those with sickle cell.
In addition, always make sure to give yourself a day or two to rest and adjust to the local environment when you arrive at your destination. The first thing you want to do when you go there is everything, but putting out fires is far more important if you want to relax and enjoy your trip.
Preparing Early
When you’re traveling with sickle cell, you need to be extra prepared. Even though most COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted, the pandemic is still a serious concern in many areas of the globe, and travelers are still required to be fully vaccinated before entering most nations.
Do your homework about your intended location, get the appropriate immunizations and COVID-19 tests, and pack all the paperwork and medicine you’ll need.
Since stress is something that might set off your symptoms, it’s crucial that you not let all the planning and packing for a trip stress you out. The tension in your body is reduced as a result of forethought, and that, in turn, helps avoid a catastrophe.
Communicating
You must express your requirements. Learn to listen to your body and resist the urge to participate in every activity offered on a group vacation.
It’s OK to politely decline and say, “No, I’m weary; I’ll join you later.” This can be challenging because of the FOMO that comes with living with a chronic illness like sickle cell. When traveling alone, keep in touch with a friend or family member to let them know how your health is doing.
Planning For Worst-Case Scenarios
When you want to stay positive preparing for the worst can be hard. Your thoughts might be, “I’m not in a crisis, and I won’t have a crisis.” It’s wonderful to have a positive outlook, but sickle cell doesn’t always cooperate.
Facing a crisis with confidence is made easier by the knowledge that one is feasible. A crisis may be very dangerous if in a foreign nation and do not have access to the necessary medicines. Preparing for the worst-case situations will ensure that you’re ready for anything that may come your way.
Now, not everyone has the means to travel internationally, but those who can do so may expect to reap positive health outcomes including lower stress and elevated mood. Even though having sickle cell has its inconveniences, learn to take precautions to ensure that your trips are as enjoyable as possible despite your condition. Planning and being flexible may make traveling with sickle cell possible.