Traveling with Endometriosis – How to Have a Relaxing Vacation

Common phrases like “the most wonderful time of the year” or “every adventure begins with a yes” may not always hold true for travelers with chronic conditions. Traveling with endometriosis can present unique challenges and considerations.

As someone who has been exploring various destinations for quite some time, I have had the opportunity to gather a wealth of practical tips. In addition to my own experiences, I have compiled advice from fellow travel enthusiasts among my colleagues and our supportive Instagram community. Whether you are embarking on a package vacation to Greece, planning a backpacking adventure through Southeast Asia, or simply visiting family for the weekend, these insights are designed to be helpful to travelers of all levels of experience.

Wanderlust and travel concept. Stylish traveler girl in hat look

Preparation Is Key

While it is true that every trip, unless you are an overly adventurous traveler, requires at least a bit of preparation, it is essential to remember that preparation is not just a necessary task; it can also be an excellent way to alleviate uncertainties and concerns.

Gather Information

Travel guides and blogs are valuable resources for gaining insights and knowledge about your destination. You can often find helpful information on specific topics, such as the quality of medical care in the country, emergency contact information, the extent of your language skills, and whether it would be helpful to learn some local vocabulary. Please list essential details like emergency numbers and keep them in a convenient place for quick access.

Traveling Together

The prospect of not having to face every situation alone while on vacation or extended trips can significantly reduce stress. Traveling is not an everyday occurrence for most people, and while the allure of unfamiliar and unexpected situations makes travel exciting, it can also be stressful and draining. So, why not consider a travel companion? Your best friend or partner is often your first choice.

Alternatively, you could contact an endometriosis support group or specific online communities. You might find someone who shares your wanderlust and with whom you get along well. In any case, clarifying the details and boundaries before departure is essential. One crucial question to address is whether you want to do everything together or if you also want some time to explore independently.

With an organized group trip, this question is usually resolved. Planning has been taken care of, and you will not travel alone. Some providers even offer medically supervised group trips, providing an extra layer of security.

A Valuable Tip for Long-Term Travel

For anyone who takes regular medication, the question of how to obtain refills while traveling inevitably arises. Your first point of contact should be your treating physician. Explain your travel plans and inquire whether they can prescribe a larger supply, even on a private prescription, if necessary. Be aware that you will likely need to cover the medication costs yourself. In some cases, the health insurance may not be willing to provide detailed explanations, especially if the drug will no longer be needed the following year. Nevertheless, it is worth attempting to inquire about possible insurance coverage.

If you plan to travel for an extended period, consider contacting the pharmaceutical company that manufactures your medication. Fortunately, there is a worldwide availability of medicines when it comes to endometriosis. This means that the corresponding drug is distributed globally. For example, you can contact the pharmaceutical company that produces Dienogest for comprehensive information about the availability of your prescription in various countries and under different brand names.

Packing My Suitcase: Endo Essentials

Who is unfamiliar with the classic children’s game “I pack my suitcase and take with me…”? Well, let me tell you, among people living with endometriosis, there are some unique items you might find in their suitcases. This condition has many diverse facets, and each affected person encounters it in their own way. One essential thing always tops my list: my heating pad! But there are also items like the TENS unit, hot water bottle, heat patches, or cold packs that could be found in your suitcase if they are among your favorite and most effective aids. However, ensure that everything is securely packed to prevent breakage or leeks. Always place a cold pack or your favorite essential oil in a separate bag. For electrical devices, check whether you need a different type of socket at your travel destination, and pack an appropriate adapter if necessary.

Another crucial consideration is knowing what products you can find abroad and whether you prefer to bring a small supply. This mainly applies to hygiene products like tampons or menstrual cups. While pads and panty liners are widely available worldwide, tampons, and especially other menstrual hygiene products, can be harder to find. Even in Europe, you might only find tampons in pharmacies at higher prices. So, if you expect your period during your vacation, it is wise to plan.

Another personal favorite tip is always having a small emergency kit on hand. Use a small box or pouch to store items you might need in a pinch, helping you get through a certain period until you can access further assistance. I keep painkillers, tablets for a bloated stomach, anti-diarrheal medications, and an antihistamine in my emergency kit. This has helped me power through bus rides or excursions without worrying. You could also consider adding calming essential oils, tampons, or snacks – anything that provides support!

Oh, and speaking of comfort, Another tip from our Instagram community is to always travel in comfortable pants. From my own experience, I can confirm that this is a must! And not just for train rides or flights, but for the entire trip. When else should your endo-belly get some breathing space, if not during your vacation? Leave behind those tight jeans or restrictive shirts—opt for comfort instead.

Navigating Life with Endo While Traveling

Now that all the preparation and packing stress is behind you, it is time to embark on your vacation adventure! A new environment, unfamiliar climate, different foods, and many new impressions can affect each person differently. Regardless, they all introduce some level of stress, whether positive or negative, which can impact your endometriosis symptoms.

Therefore, despite the many differences you encounter while traveling, it is crucial to maintain certain routines. For instance, if you usually start your day with a yoga session or a run, stick to that routine even while on vacation. Exercise helps reduce stress, and lower stress levels often translate to better physical pain management. Regular meals also give your day structure because, as we all know, irritability rises when you run on an empty stomach.

These fixed daily agenda points also serve as a form of respite. They are essential when you and your endo are on tour. A midday nap or simply lounging on a park bench is highly recommended, primarily if you are engaged in sightseeing or touring. You can even combine the two. Rather than walking everywhere and going from one sight to another on foot, consider integrating it into a tour. This can be accomplished in many larger or touristy areas through hop-on-hop-off bus tours. With a bit more planning, you can use public transportation, and in many cities, it can be a fun and scenic experience, especially if ferry rides are included in your day ticket.

Accommodation is another critical consideration. I find it crucial to stay in a place where I feel comfortable. When you are not feeling your best, a pleasant vacation apartment, a great hotel, or a relaxed hostel can serve as your sanctuary. I usually ask myself this question: Could I spend the entire day here if necessary? Admittedly, it does not always work out perfectly since you cannot foresee every detail in advance (like whether the plumbing emits an unpleasant odor). However, overall, you can identify key factors that matter to you in an accommodation and what you need to feel at ease. This means reading reviews and possibly filtering them based on specific criteria.

In a Nutshell

However and wherever your travels may lead you, I strongly recommend adapting your approach to accommodate your chronic condition. Traveling with it is different from traveling without one, and that is absolutely okay and entirely normal. Avoid comparing yourself to others or how you might have traveled in the past. If you can free yourself from such comparisons, you are already one step closer to a relaxing and delightful journey.

I wish you a fantastic trip!

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