Photo: Elysse Dimitriadis
Travel is the ultimate human experience. It’s a transformative journey that fosters global understanding, fuels personal growth, and creates opportunities for lifelong friendships. However, if you’re someone (like myself) who is living with a chronic illness it can often feel daunting and a bit overwhelming when booking your first big trip away from home.
I live with an invisible chronic illness called endometriosis. I was diagnosed at 16 and struggled for years trialling different medications, having multiple surgeries and missing school and work due to the pain. When I turned 18 I booked my first overseas trip to Europe with Contiki. I was hesitant and concerned about how I’d manage my symptoms on the other side of the world; however, I took the leap and booked it anyway and can honestly say that it changed my life. That Europe trip ignited my love for travel and I wasn’t going to let my endometriosis hold me back from exploring the world. I am now living my dream working as a Trip Manager for Contiki in Europe and have travelled to over 40 countries, managing my symptoms always on the go.
With some planning and the right strategies you can travel with confidence and have unforgettable adventures. Below I’m going to take you through my top 8 tips of how I manage travelling with endometriosis on the road.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis (also known as Endo) occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside in other parts of your body. It is estimated that about 10% of people globally, who were assigned female at birth, are affected by this illness. Unfortunately there is currently no known cure.
1. Packing
My biggest tip would be to bring the tools you need to make yourself feel comfortable. Try to get them in travel sizes too! I always have a travel hot water bottle and my TENS machine to help with my pain throughout the day or night. Make sure you’re also prepared with the medication you may need for your entire trip.
2. What to wear
On coach days wear comfy clothes that you can sit down in for long periods of time. I would avoid wearing jeans or pants that dig into your stomach. Your Trip Manager will let everyone know if you’re going to the hotel first or heading straight into town after a coach day (so don’t worry about wearing your best clothes unless your Trip Manager tells you there is a photo opportunity on that day).
Image source:Elysse Dimitriadis
3. Keep hydrated
Make sure you have a reusable water bottle with you for the whole trip! Especially if you’re travelling to Europe, you’ll taste some of the freshest water in the world and even better it’s free! Often when we’re travelling we forget to fuel our body, water is essential for our health and will help prevent you from becoming dehydrated.
4. Talk to your Trip Manager
Your Trip Manager is there to help guide you, but also there to give advice and make your trip as easy and stress free as possible. If you’re comfortable, let them know about your chronic illness and they can help support you, point out where the closest pharmacy is and simply be there to listen and help plan your day.
5. Sleep
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. FOMO is something I have always struggled with, but I’ve learnt that it’s important to listen to your body and make sure you’re getting enough sleep to feel refreshed for the next day.
Image source:Elysse Dimitriadis
6. Listen to your body
If you need to take a rest day, that is okay! One great thing about travelling with Contiki is that you get a taste of what each city has to offer, you always have the opportunity to go back and explore more in the future. As much as we encourage everyone to go out and explore if you’re not feeling up to it, try to prioritise one or two things you’d like to do and adventure at your own pace.
7. Start a journal
Write down what your triggers are and try to avoid flare ups while you’re travelling. My diet plays a big role with my endo symptoms and I found that eating less fast or fried food has made a big difference. Definitely try all the local food and delicacies of the country you’re in; however, at service stops on the coach days try to choose a food option that you know your body processes well.
8. Take the leap and book your dream trip
We only live once, so stop delaying and book your dream trip NOW. Travelling with Contiki will not only help reduce the stress of planning a trip, but you’ll also be travelling with incredible young people from around the globe and have an amazing Trip Manager who will be there for you throughout your trip. There are different lengths and styles of trips (including new sober curious trips), so definitely have a look at what best suits you!
