The Vacation Remix

In part one of this blog, Chronic Illness Vacation Risk Factors, I identified chronic illness vacation risk factors as being travel stress, overdoing it, overheating, time zone and diet changes. These factors can all lead to mini-flare ups or pseudo exacerbations of your condition. These pseudo exacerbations tend to last a short period of time after you return from vacation. This phenomenon I call, Post Vacation Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS). This begs the question, how can you enjoy your vacation and avoid PVFS?

5 Tips to Minimize Chronic Illness Vacation Risk Factors

1. Allow Extra Travel Time: Whether it is packing, planning or traveling the only way to deal with the stress that comes along with travelling is to budget extra time. If you feel like you are in a time crunch and need to get a million things accomplished before you leave, this will lead to extra stress, arguments and frustration.
2. Plan a Return Trip: Whether you are actually planning on returning or not, saying that you’ll plan a return trip will justify you not feeling like you need to accomplish everything in one trip. This way you can focus on the things you really wanted to do or see during vacation instead of overdoing it because you think you only have one chance.
3. Shade, Sun Screen and Hydration: If you are going to a climate that is different than what you are used to, chances are you may not have the appropriate protection from the heat. The best tips for dealing with the heat are to make sure you find shade or purchase a hat, have plenty of sunscreen and drink a lot of water. It seems simple, but these are tried, tested and true methods of staying cool in the summer heat. If you want to instantly cool your core, eat an ice cube. Find shaded rest areas and indoor, air conditioned areas to eat or rest. Take a cold shower before bedtime to bring your body temperature down. This will help you feel better and sleep better.
4. Stay True to You: Traveling messes up your internal clock. Keeping your internal clock close to its normal pattern will reduce fatigue when you get back home. Try to stick as close as possible to your normal bedtimes and wake-up times.  This will make it easier to get back on your routine once your return home.
5. Don’t Ditch the Diet: Breakfast buffets, fast foods and new foods all have their allure. The problem is that you are what you eat. If you haven’t had that stuff for a while it will make you feel sick. Or if you overeat at the buffet, you will feel lethargic during the vacation activities. Allow yourself treats and to enjoy food while on vacation but be mindful not to overindulge.  Pack your own healthy snacks so you don’t have to eat out. Stay in a hotel that offers a refrigerator so you can keep snacks and light meals in your room. This included making sure that you bring water with you so you do not become dehydrated.

Planning and preparation for a vacation are the best defense for minimizing the risk factors associated with vacationing with a chronic illness. Taking extra precautions, you can ensure that your vacation is still enjoyable and memorable, without having to suffer the unwanted side effects when you get home. Have a happy 4th of July weekend and travel safely!