Travelling during Covid-19 with a chronic illness
Wing of plane above clouds with sun in the background.
Image by Ross Parmly via unsplash.
I’ll be honest, I’m excited to travel again after 2 years and I’m happy to be able to see my family for the holidays and soak up the sun but I do have chronic illnesses to contend with.
I have had a fair number of food intolerances that have gotten worse and more complicated over the past year and a half. I also have chronic pain and allergies etc., meaning that travelling requires a lot more preparation. Here’s my quick guide to navigating travel with a chronic illness.
As always, please travel at your own risk and talk to your public health office or doctor before heading off to your next destination.
Prepare for Covid-19 travelling
The fact of the matter is you need to factor in the pandemic when you are travelling. Omicron has us in a vice grip right now and restrictions are changing all the time. Here’s what you absolutely need in my opinion for travelling while in a pandemic.
PCR tests or Rapid antigen tests for your destination and to return home. Make sure that you book these in advance and if you are coming from Canada like I am, you need to buy the test then make the appointment. I used Lifelabs. Make sure you have a copy of your results saved to your phone in case you don’t have internet access.
Flight cancellation and or interruption and medical travel insurance (check with your employer or credit card company to see if you are covered). I added COVID-19 travel insurance coverage from Manulife.
N-95 masks and not the cloth ones you got on Etsy. Leave the regular masks for when you arrive at your destination. We are trying to minimize risks as much as possible.
Proof of vaccination in your Apple wallet or saved on your camera roll for easy access.
Pre-arrival entry forms if applicable
ArriveCAN app for entry to Canada.
Prepare for chronic illness travelling
One month before leaving;
Take stock of the medications that you will need. Count out the number of days and make sure you have enough. You may be able to ask for emergency supplies from your pharmacist.
Start listing out items you need to be comfortable and items you need to travel with. Keep this handy on your phone so that when the brain fog hits because you’re packing and doing too much you have something to look back on so you don’t miss anything.
Start thinking about a realistic wardrobe for where you are going. What clothes make you feel and look your best. What clothes are comfortable to travel in and wear while at your destination. Also think about going out outfits that work with your body and not against it.
Research places to eat at your destination. You want to have an idea of the types of places that you can eat at that may be able to accommodate food intolerances if you have any.
Start refilling any self care items that you normally use. Things that make you feel good when you use them.
If you use cannabis, check the laws of where you are going and make a plan about how you will function without it if there is no access or restricted access.
Find comfortable travel accessories such as blankets, pillows, water bottles, heating pads, sneakers.
If you use mobility aids, make sure your personal aids are in good shape and document how they look on your phone if they have to be checked in. You might want to consider insurance in case the airline damages your equipment. This happens a lot and people are left suffering without their aids since airlines sometimes refuse to pay up.
Two weeks before:
Start packing items in a central location to make sure you don’t have to go all over the house hunting for things on the list.
Finalize medication and wardrobe.
Identify what you will be using to stay entertained on the trip (save up a good series for the tablet perhaps?).
Gather up snacks and food that will travel well and will not make you feel sluggish and tired or give you GI discomfort (GOOD LUCK!!).
Check your passport and plane tickets. Make sure no changes to your flight have happened.
Book your Covid-19 test.
Start packing at about one week to go so that you avoid rushing and fatigue.
Consider how you will move your body when you are at your destination if that is important to you and your journey.
One day before travelling:
Make sure to have your n-95 mask.
Finalize snacks and entertainment.
Download plane tickets, PCR tests, arrival forms so that they are available offline.
Call the airport or airline if you might need mobility help such as wheelchairs or a cart. Some places ask for 48 hours.
Find comfortable clothes. I like soft shirts, socks, leggings, sneakers and hoodies or jean jackets for easy removal or zip up hoodies.
Reduce stress by engaging in self-care. The day before should be as relaxed as possible so that you can get enough sleep.
Watch what you eat if you have dietary problems so that they don’t create a flare the next day.
Double check your medication and be prepared to take pain medication in advance of the flight. Make sure your medication is in your hand luggage.
If you anticipate a flare, find everything in your arsenal to combat it and bring it with you.
Charge up all your devices like phones, headphones, tablets, gaming systems.
Make sure you have reminders on your phone for medications so that you don’t get screwed up if the time changes. Also make note of times to take your medications in your notes app just in case.
In case of delays, make sure to have sleep aids and enough food that your tolerate to last two days.
Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of any mishaps.
Bring lotion, soap, hand sanitizer and toothbrushes in your hand luggage.
Start letting go of shame. We are sick and might need some help. Using the wheelchair or cart is okay. Walking slowly is okay. Eating your own food is okay. Using a heating pad or any other aid is okay. If you are going to see family or friends and your body has changed, don’t apologize for it. You came all this way in your body snd that’s what matters.
Breathe.
I hope you enjoy your trip. If this guide helped you, share it with someone you know who might also need a reminder that travelling while sick is challenging but with some preparation, it can be done as comfortably as possible.
