Traveling with Cancer: What You Need to Know

Jun 7
3 min read

Traveling while managing cancer might seem daunting, but it can be so helpful in bringing in moments of joy, strength, and discovery. I recently took a trip to Alaska with my family, and while I've done short trips in the past, usually they are in places with easy access to medical care should something happen. On this vacation, because we were going to be on a cruise ship, I needed to make sure that I planned how to handle potential symptoms.

Preparing for the Trip: Health Comes First

Traveling with cancer requires careful planning to ensure safety and comfort. As soon as I knew that we would be going to Alaska, I made sure to bring it up to my care team. We worked through possible issues that could arise.

As part of the planning process, I made sure that I did the following:

Medical clearance: Getting approval from my doctor was essential. They reviewed my current health status and treatment schedule.
Emergency plan: I researched medical facilities near my destinations and saved emergency contacts on my phone.
Travel insurance: I chose a policy that covered pre-existing conditions and possible treatment interruptions.

These steps gave me confidence to focus on the adventure ahead without worrying about unexpected health issues. I also made sure that I kept a note on my phone that detailed my current medications in case something happened that my husband could easily access.

The note included important items like: photos of my medications with their dosage, who was the prescriber, and my medication schedule.

I wanted to provide anything that would be needed in case an emergency arises, and I wasn't able to advocate for myself.

Choosing Alaska: Why This Destination?

Nature is the ultimate healer. One of the key items that comes up repeatedly in literature is that spending time in nature can be healing for both the body and mind. Personally, I find the mountains to be the most healing - the cold air, the beautiful trees, and spectacular views.

Alaska is known for its mountains and beautiful scenic views. The fresh air, quiet landscapes, and natural beauty provided a healing backdrop that felt restorative. I wasn't sure what my energy levels were going to look like, so I wanted to be sure that I had the option to have downtime and time for rest.

Alaska’s accessibility also mattered. Many areas have good medical infrastructure, and the state’s tourism industry is experienced in accommodating travelers with special needs. This made it easier to plan activities that matched my physical condition. Even the cruise line made sure that their excursions indicated the level of activity needed. My family and I selected activities that wouldn't be too strenuous for me but still allow me to participate.

Managing Energy and Symptoms during the Trip

I know that I have significant issues with nausea, especially after eating. That was perhaps my biggest concern on this trip. As part of the process, I made sure that I brought with me my anti-nausea medication as well as the over-the-counter medication. Different medications have different levels of effectiveness and have different side effects. I often have to balance those two items, but having different types of medication allowed me some flexibility to manage the nausea and the side effects in the best way possible.

This flexible approach helped me enjoy Alaska’s beauty without accidentally dipping into many of the negative side effects, like constipation.

Tips for Traveling with Cancer Based on My Experience

Plan ahead but stay flexible: Do what you can to plan for some common possibilities with flexibility for medication and symptoms, but don't stress too much about it.
Communicate your needs: Have the necessary information to be able to effectively communicate your needs should something arise.
Pack smart: Include all medications and comfort items. Usually, I pack these in my suitcase or toiletries bag.
Stay connected: I kept my husband and my family informed the whole time based on how I'm doing, especially after eating
Prioritize rest: Don’t push yourself to see everything. Quality over quantity leads to a more enjoyable trip. We had a few days on the boat where I was able to read my books and just enjoy the scenery.