Not every travel day needs to be a big one. When you're living with chronic illness, it's the small, quiet, slow days that often make the rest possible.
I learned this the long way, starting with raising two kids with autism. Every holiday was planned around what they could genuinely manage. No overloaded schedules. No pressure to "make the most of it" just because we were somewhere new. We needed pacing, space, and rest. I didn't want to set them up to fail, though more than that, I didn't want holidays that left us all wrecked.
Now I apply that same principle to myself.
What That Looks Like in Practice
Half-day expectations
I rarely plan full days anymore. A morning activity is enough, though an afternoon nap is often better.
I give myself permission to do less and enjoy it more, which sounds simple though it took me years to actually believe.
Built-in rest days
Every few days, I plan a full rest day. No driving. No sightseeing. No social expectations. If I end up feeling good and want to do something, that's a bonus, not a requirement.
These days used to feel like wasted time, though now I know they're what make the other days possible.
Energy-based planning, not time-based
I don't squeeze in activities just because I'm only staying two nights. I let my energy guide the pace, which means some towns I explore in short bursts. Others I simply enjoy from a shaded chair with a view.
Both are valid ways to experience a place.
Late check-outs or early arrivals
I plan for recovery more than I used to. Leaving a camp later or arriving earlier gives me time to regroup.
Even a short two-hour drive can take it out of me, so I always factor in buffers that other people might think are excessive.
Practical Things that help
If you're travelling through towns with supermarkets or chemists, make a rough list before you leave. It's hard to think clearly on low-energy days, and a simple list can make the difference between getting what you need and standing in the aisle feeling overwhelmed.
I also keep basics stocked more than I used to. Running out of painkillers or forgetting to buy easy food options when I'm already tired makes everything harder.
Saying No Is Part of the Plan
I no longer feel guilty for skipping "must-see" attractions, though it took practice. If I don't have the energy, I don't go. That's not failure. That's how I look after myself. Pushing through only used to make me crash harder later, so now I leave space for recovery and take the long way round when I need to.
Sometimes this means missing things other people would consider highlights. I'm okay with that now, though it wasn't always easy to accept.
It’s Okay to Travel Differently
This is what I want more people to hear: You don't have to travel like everyone else. You don't need to tick every box or be on the move every day. Slower travel, flexible plans, and rest-first thinking aren't compromises. They're often more enjoyable.
If you need to recharge often, rest more than others, or take things slowly, you're not doing it wrong. You're just doing it your way.
