Like most other millennials, I’ve the travel bug. I check flight prices on a regular basis, just in case I can score a good deal. My room is full of souvenirs from different parts of the world. I have so many travel pictures that I’m always lagging behind with posting them regardless of how hard I try! Each time I’m about to buy something, I question whether the purchase is worth it or not because I could be booking my next trip for that price. And my eyes light up at the thought of a potential travel plan. Traveling, however, can be a bit stressful for our bodies due to its’ physical demands. It requires more planning and precaution than it would for somebody that’s healthy.
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Check out these 10 things that you should definitely pack with you on your next vacation:
1. Heating Pad
I literally can’t imagine my life without this! In my opinion, it’s the simplest, least expensive and most effective method of pain relief. It helps soothe stiff joints and tired muscles by enhancing circulation and delivering nutrients to them. And honestly, it’s what helps me get out of bed each morning and helps put me to sleep each night.
2. Medication
Before going on a trip, make sure to count and sort all your medications! More importantly, not only should you be carrying your medications for the duration that you’ll be away for, but you should also be carrying extras for any unforeseen circumstances. In addition to your prescribed medications, don’t forget to pack pain killers, pain relief creams, sleep aid, as well as all your supplements. And please make sure you have these in your carry-on as a precaution for any lost luggage or fight delays!
3. Electrolyte Supplements
To help maintain energy levels, as well as prevent fluid and electrolyte problems, these supplements can rehydrate and prevent heat strokes.
4. Pain Relief Patches
These can be a life saver for when your body is giving up on you, but your heart and soul aren’t ready to give up just yet! They provide the warmth and relief that a heating pad provides without needing any plugs or batteries – it’s basically your heating pad on-the-go! Say yes to sight seeing and pain relief all at once.
P.s. I think I’m selling it quite well there ^. Can a company sponsor me for their pain relief patches now? Kay, thanks!
5. Eye Mask and Ear Plugs
Since sleeping is already a mission and a half for us, these can help us get to sleep faster, as well as stay asleep longer by preventing sensory overload in spite of all the environmental distractions. How? You may ask. This is because our brains produce melatonin (the hormone that signals your body when it is time to sleep) in the absence of light and noise.
6. Neck Pillow
Another important must-have travel item! It provides head and neck support so you can relax your neck muscles, sleep comfortably and avoid vacation ruining neck pain!
7. A Light Backpack
Stressing on the word “light” here because carrying any sort of weight for a long period of time can result in a flare-up! This is important so you can carry your important belongings (such as medications, etc.) when you’re out and about the entire day.
8. Water Bottle
Speaking of important belongings, don’t forget to take a reusable water bottle. Why? Because drinking water regularly can help prevent flare-ups. So don’t forget to hydrate!
9. Snacks
Bringing your own snacks is vital in case you have any dietary restrictions and to avoid having to run from one shop to another in search of them at your travel destination.
10. Comfortable Shoes
You need a pair of shoes that provide good foot support so you can walk through the endless streets of your next travel destination. And if you use custom made orthotics, make sure your shoes accommodate for them.
To end things off, make sure you’re travelling with someone you’re extremely comfortable with and that they know your limitations because your plans can easily change half way through a trip depending on how you feel. The last thing you want to do is to have to explain yourself on the trip or feel responsible for ruining someone else’s trip.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to have fun and live in the moment!
Are there any other must pack vacation items that I’m missing on this list? Please feel free to let me know in the comments below!
Love and spoons,
Sara
Hey there! I love your blog!! I found you on The Mighty!
You are so right about traveling with someone who you’re super comfortable with. There are so many people in my life who I love to spend time with, but traveling with someone who is not especially sympathetic to my limitations would be very stressful to me. My husband is so supportive so he’s easy to travel with. I also love to go sightseeing when I’m with a group of patient advocates who get me!
Thanks for posting such valuable content!
Hey Julie!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so happy to hear that you found my content to be valuable. Please let me know if you would like to read about anything else in particular =) I’m so glad you have someone like your husband to travel with! But if you do happen to travel with anyone else, maybe go with someone who’s empathetic rather than sympathetic because I think that can make a huge difference! Also, sightseeing with a group of patient advocates actually sounds amazing! I’ve never had the opportunity to do that but hopefully one day!
Much love,
Sara