I will be traveling with a senior in Rome. I am thinking a walking stick might be helpful with the uneven cobblestones etc. I would love to hear people who have had used them and felt it was helpful. Do you recommend the rubber tip or the rubber feet on the end of the pole? I understand you would need the ones with the rubber bottom and collapsible to go through Airport security. Even then there is a possibility they could confiscate them.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9169 posts
I use-back diamond collapsible walking sticks with rubber feet. I purchased them at REI. Simply check a bag if you are taking them.
Also, there is a right way and a wrong way to walk with walking/hiking poles. Sadly, many people never seem to learn how to use them correctly. The pole should alternate with the foot that you are stepping forward with. Example. You step forward with right leg, the pole in left hand also goes forward at the same time. You next step forward with left leg and the pole in right hand goes forward at the same time. This gives you the maximum benefit from the poles.
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
1054 posts
Walking sticks (cane) and trekking (walking) poles are two different things as far as airport security is concerned. I have used both on my travels. I have a weak ankle so I take my metal walking stick. As I use it at the airport where it is considered a medical device I have no problems going through security. They take it from me and pass it through x-ray and either return it straight away or provide me with a wooden alternative to go through security, depends on airport.
I prefer my walking stick for cities, the handles are easier to grasp and supply better support, especially if climbing steps. I did use a walking pole on one trip, great for a long fairly level walk around the base of the Acropolis but not so much for normal walking around the city, didn’t supply the support I needed.
Posted by
WA
13 posts
I traveled for 5 weeks to Europe & UK this 2024 spring with my Diamond trekking poles. I too had read or heard walking poles might be confiscated. Believing they weren't allowed on my last trip to Europe I waited and bought a pair of poles in Prague. This time I had checked with TSA in Seattle prior to my trip and was told as long as they are used for mobility you are allowed to bring them through TSA. Just in case, I had my doctor write a letter saying I needed the poles for my mobility. TSA never even mentioned my poles, i just put them on the conveyor belt with the rest of my carry on. As a precaution, I had taken off the carbide tip (that is inside the rubber tip) and put that in my carry on luggage. TSA said that was not necessary and so I left the carbide tip on when flying home from London. My poles adjust with a clamp so I can make them short enough to fit in overhead bins.
If i am hiking/walking on rough ground I use the carbide tip for better grip. When on smooth surfaces like marble or smooth pavement I cover the carbide tip with the rubber tip so as not to slip. I find having my walking/trekking poles gives me great piece of mind and prevents me from losing my balance on cobblestone and other uneven surfaces. On my spring trip this year, my good old walking poles helped me cover over 10 miles a day for 35 days (mostly in the rain), so hopefully your senior can feel comfortable enjoying all the activities without worrying about balance or slipping. As mentioned by another poster, TSA if needed will provide a wooden cane to go through the scanner. I have to have full body scans due to multiple implants and I have never had a problem with any of my devices with TSA or any airport in London or Europe. Hope that help and Happy Travels!!!