According to the National Health Council and CDC, about half of all adults are coping with chronic illness, and more and more people are living with not just one chronic illness, but with two or more conditions.
Travel and health is not one size fits all. We believe the dominant narrative in travel and international education needs to shift to be more inclusive, and look outside the lens of your typical go-getter, able-bodied, happy-go-lucky, nothing-ever-goes-wrong traveler. So, while you might need to do a little extra research, pick your foodie spots carefully to accommodate dietary restrictions, and maybe skip that big hike if your inhaler is running a little low, none of this should stop you from embarking on your big adventure abroad.
You can travel, study, intern, teach, and volunteer abroad with a chronic illness, but most importantly, you can thrive while doing it.
Whether it’s diabetes, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune disorders, severe food allergies, or a whole host of common chronic illnesses— symptoms, treatments, and medications will vary just like individual travelers’ bucket lists. Traveling while coping with chronic illness may be a little tricky, but the logistics of it shouldn’t, and won’t, prevent you from enjoying your life on the road. Our writers have proven that in this eBook.From:
When I was 21 and my diagnosis prevented me from fulfilling my dream of joining the Peace Corps, I was devastated. Now, I saw my condition as stupid, trivial, and unfair. I was told I had a small chance of serving in Eastern Europe, but my heart was set on South America or Africa. After three months studying and volunteering in South Africa, and one week volunteering in Guatemala, I never thought my medical condition would hinder my travels abroad. Flash forward to 2016, and I just finished my third volunteer trip in India, a total of eight months and counting in a developing country I consider a second home.” - Niki Kraska
To:
The best thing about my insulin pump dying in Paris was that it picked the most poetic location possible to give up on life. As I wandered between the crypts of Père Lachaise cemetery, I felt the symptoms of a low bloodsugar starting: shaky hands, overwhelming hunger, and profuse sweating. That last one was the killer.” - Davis Webster
Our writers share their personal experiences, resources, and advice about coping with chronic illness abroad. We want our readers to be inspired to travel, but to always prioritize their health and well-being above all else.
Download the Meaningful Travel Tips & Tales: Health & Chronic Illness Abroad Ebook!
Note: This is an open travel and health book. It will continue to grow as we share more stories and add more voices. If you’re interested in contributing to this ebook, you can email writers@goabroad.com.
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