Taking a Trip With Chronic Illness

This weekend I am taking a Trip with Chronic Illness; it is never easy and there is always a chance my body could flare. However, me and my best friend have found ways to make it work and have fun without the struggle. So, here are my tips and tricks

Trips When Disabled

Going away when you have chronic illnesses can be daunting and overwhelming as there is so much to consider. I have not been on a proper holiday for years for this reason, it just takes a lot to find somewhere suitable, especially if you are going away with other people.

When you do not live with someone, they generally do not get to see you on those bad days because we are resting or in bed on those days. That is why I decided to start vlogging my week as a disabled witch over on my YouTube channel, so people can see those days.

Because they do not see those days, able bodied people do not think able the things we need, and in the past, I have struggled when someone else has booked the holiday. With me unable to shower or easily get in and out of the place we are staying as just two examples of this.

I have been an autograph collector since I first became sick, and a friend invited me to a meet and greet with two of the Buffy actors. I have loved travelling with friends to meet some of my favourites and have been very lucky who I have met.

It was through Buffy conventions that I started going to Starfury conventions and have always loved these themed weekends. They run from Friday to Sunday with actors from TV and movies doing talks, autographs and photographs as well as themed parties in the evening.

They are very accessible with lots of help from stewards and accommodations for anyone who needs help. I absolutely love the atmosphere everyone is there for a fun weekend and are very friendly and inclusive.

Over the years, we have found the things that work for us and found ways to make the most fun of the weekends. These days I don’t go to meet the actors as much because of having the money to do so, but I love watching their talks. The parties are always fun too with me usually dancing in my wheelchair and enjoying dressing up.

As the summer comes into view, I know people may be going for short breaks or weekends away. So, if you are taking a trip with Chronic Illness, and feel overwhelmed or nervous I thought I would share some of the things that work for me.

Taking a Trip With Chronic Illness Share on X

Tips for the Best Trip

• Plan your time – This is the most important tip, plan what you are going to be doing and when. Make sure you have afternoons or mornings where you will rest and tell people they are non-negotiable. Often family and friends can find it hard to understand illness that does not get better, so explain things and be an immovable object on this point. If everyone knows what is happening when, you can rest and prepare for each thing as necessary, and planned rest means you are less likely to flare.
• Medications – Check you have enough of all of your medications, and I find having them already in a pill organiser makes it so much easier. Mine separates into day boxes so I can have my husband set up the week and then take each day’s medication with me.
• Pack extra – Always take extra of your medications with you and bring your prescription with you. This is because you just never know what will happen with your health so it’s handy to have. Also, make sure you pack any extra medications with you, like ibuprofen, migraine strips, any strapping or joint splints, anything that you sometimes use. It is easier to have these things with you than to take up holiday time trying to find it in local shops.
• Take your hobbies – This is something that I always do, pack colouring, drawing, crochet something you can do while in bed. This is just in case you are unable to go out and do a thing you planned, it will stop you feeling sorry for yourself and help you to have some mindful time.
• Adapt your plans – I have found this to be so important, anything that can be made easier that you have planned needs to be adapted. For example, I love dancing, but it is tiring, so I sit in my wheelchair at the side of the dance floor. I also love that I can nap before the parties as there are a couple of hours in the evening free. So, look at your plans and your needs and adapt as needed.
• Take food with you – There are a couple of reasons for this, money and my tummy. Instead of paying for hotel food, I take things like pot noodles and pasta or porridge that I can just add hot water from the kettle in the room to. I also take lentil crisps and cereal bars that I can carry with me if I need to take medication. Taking bottles of water and snacks is a good way to monitor my blood sugar, avoid paying for expensive food, and ensure I have food I know will not upset my tummy.

I really hope that these ideas that I have developed over the years, will help you if you are taking a trip with chronic illness. We have to plan and pack more carefully, but it doesn’t mean that we cannot have a fun time on our holidays. Let me know in the comments how you avoid flares when going away, and where you are going on your holidays this year.

Thank you xx

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