My name is Vanessa Parker and I am the author of this blog--The Single, Sick and Broke Traveler.
singlesickbroketraveler.com
I live with many chronic illnesses--Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Congestive Heart Failure, and disk replacement surgery. Yeah it's a lot, but I still manage to travel the world.
I was my mother's primary caregiver for most of my life. My mother had a severe case of Rheumatoid Arthritis and was confined to a wheelchair for last 20 years of her life. During that time we traveled all over the United States. My mom had her service dog, Teddy, the love of both my mother's and my lives.
So I have a unique perspective on travel and I want to share that with you. But another travel blog? Geez, why? There are so many travel sites packed with information. Is a new one really necessary?
Well, that's the point. The web is so crammed with do's, don'ts and data related to travel, it can be an overwhelming process to just plan a trip.
That's why I created this blog. It's for everyone, but this blog has a specific focus for single travelers, especially for those who want to travel but are unnerved by the thought of going somewhere alone. I'm here to tell you that single travel can lead to the best vacations of your life.
This blog is also for the person who has or cares for someone who has one or more ailments and fears those illnesses will hinder their ability to go on a great trip. When planned correctly, I promise you'll wonder why you waited so long to get away.
Finally, we all want a great deal when we travel, but not all of us want to give up comfort and fantastic experiences once we get to our destination. When I’m on vacation, I stay in nice hotels and see most everything I want when I travel. You can too.
I have 35 plus years of traveling single, sick and broke. My hope is you will relate to my travel experiences and realize you too can travel wherever in the world you're dreaming of going.
For Caregivers
Caregivers have an arduous job. Many people think caregivers just help sick people. However, it's much more complex than that, especially for full-time caregivers. Caretaking involves everyday responsibilities such as doctors appointments, medical treatments and medication management. But let us not forget meal management and housekeeping duties. Oh yes, caregivers also assist in the physical needs of their loved ones. Which includes seeing to the personal needs of the recipient like bathing, catheters and even fecal disposal. These are just a few of the many duties caregivers offer to their loved ones.
Although caregivers do so much for their person out of love, it can be demanding on the body and mind. The physical and emotional toll on the caregiver can be overwhelming. With their primary focus on their loved one, caregivers can feel isolated and lonely. They need support as well.
If you're a caregiver, bless you. I've been there. I started caring for my mother when I was 16 years old and was her primary caregiver until she passed away when I was 42. I also cared for both of my grandparents when they were dying of cancer. I know firsthand the rewards and challenges of caregiving.
What about travel? Does the idea of taking a vacation with your ill loved one seem like an enormous task? I'm here to tell you it's not only possible, a vacation may be one of the best things you can share with one another.
We all know the purpose of a vacation is to get away and enjoy a great destination. Vacations also offer the opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. Going away on a trip with a loved one strengthens your relationship and creates memories.
If it is feasible, I encourage you to find a way to take your ill loved one on a vacation. Venturing out to a local destination is a great start. Vacations create memories you both will treasure. I remember all of the vacations I took with my mother. Now that she's gone, those trips mean so much to me. I want that for you.
So if you are a caregiver and you want to travel, this section is especially for you. I will share my experiences and advice to help you plan a great vacation with your loved one.
Did I miss something or do you have something to add? Email me. I invite you to shoot me an email with any questions or comments you may have. I want you to know you are not alone and you absolutely matter.
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