Making the Decision to Travel With A Chronic Illness

It’s easy to come up with excuses for why you can’t travel, and why you need to keep putting off your adventurous dreams waiting for a better time. When you’re struggling with a chronic illness, it’s even easier to put travel on the backburner. The truth is the only obstacles are those you let get in your way. Not only is traveling with chronic illness possible, but you can see more than you ever thought was open to you if you just let yourself.

There’s no denying that living with a chronic illness is not fun. It presents new challenges that a lot of people can’t understand, and these only multiply when you’re somewhere new and unfamiliar. That being said, traveling with chronic illness is completely possible no matter your diagnosis. You only have one life, so don’t let your diagnosis rob you of living it to the fullest. Here’s how you can conquer travel no matter your condition.

Tips for Traveling With Chronic Illness

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1. Talk to Your Companions

One of the most intimidating parts about traveling with chronic illness is feeling like you’re getting in the way of your companions. Your friends and family want to enjoy their trip too, and you’re worried you’ll slow them down. It doesn’t have to be this way. Talk to your travel companions, whether they’re your friends or your significant other. Tell them what you’re able to do, and what might take you more time.

Start your trip on the same page. Be flexible with your plans, and know when it’s time to take a break and let your companions go on without you. There are plenty of low-impact, restful things you can do to enjoy your experience even on off days.

2. Be Prepared

If you’re prepared, you feel confident. Even when healthy people travel, they need to prepare themselves by packing the right things and making accommodations. If you have a medical condition, there’s more to prepare. You can pack any medications, prescriptions, first aid kit, medical history, and translation cards. These things will make sure you’re able to handle anything that comes your way.

To feel even more secure with your condition while traveling with chronic illness, look into medical facilities and doctors at your destination. Booknowmed helps you book appointments with qualified physicians and health providers at clinics around the globe. Having this safety net in place can alleviate much of the stress of travel.

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3. Prioritize

No matter who you are, you can’t do everything in a single trip. The world is a big place, and there’s so much to see. Don’t worry yourself by trying to fit too many things into a single trip. You, like everyone, have limits. You have to respect those limits even more because of your health, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see the things you’ve dreamed of and have an enjoyable time.

Prioritize your must-sees on your trip before you hit the road. Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel has some ideas to get you started. Don’t overdo it, and be realistic. When you’re feeling your best, go out and see as many of your must-sees that you can. Get an early start, and don’t be afraid to take a break when you feel like it.

4. Travel with Confidence

The world is full of amazing experiences just waiting to be discovered. Your chronic illness isn’t a life sentence. Give yourself the freedom to explore the world beyond your backyard. These tips prove traveling with chronic illness is not only possible, but that you can thrive while doing so.