Let’s get better together: Travel Tips
Hi, I’m Caroline. I’m a certified Health Coach and Yoga Instructor, living with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, autoimmune disorders and hEDS. Welcome to the space where I share what has helped me feel better. I’m glad you’re here and hope this helps you feel better too. In today’s post, I’ll reveal my top five travel tips for people with invisible illnesses. Remember, any supplement info or experience I share is purely anecdotal and personal. Please talk to your doctor or healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
Traveling with chronic, invisible illnesses can feel overwhelming at times. I used to stress about what the bathroom situation would be, what food would be available and can I modify it, will I be okay on long flights or drives, what if I don’t feel well and none of the items I packed feel comfortable anymore and the list of concerns goes on. For many years my body was predictably unpredictable so I was perpetually concerned I would be unprepared for a flare up of some sort. Honestly, the worrying probably activated more of the symptoms than anything else did. All the anxiety never actually stopped me from going, it just made the trip unbearable at times. Because of these unbearable moments, I’ve created a list of my Top Five Travel Tips:
Pills: Pack more than you think you’ll need when it comes to digestive enzymes, supplements, and OTC/prescription medications. Never get caught without your digestive enzymes. Put them in your carry on, your purse, your checked bag, the glove box, the center console, wherever you can think of so that no matter where you end up while on the go, you have them.
Food: Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, pack whatever of your own food that you can. Typically those of us with digestive disorders, autoimmune disorders and hEDS have to eat a restricted diet. Different destinations may or may not have a lot of options when it comes to food.
Research: Look up restaurants, grocery stores, accommodations and amenities for anywhere you’re traveling. Research distance between airport and final destination, time spent traveling for excursions, tours, etc. Depending on where you’re at in the healing journey, you may need bathroom access regularly, you may need frequent stops to relieve pain/tension in the body, and certain activities may not work for you. Do your research so you know if the destination is a good fit for where you’re at.
Intentionally Pack: Last minute packing can leave you wishing you had certain things once you’re away from home. As someone who struggles with chronic pain and digestive discomfort, it’s important to pack for days of not feeling great when traveling. I make sure to pack clothing and body work tools for these days. Loose clothing and warm socks always go in the bag. I pack compression boots, percussive massage gun, and cervical support tools for pain; I never travel without multiple sets of seasick bands for nausea and digestive support teas for gas/bloating/constipation.
Relax: Find ways to relax while traveling, once you get there and once you get back home. Meditation, breath work, laying down, reading a book, journaling or walking are great ways to relax. Make room for rest on your trip. Do your best to prepare but also allow yourself to just enjoy the moment.
*Remember that no matter how much you plan, how prepared you try to be, how good you felt all the days before leaving, sometimes it will just be a wash of a day or a whole trip. Find a way to let that be okay. *
Living with chronic illnesses can feel isolating at times so the more we can get out and do things we enjoy, the better we will feel overall. I hope this was helpful and would love to hear from you: connect with me through email at cohelocoaching@gmail.com or on Instagram and TikTok @cohelocoaching