Do you love to travel, site-see, or just be in nature, but also tend to run into limitations with a chronic pain condition? You’re not alone, I struggle with this too.
In a previous post, How To Look For Joy In Hobbies Despite Chronic Pain, we discussed how important it is to pursue the things that you’re passionate about. We’ve also discussed travel tips in our post on Traveling By Motorcycle With Chronic Pain.
At Doors and Floors Blog we’re all about helping you create the life you want, wherever you want, however you want, without chronic pain limitations. I believe that if you have a dream and you want it bad enough, you should pursue it. Don’t let life, pain, or other people tell you what you can and can’t do. Get out there and live your dream life.
That’s why, in this post, we’re bringing you seven tips that can help you make the most of your vacation. Now let’s get into it!
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One: Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is probably the best thing you can do for yourself and hopefully, that will help you to get one step ahead of the pain and fatigue. That isn’t just my Gold personality speaking. I truly believe that planning ahead can help you minimize fatigue and exhaustion, and in turn, hopefully, that will help keep the pain away for a little longer.
Plan for chaos and be realistic about what you know you can handle.
Let’s be honest for a second, you have a chronic pain condition, and only you know how that could affect your trip. But that’s not the end all and doesn’t mean you can’t still make the most of your vacation. By being honest about where you’re at and what you can handle, you can get ahead of the chaos you’re already expecting to happen. And if the chaos doesn’t happen – even better! Now there’s more room for peace and enjoyment.
Some things you can plan ahead:
- Research your destination, accommodation, and transportation options to ensure accessibility and comfort.
- Book the seat on the plane that you’re most comfortable in and don’t be afraid to ask for a hotel room on the first floor if that’s what’s best for you.
- Look for nearby medical facilities and pharmacies in case you need them. You shouldn’t need to make a list ahead of your trip but try to keep a lookout when you’re heading to your hotel, walking around town for food, or enjoying the scenery.
- Taking a quick Google Maps search in some foreign countries for a nearby hospital may be a great option if it’s available, but some countries don’t rely heavily on maps. Try to be observant on your trip, just in case.
- If brain fog is particularly tough on a specific day, ask your travel companions to remember something for you, or try keeping notes in your phone or a small notebook.
- Think about the possible language barrier too. If you’re heading to a nearby US destination, this may not be an issue, but if traveling overseas, consider learning some of the words you may need to navigate a pharmacy or ask for help.
If you need some tips on Spanish, check out these two posts:
- How To Talk About Pain In Spanish: Vocabulary Lessons
- How To Talk About Pain In Spanish: Building Sentences
Two: Pack Smart
Packing smart sets yourself up for success. Choose comfortable clothing and footwear for your travel needs. Remember to bring your essential medications and any medical equipment you may need.
Try your best to pack light. If there’s a genuine need for something, make sure you bring it. If you can leave it behind or buy it there, consider that instead.
Never pack medication in your checked baggage. That should be with you at all times.
Three: Travel Accessories
There are so many fun travel accessories out there that you can invest in to help you make the most of your vacation. Consider some of the options below, but first and foremost, I would recommend you invest in quality luggage pieces. Get a suitcase that can easily glide through the airport and won’t add to your pain and fatigue.
- Invest in travel accessories that can help alleviate pain during your trip, such as a neck pillow or lumbar support cushion.
- Consider bringing a foldable cane or mobility aid if necessary.
- Pick the right socks. Compression socks can help with circulation on long flights or car rides.
Four: Frequent Breaks
Remember to take care of yourself and listen to what your body needs. Sometimes all you need is to just rest for a bit.
Whether you’re flying or road-tripping, remember to take frequent breaks to stretch and walk around. Stop and enjoy the scenery when you’re out on adventures.
In-flight exercises and car seat adjustments can prevent stiffness and discomfort. Don’t be embarrassed by your car yoga, just do it! By taking care of your body in between your activities, you can really optimize your trip and make the most of your vacation.
Five: Communicate Your Needs
Speaking up for yourself is a big thing. Nobody will know what you need or how they can help if you don’t say something. There’s no shame in asking for help, even with the small things.
Make sure you clearly communicate your needs while traveling. Don’t hesitate to inform airline staff or hotel personnel about your need for extra assistance. Remember to ask taxi drivers if they can lift your baggage for you as well.
Don’t be ashamed to request assistance or accommodations either, such as priority boarding or an accessible room. I understand that maybe others cannot see your condition, but they don’t need to. Just be honest, straight to the point, and polite, and I’m sure they’d be more than happy to assist you.
Six: Travel Insurance
Having travel insurance relieves the unwanted stress of worrying about potential health-related issues or trip cancellations due to your chronic pain condition. Instead of having to worry about “what if something comes up,” plan ahead and pay the extra cost to get it. This way you’ll be covered in case of an issue, and you won’t have to waste time worrying about it, especially if nothing comes up.
Additionally, it could be very beneficial to familiarize yourself with the insurance policy’s terms and conditions.
Seven: Destination Activities
The bright side about planning your own vacation, is you make the rules and you plan the activities. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. Meaning you can prioritize the activities that are most appealing to you, even if they’re not very active ones.
To make the most of your vacation, I would recommend you research activities at your destination that are suitable for your pain level and mobility. If you love being in nature or walking a lot, check out what activities you can find that offer this, but also look into what kind of transportation options they have. Maybe you can hike out and take a tour bus back, or vice versa. The possibilities are endless, you just need to think outside the box a little!
Consider guided tours or experiences that minimize physical strain. Look into activities that get you right in the middle of the action but you don’t have to physically exert yourself to participate in, like boat rides and bus tours around the city.
Traveling with chronic pain doesn’t have to be daunting. By planning ahead, packing wisely, and communicating your needs, you can enjoy the adventure and create lasting memories. You can make the most of your vacation. Remember, the key to a pain-free journey is preparation, so start planning your next trip today!
Have a great trip!
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P.S. If you’re looking for an activity you can do on a bad flare day and from bed or with your virtual community, download our free trivia here.
Playing trivia is a great way to still participate in fun activities with your friends and family without ever leaving the comfort of your bed. It’s perfect for keeping in touch with friends who you may not be able to visit regularly. Check it out and let us know what you think! 👇
