, the brain gradually produces less of it.

Here’s the good news: new experiences — like those found in travel — stimulate the brain’s reward system, which releases dopamine. According to research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, novel and emotionally positive experiences (such as those encountered during travel) can increase dopamine activity and enhance well-being. For us, each adventure feels like a natural dopamine boost — and we genuinely see the difference in his energy and mood.

How We Travel Now

We do things a little differently since Parkinson’s entered the picture, and planning is essential.

Half-day planning
Fatigue is a common symptom of Parkinson’s, so we only plan activities for half the day and leave the rest for rest or reflection. It’s made travelling more enjoyable and less stressful.

Avoiding crowds
Crowds can make movement harder — they increase stress and can trigger freezing. This is backed by studies from Movement Disorders Journal, which link anxiety and overstimulation with motor blocks. So, we plan visits early or pick quieter routes.

Timing medication
Crossing time zones or shifting your daily rhythm can throw off medication timing. Skipping or delaying a dose can increase symptoms — even freezing or falls. The PD Buddy app’s reminders have been vital on the road for keeping us on track.

Food and hydration

Dehydration can worsen orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing), common in Parkinson’s. We prioritize water and eat light, fresh meals. Asian cuisines, rich in veggies and gut-friendly fermented foods, help him feel energized and balanced.

Climate awareness

People with Parkinson’s are often more sensitive to heat and cold. We check the weather ahead, book air-conditioned stays in hot regions, and pack cooling gear. Research from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society confirms that temperature regulation is often impaired in PD — so we take it seriously.

Travel as a Teacher: What We’ve Learned from the Road

One of the most rewarding things about travel is what we learn from other cultures about managing Parkinson’s — tips we’d never find in a clinic leaflet.

 In Bali, we discovered Jamu — a traditional drink made from turmeric, ginger, and tamarind. Turmeric, rich in curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties that are being researched for neuroprotective benefits in Parkinson’s.

In China, where nearly half of the world’s Parkinson’s population lives, we explored traditional medicine. We now include acupuncture in his care — not as a cure, but as a tool to reduce fatigue and pain. Clinical reviews (such as one in Parkinson’s Disease Journal, 2017) suggest acupuncture may improve motor function and quality of life.

Mind-body practices like Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, and meditation, which we picked up in Asia, are now regular parts of his routine. There’s solid evidence (e.g., The New England Journal of Medicine, 2012) that Tai Chi improves balance and reduces falls in people with Parkinson’s. Plus, these practices help with anxiety, stiffness, and sleep.

In Japan, we discovered some brilliant lifestyle habits that really support Parkinson’s management. The clean, balanced diet stood out — loads of fresh fish rich in omega-3s, daily miso soup packed with fermented goodness, and beautifully small portions that never leave you feeling sluggish. The focus on seasonal, fresh produce and mindful eating really made a difference. We also noticed how walking is woven into daily life, and how calm, structured routines — from bathing rituals to quiet public spaces — can help reduce stress and support better symptom control. There’s a lot we can learn from Japanese culture when it comes to living well with Parkinson’s.

One thing we’ve truly come to appreciate during our travels — especially across Southeast Asia — is the deep love and respect for nature. In Vietnam, for example, we were struck by how environmentally aware people are. There's a real concern about pollution drifting in from neighboring China, and we saw lots of grassroots efforts to protect natural spaces — from banning single-use plastics in local markets to community clean-up drives. Elsewhere in the region, we’ve been inspired by the sustainable lifestyles on some of the Indian Ocean islands. Places like Koh Yao Noi in Thailand or Nusa Penida in Indonesia are making serious moves towards eco-living — banning plastic bags, encouraging reusable containers, and promoting local food grown on the island. Many of these island communities live entirely from what nature provides — eating what grows there, catching their own fish, and preserving traditional knowledge. It’s a refreshing perspective, and one that feels especially powerful when managing a long-term condition like Parkinson’s — reminding us to slow down, live simply, and tread lightly.

Spirituality and mindset
Being in places with a slower, more mindful approach to life has been healing. We’ve learned not just to manage Parkinson’s, but to befriend the present moment — to slow down, breathe, and be.

Parkinson’s doesn’t mean travel has to stop. It just means adapting — and sometimes, that’s where the magic happens. With a bit of preparation, awareness, and curiosity, the world is still wide open.

For us, traveling is more than just a holiday. It’s therapy. It’s learning. It’s connection. And most of all, it reminds us — and hopefully you — that this life, however unpredictable, is still full of wonder.

Practical Travel Tips (Tried and Tested!)

• Book accessible accommodation. Even if you don’t usually need grab bars or lifts, they’re invaluable when symptoms flare.
• Inform airlines in advance. Assistance through airports can save both energy and stress.
• Travel insurance matters. Make sure it covers Parkinson’s and any extras like acupuncture or medical equipment.
• Pack more meds than you need. And keep them in your hand luggage, with a doctor’s note if needed.
• Build in breathing space. Don’t overstuff the itinerary. Sometimes a day wandering the market beats five tourist sites.