Now I am not a wanderlust traveler or a frequent flyer. I did travel a lot when I was younger (places I have been: Japan, Vanuatu, Bali, Fiji, New Zealand) however since adult life I’ve slowed up on travel and then with my diagnosis I’ve been afraid to leave the comfort and safety of my home country. Nevertheless, since my resent trip to the USA I feel like a travel guru. This feeling may not last long however, I thought whilst I am feeling proud of my travel experience I may just share some things I have learnt along the way.
I hope that some of you may find these little tips handy and will use them when committing to your next trip overseas.
Below are my check in luggage essentials for travelling aboard.
Health
Being a chronic illness warrior your first and foremost essential items to consider relate to your health. Therefore, before travelling check with your doctor to ensure you are safe to fly/travel with your condition.
Medication: Well duh! Whether you are currently on medication or not it is important to take some medication with you in the unlucky chance you may just need it.
Doctor’s Note: The last thing you want is to look like a drug runner with your bag of pills and unless customs have, some evidence that the drugs in your bag are for medical reasons you may be held up and investigated. So be sure that your medication pack also includes an official letter from your doctor stating your condition along with a list of prescription drugs that are in your bag. Top Tip also triple check what medication is allowed into the country you are visiting.
Travel Insurance: This is by far the best investment you will make whether you have to use it or not. Nobody wants to think worst-case scenario however, costs can easily blow out of proportion if you are in another country and require medical assistance. Do your homework with this one and be sure to list that you have a pre-existing medical condition.
First Aid: Bring some simple first aid essentials with you – again just in case
Contact: Make sure you have your doctor’s contact details. This way if you are unsure about something that has happened to your body or need some advice you have someone qualified to offer that advice.
Essentials
Passport: sometimes easily forgotten however you are not going nowhere without it. P.S great idea to also make copies in the unlucky chance your passport goes walk about.
Visa: Make sure that if the country you are visiting requires a visa that you have one
Pen: I made this mistake on my way back. Do not forget to pack a pen otherwise; you end up being that annoying person on a plane asking your fellow travelers if you can borrow their pen to fill out your custom card. Another tip: If you are packing medication, that may be considered a steroid be sure to check yes on the custom card where it states if you a bringing in drugs/medication. It easier to select yes and talk to the customs officer as to why you have this, then select no and be fined for not filling out the custom card correctly.
Itinerary: Not sure, if this is for everywhere but when travelling to the USA the customs office will ask for your hotel details etc. So be sure to have your travel itinerary handy, as it will speed up the custom process.
Cash: Cash or card, it is always useful to have some spare cash handy
Valuables: If you have something valuable make sure you take it on the plane with you. This way you know for sure it will not be damaged or lost, well that is unless you personally misplace it.
Clothes: always pack a fresh set of clothes with your check in luggage. Especially on a long flight, it is nice to freshen up.
Comfort
Neck Pillow: I do not know how I would have been able to sleep without my handy neck pillow. Essential for not getting a stiff neck!
Layers: Dress in layers so if you get hot you can take a layer off and if it gets cold you can put a layer on.
Shoes: Wear comfy shoes, this way not only are you comfortable on the plane but if you must haul arse due to a second flight then you are ready to run.
Tech
Battery Bank: Now this is essential to go in your check in, in fact the airlines suggest this goes on the plane with you and not in the cargo. However, please note rule of thumb is that generally your power bank cannot be over 1000 WH per battery otherwise you need to ask for approval to bring it on the plane. Battery Banks are amazing especially if you have a long haul flight and you want, extra battery to keep you phone alive.
Power Plug: I found it handy to take my power plug converter with me on the plane. When my battery bank ran out, I just used a wall plug to charge my phone.
Headphones: Not all flights include free headphones, I learnt this the hard way on one of my connection flights. I did pack some light reading however, was in the mood for a movie so lesson learnt - buy some cheap headphone to take with you. P.S I felt super smug on the way back when the person seated next to me had no headphones (I offered one of mine but they declined).
Book: this may not be considered tech but did come in handy when I had a 5-hour delay at one of the airports.
IPad: I did not bring an iPad but in hindsight, it would have been a great extra to bring.
Toiletries
Tampons/Pads: As you know, I use my clue period tracker to keep track of when it is my time of the month however with my condition sometimes prolonged or early periods can arise so it is nice to keep some tampons/pads close by.
Lip Balm: It is a known fact that you get dehydrated on a plane and nothing feels worse than cracked lips so be sure to pack some lip balm.
Deodorant: Long haul flights means no shower for many hours. Take roll-on (avoids the drama of aerosol cans on planes).
Moisturizer: as advised it is easy to dehydrate on the plane and your skin will be the worst effective. I took my skintelligence travel pack with me to keep my sizing in check for plane requirements and it is so gentle on the skin.
Hydralyte: Again, it is all about keeping hydrated. I did not use my hydralyte on the plane but took it as soon as I got to my hotel.
Hand sanitizer: Again, follow the plane requirements for sizing. Public spaces = germs!
Gum: I suppose a toothbrush and toothpaste would be handy but I just took some gum
Cough Lollies: Sometimes I get a dry cough when my mouth gets dry so some cough lollies are a great way to stop me from coughing.
Well there you have it my travel essentials! You could probably bring more but I think this covers the main things you really would like to have on board.