Disabled Solo Travel: How I’m Conquering Europe with Epilepsy and a Plan
When I first told my family that I was planning a solo trip to Europe, their reaction was a mix of shock, confusion, and outright concern. As someone with epilepsy, I expected some a little shock from my family, but I didn’t expect the level of fear that came my way—even from my own doctor. I thought I was going to send my Dad into cardiac arrest. I understand why they're worried. The 5'"1, 110 pound epileptic is going on a 3 month trip by herself to a place where she knows nobody. Even though I understood I was still frustrated. Why was it so surprising that I wanted to travel on my own? Why was my epilepsy a reason for doubt rather than just another factor to plan around? IS my epilepsy even a disability?
Epilepsy comes in many forms, but I have tonic-clonic seizures—the kind most people picture when they think of epilepsy. With a balanced routine, proper sleep, and my medication, I’ve been seizure-free for two years. I know my condition, and I know how to manage it. So, why would I let it stop me from living my life and seeing the world?
Disabled Solo Travel: Facing Fears and Pushing Boundaries
Traveling with a disability is different, no matter what the condition, but not impossible. It's 2024! Even though there's room to grow, the world has grown a lot for acceptance of disability and accommodations. If you’re disabled and using that as a reason not to travel—whether it’s financial concerns, fear of going solo, or worries about accessibility—I’m here to tell you that it’s absolutely possible. You can see the world! Don’t let your fears or anyone else’s doubts stop you.
In this guide, I’ll share everything I did to prepare for my trip to Europe as a disabled solo traveler. I hope my story and tips inspire you to take the leap and start planning your own adventure.
Step 1: Consulting with My Doctor – The Foundation of Disabled Solo Travel
Now don't do what I did. I consulted with my doctor AFTER booking my trip. You should do that before disability or not. Things you may not think about may not think about your doctor might catch and advise you not to travel. Somethings to think about are if you're pregnant, your age, and even your metal health. It's best if you can to get the green light from your doctor.
I scheduled an appointment with my neurologist to go over my travel plans. This is an essential step for anyone with a chronic condition or disability, and it’s especially important if you’re planning a solo trip.
What to Discuss with Your Doctor Before Traveling
Prescription Management
I needed a three-month supply of my anti-seizure medication early which required special authorization from my doctor and my pharmacy. I also needed a signed letter from my neurologist stating that the medication is prescribed to me, the amount of medication that's prescribed to me and how long I've had epilepsy.
Yeah it was a little much.
But I am flying into London and their their flight laws say that's the requirements if you're flying in with a certain amount of medication. My advice is to check if you need a doctors note for wherever you are flying into and keep your medication in the original packaging! This also makes it easier if for some reason your medication gets lost when your traveling.
I'd also keep in mind some medications that are pretty common in the U.S like Adderall are illegal in certain countries in Europe so if you fly in without a signed doctor's note you're not getting through.
Potential Health Risks
We also talked about the risks of traveling across multiple time zones, since my epilepsy is triggered by lack of sleep and I need to take my medication on a certain time. Taking my medicine in the morning on EST is not going to be the same for my body as taking it in the morning on GMT. So I have been slowly been altering my medication schedule to fit that time zone so when I get there I will be taking my medicine on time. It feels a little weird taking my medicine in the middle of the afternoon but it makes it easier once I get there next month.
I'm also going to take it easy the first couple days. Sleep on the plane. Go to bed on time. Get my body used to the time zone then I'll start exploring a little more.
Step 2: Securing the Right Travel Insurance for Disabled Solo Travel
Travel insurance is non-negotiable for any traveler, but it’s especially crucial for disabled solo travelers. There’s this myth that healthcare in Europe is free for everyone, but this only for citizens. As a visitor, you’ll likely need to pay out of pocket unless you have insurance. Depending on what you're going for it could be 50 euros or 500 euros but better to get insured just incase.
Choosing Travel Insurance That Covers Pre-Existing Conditions
A lot of travel insurance plans exclude pre-existing conditions, which makes it useless in my case if I had a seizure abroad. So I had to specifically looked for policies that included coverage for pre-existing conditions. I have Generali Travel Insurance because they were able to cover me for my preexisting condition after I booked my trip. Again don't do what I did and get travel insurance after booking your trip get it before. Depending on the coverage you need it can be harder to get coverage if you've already paid for the trip.
Tips for Finding the Best Travel Insurance
Read the Fine Print
Check the exclusions carefully. Some policies might exclude certain activities or regions, or they may not cover medical expenses related to your disability. I recommend calling the travel insurance company to make absolutely sure you will be covered in a emergency. The worst thing you can do is spend money for insurance and not be covered in an emergency.
Use Comparison Sites
Websites like InsureMyTrip and Squaremouth allow you to compare policies tailored to disabled travelers. In fact there are some insurance companies that specialize in covering a certain disability! A lot of these companies are not available to U.S citizens but it doesn't hurt to look. Or if you're reading from another country try to check these out! Before realizing I wasn't eligible I got a quote from a insurance company that guaranteed coverage of epilepsy and Generali Insurance and the insurance and Generali ended up being more expensive.
Before making your decision though, I would see if these medical insurance companies have an add on to insure you trip too. Just because you get medical insurance does not mean your trip will be insured. If this isn't important to you then that's probably not important but I would recommend it. Flights get delayed, events get cancelled, and sadly sometimes luggage gets lost or stolen. Travel insurance covers all of this and its not as rare as you'd think.
Chappell Roan cancelled two concerts in Paris and Amsterdam in late August. Fans raced online to express their outrage about how they could no longer get their money back for their flights and hotels because of how late the cancellation was.
Another pop sensation also canceled her show in Europe this year. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour was set to go on in Vienna in August but was cancelled because of a terrorist plot to target fans outside the stadium. Luckily the CIA discovered the terrorist before the concert but for security reasons the concert was cancelled.
This event being cancelled was out of anyone's control and for the greater good but fans were still out thousands of dollars, most fans only traveling out to Vienna for the concert. Even though this concert wasn't a normal cancellation from a venue, depending on the traveler insurance you get it does cover certain emergencies out of your control such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Some companies have even added shut downs like we had for COVID-19 as an emergency now after 2020.
So make sure to pick the right insurance that makes you feel comfortable. I promise you travel insurance is worth it!
Step 3: Planning for Emergencies as a Disabled Solo Traveler
When you’re traveling solo, it’s essential to have a plan in place for emergencies. For me, this included setting up my Apple Watch with fall detection and wearing a medical ID bracelet. These simple steps can be lifesaving if something goes wrong.
Essential Safety Gear for Disabled Solo Travelers:
Medical ID Bracelet:
My bracelet indicates that I have epilepsy, so if I do have a seizure, first responders can quickly identify my condition. Make sure your bracelet includes key information like your condition, medication, and emergency contact details.
Fall Detection Device:
My Apple Watch is set up to detect hard falls. If it senses a fall, it sounds an alarm and can call emergency services. While the feature isn’t perfect, it provides an extra layer of safety.
Emergency Contact Card: Carry a physical card with your emergency contacts, medical information, and the address of your accommodation. This is useful if your phone is lost or damaged.
Step 4: Choosing Accessible Accommodations for Disabled Solo Travel
Finding the right place to stay as a disabled solo traveler requires a bit more research. Many hostels and hotels in Europe might not have the same accessibility standards as in the U.S. , so it’s important to read reviews and contact the property directly if you have specific needs.
Tips for Booking Accessible Accommodations:
Use Filters on Booking Platforms
Websites like Booking.com and Airbnb offer filters for accessibility features. Look for options that include elevators, ground-floor rooms, and medical assistance availability.
Stay Somewhere That Makes You Comfortable
I personally like to stay near public transportation or in the city whenever I go on a trip if I have the choice. Not because of my epilepsy but because when I'm tired from whatever I've been doing all day I don't want to wait 35-40 minutes to get back to my hotel. I also try to stay somewhere that has free water.
My epilepsy can be triggered by dehydration so I usually have a Propel or my weapon sized Stanley near me 24/7. A lot of hotels have bottled water in the mini fridge but its five dollars for one bottle of Dasani water and I don't want to buy a case of water for usually a 3 day vacation.
My point is to stay somewhere you will feel comfortable even if it cost a little extra. Don't stay 40 minutes out of town if you're worried what may happen if you have an emergency just because it's cheaper. You won't relax on vacation if you're always worried about what may happen.
Just Ask
People are nicer than you think! If you're not sure about the hotel you're booking or even the area that's around it just call the hotel. I've called hotels before to ask how close transportation was to the hotel because I wanted to get a good idea of how close the subway was from the hotel and the staff was super friendly! I didn't end up booking there because they were upfront and said that subway didn't come that often but I wouldn't have known that if I didn't call.
Step 5: Navigating Airports and Flights as a Disabled Solo Traveler
Airports can be stressful for anyone, but they can be particularly challenging for disabled solo travelers. I recommend contacting the airline in advance to request assistance if needed. Most airlines offer services like wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and help with luggage.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Airport Experience
Inform the Airline About Your Condition
I don't personally do this because whenever I have been travelling it has been with family or friends and now I have not had a seizure in 2 years. I don't want to unnecessarily stress out a flight attendant. But if this makes you feel comfortable no harm no foul. But also know if you tell them to look out for certain things for example if you've recently had heart complications or you you're in your 3rd trimester of pregnancy certain airlines may not let you travel. Flight attendants are not doctors, they can't save you if something happens to your heart or deliver a baby if you go into labor on a 8 hour flight so it's a little understandable why they wouldn't want you to travel. It's also not safe! Remember to get the green light from your doctor!
Request Mobility Assistance
Even if you don’t usually need a wheelchair, consider requesting mobility assistance for long walks through the airport. Airports can be gigantic. I flew out of the Miami airport and after passing TSA (which took 2 hours because of how many people there were) it took me 30 minutes to get to my terminal. By the time I got there I was exhausted. If you know you might need assistance don't be afraid to ask, there's no need to make travel harder on yourself.
Carry Medication in Your Carry-On
Always keep your medication in your carry-on bag. Luggage gets lost and even stolen sometimes. If you need to take your medication daily keep it on you and keep it in the bottle! You're most likely going to have to show it at TSA depending on what and how much you're bringing.
Final Thoughts
Disabled Solo Travel Is Possible and Worth It
Traveling with epilepsy or any other disability doesn’t have to hold you back. It'll take extra planning and preparation, but the experience of seeing the world is worth the effort. Don’t let your fears or anyone else’s doubts stop you from exploring new places.
If I can plan a three-month solo trip to Europe with epilepsy, so can you. Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, there’s always a way to make it work. Remember, the world is full of beautiful places and kind people ready to help. You just need a bit of courage and a solid plan.
Happy travels, and remember: the world is yours to explore—disability or not.
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