Sick Days Abroad: An Adventurer’s Survival Guide

The allure of open roads and far-off destinations is undeniable. There’s a certain magic in trading the familiar for the unknown, in immersing oneself in different cultures and landscapes. But even the most seasoned traveler can find themselves caught off guard by unexpected challenges.

My recent European escapade was a whirlwind of excitement and adventure, filled with picturesque landscapes and vibrant cities. From the cobbled streets of Amsterdam to the romantic charm of Paris, each stop promised new experiences and unforgettable memories. I had everything booked for the ultimate European road trip, and this was my first time seeing my fresh romantic partner in months. However, my Europe journey took an unexpected detour when illness struck.

I arrived at my hotel, to find a bucket of champagne being chilled. To my great sadness, I could already feel some unrest in my stomach, so we didn’t get to partake in it. This was just the beginning of the problems that came about on this trip.

Battle for Wellness

It began innocently enough with a nagging cough and a slight fever. But as days turned into nights, my symptoms worsened. What started as a minor inconvenience quickly escalated into a full-blown ordeal that tested my resilience. My carefully planned itinerary, filled with museums, cafes, and scenic drives, was abruptly replaced by a less glamorous routine of over-the-counter medications and endless rest.

It turns out that before I left Bulgaria to begin my road trip, my unfortunate choice to drink the tap water at my hotel in Sofia turned into a nasty case of traveler’s tummy, a condition with symptoms that lasted months for me.

The physical discomfort was compounded by the emotional toll. I found myself isolated, far from home, and dependent on my travel companion for support. He had no idea what he had signed up for by joining me on this trip.

I know I travel full-time, but as I’m sure most travelers know, the hardest part of traveling is when illness strikes you down. You’re surrounded by unfamiliar medication, it might be harder to find foods that usually soothe you, you might not have a kitchen. The initial excitement of the trip had waned, replaced by a growing sense of frustration and uncertainty.

As my condition worsened, I was halfway through France and in the worst pain I have ever experienced. I’m sure you know what the flu feels like, and probably Covid too. Now picture both of those x10, while also sitting in a car for 9 hour days for a prepaid road trip. Full time traveling is tough, but travel sickness makes it a million times tougher.

Luckily, I have always been a planner, and I know better than most to expect the unexpected, which is why I had travel insurance, and MAN, you never realize the importance of something until you’re unable to eat, sleep, or be more than 10 feet from a toilet. It was thanks to a fellow traveler that I even knew that my normal health insurance doesn’t work abroad.

With each passing day, the financial implications of falling ill became increasingly apparent. Medical expenses, missed flights, and unexpected accommodations could quickly derail a trip, one that was already stretching my budget to the limits on its own. Thankfully, I had the foresight to purchase a SafetyWing travel insurance policy, which proved to be an invaluable lifeline during this challenging time.

The Breaking Point

When I finally reached a breaking point, I sought medical attention. Navigating a foreign healthcare system while unwell is no easy feat, but with the support of SafetyWing, I was able to access the care I needed without undue financial stress. I didn’t realize that there were such easy ways to find doctors while traveling too, and they’re all accepted under SafetyWing‘s medical travel insurance.

Since I was in France, I chose to look someone up with the Doctors in France website which is a super seamless way to find a doctor. Most of the Western European countries have websites like that, allowing a very easy process to book a doctor. It shows availability and everything, no calling required!

I haven’t even mentioned the best and easiest part of this process, and that was filing the claim with SafetyWing. It helped alleviate some of the stress by offering a very smooth and simple claims process (it barely took 5 minutes to fill it out) and the reimbursement arrived in a few days, not months like other travel insurances that I used.

While the experience was undoubtedly challenging, it also taught me the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Travel insurance is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. It provides a safety net that allows you to focus on recovering rather than worrying about the financial implications.

In the end, I recovered enough to enjoy the remainder of my trip, albeit with a renewed appreciation for good health. The traveler’s tummy caused me to became lactose intolerant too. This was incredibly difficult while cruising through France and Italy, especially finding out that this was a new and potentially permanent problem.

The doctor I met told me that there was no way to know whether it would be temporary or not, so I had to wait out this new health issue that I had. While the experience was far from ideal, it also served as a reminder of the importance of flexibility and resilience when traveling.

Finding Resilience on the Road

So, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time explorer, remember to pack more than just your suitcase. Travel insurance should be at the top of your packing list. It’s an investment in peace of mind that could save you from a world of stress and financial hardship.

While the experience was undoubtedly trying, it also offered valuable lessons. The importance of travel insurance became abundantly clear, serving as a crucial safety net in unexpected circumstances. Moreover, I learned the significance of prioritizing self-care, even when surrounded by new and exciting experiences.

This story does have a happy ending, and just for the mems, we visited Lake Como, Milan, Cherasco, SanRemo, Marseille, Paris, Lille, and ended back in Eindhoven. Months later, after doing everything I could to heal my gut, avoiding dairy and/or taking lactaid if necessary, I finally stopped being lactose intolerant.

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to realize that travel is as much about resilience as it is about exploration. It’s about embracing the unexpected and finding strength in overcoming adversity. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their health and well-being while on the road.

If you want to #ClaimYourAdventure, then make sure you have the right travel insurance for your trip, trust my trial and error, and checkout SafetyWing.

Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling:

• Prioritize travel insurance: A comprehensive policy can provide peace of mind and financial protection.
• Pack essential medications: Bring along any prescription medications and over-the-counter remedies you might need.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate illness, so drink plenty of water.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
• Listen to your body: If you’re feeling unwell, rest and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, travel is about experiencing new things, but it’s also about taking care of yourself. By being prepared and prioritizing your health, you can maximize your enjoyment and minimize unexpected setbacks. If you want more tips on staying healthy while traveling, check out my Guide for Preventing Travel Sickness.