Hi there,
I was wondering how people have coped with a medical condition on tour? I've booked my first contiki for Newzealand this November. I am particularly interested in how people have managed non-physical conditions.. ie. intellectual or mental problems. Or a combination of both.
Thanks

It's hard to say because I would think some conditions would be easier to manage then others.

Depression, you might find that being on tour will lift your spirits.

Obsessive/Compulsive disorders might be harder since you have little control over things.

Feel free to PM me if you would like to discuss in more details, but not on the public forum.

I have to agree with cdm. A tour may good for mild cases of depression, but in cases of OCD the lack of control, constantly being on the go, and staying in different places each night may be a little harder to handle. If you are concerned I would speak to someone in the mental health field and get their opinion as well as some coping stratagies. I would also make your tour manager aware of any conditions at the start of the tour.

I also think that it's near impossible to say if the person with the condition will handle things well or not.

There are so many factors that can not be predicted - like the size of the group you have, the type of people and different personalities in the group, the weather, the road conditions, the room you get.......

So depending on the condition, there very well could be ANYTHING to set someone off. Like, say, even claustrophobia. The person might be fine on the bus because of all the windows, but what if they get a small room that they can't handle. Or what if people pull the blinds down on the bus so they can sleep, and that makes the person with claustrophobia panic....

There are just so many unknown and unpredictable factors. I think only the person with that specifc disorder will be able to determine if Contiki is right for them...and it's probably best to contact Contiki directly for assistance.

Hey Ashlie,

I think the others had good advice. there really is no telling how one person will react to situations that arise.

I am travelling with a medical condition, however mine is physical codition,I have made sure I have the right medications that I need and have spoken to my gp, specialist and others that have travelled widely that understand my condition to get advice on management. I have tried to cover most bases but you never really know what will happen. I made sure I am travelling with a friend that knows what to do if something goes wrong, they also know what meds I take in case of an emergency.

I would consult others that know your sitution in detail especially those that have travelled and get advice. Also talk to any drs etc that you might see.

I really think it is just luck of the draw, somethimes a trip sets my condition off and other times the exact same trip is without incident.

great question!

this is a really great topic, i suffer from nerves (like most people) and a tad bit of anxiety. I think i get myself so excited and worked up i make it worse for myself.lol!
Going to Europe is something i deffinatly want to do and its only 7 weeks til we do.
I am starting to get the sickly nerve feeling and the omg i cant believe i am finally doing this.
My nerves however get the better of me sometimes to the point i feel very sick and funny in the head..
does anyone else feel this way before something huge??
Thanks All

quote:

Originally posted by shez and dan:
this is a really great topic, i suffer from nerves (like most people) and a tad bit of anxiety. I think i get myself so excited and worked up i make it worse for myself.lol!
Going to Europe is something i deffinatly want to do and its only 7 weeks til we do.
I am starting to get the sickly nerve feeling and the omg i cant believe i am finally doing this.
My nerves however get the better of me sometimes to the point i feel very sick and funny in the head..
does anyone else feel this way before something huge??
Thanks All

I sometimes experience anxiety especially when I'm outside my comfort zone or faced with a situation out of my control so going to Europe is gonna be a really big deal for me. However, I'm determined to go to Europe and believe it's important to face your fears and challenge yourself to become a stronger person

hi all,
thanks for the replies. its been overwhelming seeing people respond. yes i feel anxious about travelling. i do not know why. i have travelled to europe, uk and asia all twice. so i should be an 'expert'. i am looking forward to going to NZ! As Antznz said


'its important to face your fears and challenge yourself to become a stronger person'....

this is really powerful for me. as this is what i say to myself whenever i have doubts.

Although at heart i am a traveller, this is one of the reasons that this next trip is important to me. im really wanting to learn more about my self and be a stronger person.

hopefully i can withstand the nerves of the bungy, and sky dive.. etc. as well as the other issues i may face ..haha!

Hi Ashlie

I have experience in the mental health field and although I obviously dont know what your specific concerns are I hope this helps a little bit....

I would recommend that you have a talk about any fears or concerns with your normal supports (Medical, Allied Health, Family or Friends). Only you will know what events or experiences may trigger anxiety.... Action plan for what you can do and what support you may need if you dont feel that great while you are away.... Sometimes having an action plan will give you the little bit more confidence.

Remember that you are going on a holiday, and at anytime you can stop and go home if you really need to.

Good luck in your planning, I hope that you get to achieve this goal!!!!

Chell

oh wow ashlie I totally can relate! I was scared sh*tless to go on a plane, cause I had a huge fear of planes, heights and other things that had once caused me to go to therapy they were so bad! So when I went on my first trip to Europe, needless to say I was terrified of enduring a 10 hour plane flight. I popped some xanax (I'm not promoting the use of prescription drugs, it just happened to be the only thing that could take the fear outta my mind and make me pass out) I fell asleep for about 7 hours and so I was only coherent for 3 hours of the plane ride! Knowing that I was safe and comfortable (I think the airline also helped, British Airways is so good!) though really helped me, and I am no longer scared of planes and I'm planning my next trip right now! Next time I'm even thinking of going skydiving! You only live once, so make the most of it! But I totally understand how you get anxiety, me too. Kind of like my chest is being squeezed or something. I do some breathing and stretching exercises and that really calms me down. Good luck girl! And you can totally conquer the bungy, sky dive, and any other situation that may come your way!

Cubanqueen brought up a good point about prescription meds. If you've never taken them then you probably shouldn't start on a vacation. But depending on how severe your anxiety is it might be worth talking to your doctor about. As something to have with you incase things get to be too much for you. Your doctor may also be able to make some suggestions on ways to relax without meds.

You have all been very helpful and given great advice. I am familiar with taking medication, so it wont be a worry if I take it with me when I am overseas.

I feel a little uneasy about telling the tour manager when I go on tour. And I dont know if I should 'reveal' it to my tourmates that I will meet. There is just so much stigma related to mental health problems. I dont want it to prevent me from making friends.

However, in a way I do think its best, just incase something goes wrong. It would be better for someone to know. A little confused though.

I am feeling better each day as I count down to November, but I suppose it'll turn the other way as it gets closer. Trying to be positive and push myself. I know if I do it, it'll be one great achievement that will then allow me to do anything I want!

Did anyone travel with a mental health condition while on tour and did they tell the tour manager or others on the tour?

How did it go?

If their is any chance of your condition creating a problem for you during the trip then i would recommend talking to your TM about it. I'm sure the TM's have heard a lot of stuff and not too much will shock them. I know i've toured with quite a few people with a variety of medical problems. Just let them know what type of problems might present themselves and what can be done to keep you on track. As for telling your tourmates, just see what you feel comfortable with. You'll probably find that you feel comfortable with people within a day or two and will identify who you feel comfortable sharing with.

I'm claustrophobic... but I'm not sure if that's a real medical condition or what. But I'd say... take your meds and know what your triggers are and do everything you can to avoid them.Talk to you doctor before you leave and figure out how to cope and figure out a plan. That's my advice.