Top Ten Travel Lessons: Chronic Illness Edition

I used to never really worry too much about traveling. I mean, yeah, I may contract a cold and/or flu after traveling but that was probably the most worrisome thing that would happen to me. But then, I developed a chronic illness (or two, because, ya know, they like to travel in packs) and when COVID hit, oh man, traveling seemed much more scary than before. Before all of this, I used to be able to simply pick up and go without needing to worry too much but now it seems like traveling includes a lot of planning ahead in order to help make myself comfortable and to deal with any flare-ups and illnesses away from home. So, in order to help us prepare for any upcoming travel seasons I wanted to share what I have learned along the way in my travels. Here are some of my top ten tried and true travel tips to move and groove with a chronic illness.

1. Make a list! I don’t know about you, but I always forget something if I don’t have a trusted list to work from. Typically, I will either begin writing a list (usually on my phone) of all the things I need to bring, or I will use a preset list that I’ve taken a screenshot of or have created before. It helps to lower the stress of remembering to pack everything and avoid the dread of knowing you forgot something.

2. Make sure to pack all essential medications! I make sure that not only are my prescriptions packed, but any over the counter medications that are helpful during a flare-up are packed too. Keep them in your purse and/or carry on so they don’t get lost in checked luggage. I feel like I pack a whole pharmacy when I travel now but hey, such is chronic illness life and better to have it than not have it.

3. Take any medical cards, alert tags, and jewelry with you. It may be helpful to write down any medical conditions you have and medications you take on a card in the local language of where you are traveling to so that if anything happens to you, you’ll be able to use your card to show medical staff. Also, cards like an I Can’t Wait card to carry with you can be helpful to show businesses that you have a medical condition where you cannot wait to use a restroom. They even make those cards in different languages. Some places have laws stating that they have to let you use the restroom, even if it is not available to the public, and some places don’t but it is best to carry that with you just in case you need it. Lastly, make sure to bring any medical documents with you just in case you have to show them to authorities (like TSA) to let them know you have to carry something with you because it is medically necessary. Don’t forget, they shouldn’t be charging you for medically necessary carry-on items!

4. Create your care pack ahead of time. Don’t forget your favorite travel pillow and travel blanket. Items like a water bottle, extra clothes, plastic bag for soiled clothes, wipes, hand sanitizer, snacks, compression socks, eye mask, ear plugs, etc. can be invaluable. Treat it like a spa package. What are you going to need to feel pampered and comfortable on your trip? Whatever it is, bring it, I am sure they make a travel size version of it too, and pack it in your carryon.

5. Plan your eats ahead. Don’t end up like me crying in your husband’s truck in downtown San Antonio. Research ahead to your destination. Look at restaurants and what type of food they have and if they have an online menu. Research what you can eat and where and look at reviews of what others are saying online. If needed, pack food that is easy to travel with and choose hotels or a place to stay that has a kitchen, kitchenette, or just a plain old mini-fridge and microwave. They also make some great travel accessories, like a collapsible tea kettle, that you can take with you to boil water. Don’t be foolish like me. Plan ahead.

6. Wear a mask and wash your hands. Even if you are the only one. Even if illnesses like the flu and COVID aren’t very high during the time when you are traveling. Just wear a mask and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. The last thing you need is to get sick with the cold, or flu, or COVID while traveling and while doing these things won’t necessarily protect you 100% it will at least cut down on the chances you will get sick either while traveling or after you return home.

7. Plan your route. You know yourself best and you know what you need. If you need to make sure you plan enough time so that you are able to take breaks and stretch, then do it. If you know that you need to plan a route that has more bathrooms, then do it. If you know that you will need extra time and you need to build that into your schedule, then do it. Also, think ahead to when is the most convenient time to travel for you. Maybe you have more energy in the mornings or maybe you have more energy in the evenings. Maybe you like to get somewhere and after a long day of traveling you want to settle down for bed. Maybe you need to book a flight with stops and layovers because sitting squashed in a tiny plane seat is not comfortable for long periods of time. Whatever you need, build it into your schedule because the last thing you need is to be rushed, haggard, uncomfortable, in pain, and miserable.

8. Advocate for yourself. Know your rights and believe that you are a human being who deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. I think many of us have been there where others have made us feel small and like what we need to ask for is sUcH a BuRdEn. To be honest, they can suck it. You are living your life and that life doesn’t mean you need to be confined to your home shunned away from all society. You are not a burden and just because you might need a little extra help doesn’t mean that you are somehow less worthy than others that don’t need that same help. Speak up for what you need. Be assertive, calm, and clear and if they don’t hear you the first time then say it again and again and again.

9. Be kind to yourself. Yes, you may not be able to do everything that you want to do. You may not have the energy today. You may end up getting sick or having a flare-up. You may need to take breaks and rest at times. It happens. Sometimes it helps to have a plan b, c, and d in the event that our bodies don’t want to cooperate but even then sometimes our best laid plans just don’t happen. That doesn’t mean that everything is ruined and it doesn’t negate all the good things that have happened during your travels so far and any good things to come. It is just a moment in

time. It will be okay, don’t beat yourself up, and simply focus on taking care of yourself and your body.

1. Have fun! Fun doesn’t have to be grand adventures and flashy moments. Fun can occur in the little things. The little moments that make up the whole of our lives. I’ve had some of my best moments doing things like eating a picnic dinner in the park, having a great dinner with family, or even just sitting and people watching. Being more mindful and soaking in the present moment that you are experiencing can redefine what having fun means to you. Also, not everyone needs to travel far to have fun. For me, I have done virtual tours of museums from the comfort of my own home and learned some interesting facts. Sometimes acting like a tourist in your own area where you live can be fun. It doesn’t have to be far to be fun.

Those are some of the things I have learned along the way in my travels and I’m looking forward to having many more journeys and learning more things along the way. Do you have any travel tips that you want to share? Feel free to post them in the comments below!