EXPLORE WONDER TRAVEL CO

In 2014, at 25 years old, I was put on bed rest for debilitating pain with the hope that a few weeks of rest I’d be better. I spent 9 months on bed rest. 1.5 years later I was once again put on bed rest for another 3 months. Flash forward to 2023 when I woke up feeling fine, and then soon had chest pain, shortness of breath and radiating pain down my arm. It would take 11 months to start getting answers, and then months of treatment to get some relief. 

My health journey is anything but unique. So how do I manage to travel so much? 

I don’t have all the answers. Just 10 days ago I had a flare up and 48 hours later I was getting ready for a flight for a 5 day conference. 

I’ve have had to fight to get care all while being told it’s all in my head but I am fortunate now to have a team that supports and believes me.  Having a diagnosis has been a game changer, and knowing what I need to do when certain symptoms start presenting. 

Planning my physiotherapist, massage therapist, osteopaths and acupuncturist appointments. This may mean I have them right before AND after a trip. And sometimes when I don’t, I’m emailing them while on a trip to set up appointments for as soon as I get back. 

I have also found that sometimes I need to have appointments in destination. While sometimes this can be costly – for the amount of relief it brings me is priceless. Rather than being in excruciating pain, I find relief and can get back to enjoying my trip. 

I have a TENS unit that I bring on EVERY. SINGLE. TRIP. I don’t know how I would survive without it on some trips. I don’t always need it, but it is always worth the space for when I do. 

Topical Pain creams/lotions/oils. I have a few favourites that also always come with me. I will splurge on travel size items, or transfer to smaller containers so I can take them even when I travel with carry-on only. 

Medications- I always make sure I have enough of my medications and they never get checked!  This is important if your luggage is ever delayed. I find that over the counter medications (like Advil and Tylenol) and pretty easily accessible in most places I’ve travelled to, so i don’t overpack them as they can easily be picked up (unless it’s a super remote region)

I’ve never going to win any fashion awards travelling because my priority will always be my health. My supportive and comfy runners will always win over cute sandals and wearing flats instead of heals. I typically have a bag or backpack to carry my water bottle and anything I need in case of a flare up rather than a cute clutch.  I also may be wearing pants to hide my compression socks when a dress would have be a perfect choice for dinner at sunset at a restaurant looking out over the water. 

Pictured at the end of The Siq trail in Jordan wearing brace leggings. They have 90 feet of cables in them with dials to tighten to support.

The Siq Trail 2 -2.5 km natural aquatic obstacle is course will require enthusiasm as you make your way through the canyon against the water current. To progress against the flow of water, you hike, swim, wade through the water, climb up ladders, and grab onto ropes to pull yourself forward.

I use to say I needed a vacation from my vacations. Now I plan my itineraries to have a combination of adventure and relaxing. If I have a physical excursion (scuba diving, hiking, biking ect), I’m not going to be planning anything else that day besides reading in a lounger or in bed. 

It’s not to say all my vacations are pain free and without flare ups. It’s hard to rest when I want to be exploring a new city but I also realize that to enjoy the trip I may need to have a chill day, or take a few hours back in my room before continuing with my adventures.  With the right team to support before and after, the right tools during, it can be possible to travel with chronic health still.  And don’t forget a medical insurance policy that will support you in case you need medical assistance (read those clauses!) 

If you found this article helpful or suffer from chronic health and are able to continue to travel let me know!