Illness or injury traveling and on your own; or not.

I just wanted to reiterate that pharmacies Europe are closer to doctor offices than in the U.S. My husband had pink eye when we were in Athens. He went to a pharmacy where the pharmacist spoke perfect English and sold him some drops which solved the problem. I

I too travel with over the counter drugs, even in the U.S.

For those nervous about hospital conditions, many European countries have easier access health care than in North America. At times care is free, even to tourists. My mother broke an ankle in Amsterdam many years ago, but she had xrays, was given crutches, ambulance visits from injury, to hotel. I can't remember who dealt with rebooking her home, but she had help from someone (maybe the tour guide). It didn't cost her anything. People here have mentioned the same thing.
But, including repatriation insurance in your travel/health insurance purchases may give peace of mind. Read your policies, or the policy you are considering, to see if it covers a family member to come, or paying for private nurse, or returning you home for care (but know that may be based on the inability to provide adequate care where you are injured - not always because YOU want it), and the length of time they will pay for the extended care.
I believe the US has a company that sells annual repatriation insurance separate to health insurance, but seemed affordable and may offer a better coverage plan.

Read your policies, or the policy you are considering

This is the first thing that came to my mind. I'm not a solo traveller except on business travels, but all the same, it's always useful to review your coverage before every trip so you at least have a basic familiarity with it if you're under duress and not thinking clearly. I always make sure both my wife and I know where our health coverage info is located in our pockets or in the hotel so it can be found quickly in an emergency. Not sure how a solo traveller would handle that, but I'd likely recommend you keep it with you at all times so it can be found when needed.

I know this creates intense debate on this forum, but should a solo traveller keep their passport with them for quick identification?

I am a klutz, so definitely always have to think about these things. I fell once in Versaille and when we made it back to Paris the first place we stopped was a pharmacy near our apartment. I have no idea what she gave me, but oh my gosh it was amazing. For the duration of the trip I could not bend that leg even the tiniest bit. I knew our medical insurance that I purchased would take care of me, but I wanted to avoid going as it was a celebratory trip for our daughter and I did not want to take time away from that and it was not life or death. Our medical insurance at home (retired military) does not cover us overseas, so we always purchase that and make sure of the coverage and how it all works.

I do not take much OTC things with me, just Advil/Tylenol on most travels, but do take immodium for overseas trips as I would not want to be having to go to a pharmacy if I were in need of that;)

Allan, like a parent, I'll say 'do as I say, not as I do'. After a while, like any repeat traveler, we may become complacent. The best advice would be 'yes, always carry your passport' , but then I am in the camp that feels losing a passport is a PITA, not a threat of identity theft. It's a document. It's replaceable.
It does make sense to carry your insurance policy, passport, and even a small document - in the event you are not well enough to communicate. Some policies want you to call a number to be told where to go for treatment. Have that card accessible, and also have a document with that information, any known allergies (the only time I wear my MedicAlert necklace is traveling-shame on me), prescriptions, known conditions, emerg contact. Type or print it in caps. You may be working with translation and also generations that no longer know how to read cursive. Given that some characters are also different, it is more likely to be able to be read if printed in caps.
I wonder if the visual reader in Google translate can translate hand printed text? It can read and translate typed text.
EDIT as I was typing when Ashley MIA posted....having it translated. That might be going the extra mile, but she shows where it paid off.

@AshleyMIA...my, those were some comprehensive injuries. Poor you.
How did you translate the documents? Did you just use a translate program, or something else?
Great tips, by the way. Thanks.

I was half way through a 12 day trip in 2018, and as I got into the taxi to head to the airport in Budapest I twisted just the right way and sproing! went my lower back...I somehow managed to navigate the airport carrying a 20 lb bag, endured the short flight to Munich, collected my checked bag and got onto the airport bus while in level 9 pain and bent over to one side. Found my hotel and decided the best thing to do was go on about my business--I managed to walk about 8 miles that day and really only looked like something might be wrong with me when I went to go from a sitting to standing position; walking felt good. The hotel sent me to an apothecary but aside from strong motrin and a tube of Voltaren, that's all I could really do. I did enjoy my 6 days in Munich and accomplished everything on my itinerary despite being epically cranky, got diagnosed once home with spondylolisthesis, and since it can happen at random I do bring extra meds when I travel, and try to get a room with a tub for soaking. I always use 24/7 front desk hotels anyway, feels safer as a solo traveler.

Wow Ashley. My nightmare!

All the advise above is relevant and good, and I follow most of it. My medicine kit is as described above mostly, first aid, the usual OTC meds, back up RX pills, motion sickness, eye glass and tooth repair, and back up glasses. I also include a soft wrist brace. Excluding the brace and the eye glasses, my kit measures about 4"X8"X1", for what that's worth.

Getting sick while traveling solo is my number one concern. I have my emergency contacts and important medical info on me when out; such as allergies, my blood type, and my one RX. I usually have my passport on me as I'm not afraid of losing it, as someone said, it would just be a bit of a pain. However, the first thing I do when I arrive at a location, after checking in, is to purchase a ginger ale type drink and biscuits/crackers. This, and my kit, would see me through most typical travel illnesses.

I prefer a hotel. One of the reasons is for the aid the front desk might provide should I be more seriously ill, but I don't require them to be there 24/7, although I've never stayed where they weren't at least accessible. Also, as a solo traveler and one who plays with photography, I think very seriously about where my feet are and try to never step when I have my camera to my eye.

Oh Ashley! Yikes! And to everyone else with injuries impacting travel.

I'm with Wray...this is my worst nightmare. I've tripped and fallen a couple of times resulting in banged and swollen knees but no breaks. The first time I was with family and fortunately my brother had the big size Bandaids but only a couple so I had to make them last. OK, added them (and antibiotic ointment to my travel kit. A few years later I was on my own and tripped and fell on a London street. Bystanders helped me up and I went on with my day (I was NOT going to miss my timed visit to Westminster Abbey!). OK, added the big bandaids to my purse instead of leaving them in my medicine kit in the hotel. That time I wound up with a knee swollen enough that I could barely get my pants on so realized I needed an Ace wrap (tensor bandage?). (Tried Boots but they did not have what I really wanted)

I do pack more OTC meds than I probably need - like someone upthread, I want Immodium handy as I do not want to go out to get them if I get ill! I also carry a cold remedy, LOTS of Airborne, ibu, Tylenol, allergy meds.

I stay in hotels (with 24 hour desks) just so there is someone available if I have big issues.

Because I've fallen a couple of times on trips and a few times on the trail here at home, I also try to make myself walk slower. I tend to be a fast walker and I think that makes me more vulnerable. I also realized that sometimes having a shoe that is slightly longer than I need will also trip me up so I try to have one that is just long enough. I have a particular brand I wear to prevent recurrence of plantar fasciitis and they tend to change their lasts slightly from year to year so when purchasing from Zappos I get 2 sizes and decide from there which will work and not be too long. I also want to make sure they have grippy soles so I can be sure of not slipping on wet pavement or cobblestones.

Good thread Maria! Interesting to see what others do. And thankful I've not had to deal with what others have had to manage.

As others mentioned, I only stay in either a hotel or B&B when I’m traveling solo - both for medical & safety reasons. I also bring migraine & cold medicine- the two most likely issues for me. Since hearing about our former neighbor’s medical emergency a few years ago, I also now always buy medical evacuation insurance.

I learn the words ahead of time in the local language for “hospital, doctor, and I’m ill.” If I was out during the day, I think either a nearby shop, restaurant or another hotel lobby staff would help me.

Also, if you’re not feeling well, but need to eat something, here’s some help. I had a migraine in Siena one time; with a migraine, I need to eat to feel better, but it’s difficult to want to eat anything. I stopped in at a nearby restaurant, told them I didn’t feel well and asked if I could have a salad with just a few items on it. They were very accommodating and asked if I wanted some bland crackers/ bread or anything else put together.

I am a strong proponent for wearing my passport at all times in my money belt - wouldn’t think of not wearing it. I learned during our first RS tour prep back in 2003 about money belts. I think it was at the RS Edmonds Tour Guide reunion weekend where we first learned about the tours. May have been Rick who said, “You can recover from almost anything during a trip if you have your passport, ATM & credit card in your money belt at all times.” Well, I don’t want to miss a minute of fun during my trip replacing ID, plus any emergencies where I might need them.

Thanks for the reminder of adding some Immodium to my toiletry kit!

Something my DDiL bought me years ago is a little book the size of your palm but thin. It's called 'Point It'. https://www.amazon.com/Point-Travellers-Language-Original-Dictionary/dp/3980880273/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=point+it&qid=1612810235&sr=8-2
Photos of just about anything you need or want including emergencies or illness. Would also come in handy when language skills fail us.

Maria, thank you for starting this important subject. Excellent recommendations up thread. Fortunately, I have not had to seek medical advice or care in Europe. What I do know- a pharmacy can be your “best friend” to triage emergencies., etc. As a healthcare provider I am “a walking pharmacy” when traveling. I bring otc meds., and especially those that may not be readily available. Some that come to mind over the years are powdered Gatorade, Pepto Bismol... Always important to have a list of your prescribed medications, medical provider at home, emergency contact list...

I recall on a couple of tours we had 5-6 medical personnel. We had to collaborate a few times to help triage our fellow tour members. To reiterate Maria, “their is always someone who can help.” I agree- hotel, BnB staff are accommodating as well. They can guide you to the nearest pharmacy, etc.

I recall places other than Europe that I assisted accident victims. Two of them happened in different locations in NZ. (I could write a book!). I have also monitored people on planes.

Yes, like others, my worst nightmare is a fall, or catastrophic event.

Everyone stay safe!

I don't follow my own advice, but I tell people with unpredictable back issues that its a good reason for rolling bags vs backpacks. And for packing light.

Great tips! I always carry "stop" and "go" OTC pills for digestive malfunctions and from now on will add OTC lidocaine patches for muscle pain. (Discovered these after falling on a city bus near home.)

I travel alone about two thirds of each trip, till friends arrive or am alone after they leave.
As a former RN, I take a good sized first aid kit...I'd rather have that than an extra sweater or pair of pants!
In it I have Tylenol, Advil, Gravol, a couple of tensor bandages, a selection of bandaids, some antiseptic ointment, some sinus medication and nasal spray as I'm prone to sinusitis, some sterile gauze pads, a pair of tiny scissors and some tiny tweezers, some safety pins, and a little bag of table salt for gargling when you get a sore throat.
Plus some vitamins.
It sounds like a lot, but it all fits in a Ziploc bag.
I got to Paris in Feb 2016, and instantly came down with flu.
I spent two days in my apartment not knowing which way was up between sleeping, and was very glad of all my "stuff".
I also make sure to find out where the hospitals, nearest English-speaking doctors, and Canadian Embassies are wherever I travel to, and keep a note of them.
Good point about keeping your Travel insurance info handy too.

Ohhh, good ideas....adding powdered Gatorade, OTC lidocaine patches to my packing list.

I also travel with a neti pot so have salt packets for that that I've also used to gargle with. I added a needle to my kit a few years ago when I got a splinter in my hand in Yellowstone and tweezers wouldn't get it out. Someone upthread I think mentioned alcohol wipes which are indispensable.

Since I used to travel full time (pre-Covid) and almost all of it solo, I have learned what I need for emergencies.

I always take along Naproxem Sodium (Alleve) and Pepto Bismol. The Naproxem Sodium requires a prescription in much of Europe and is the only thing that works for me. I learned this he hard way. As for Pepto, it's just not available in much of Europe. (It is available in the UK but you have to ask the pharmacist for it.)

For the rest of the OTC drugs I carry and first aid kit, I ask myself the following....It's midnight. I need xxx. Can I wait until the morning to go to a pharmacy or do I need it now. If I think I would need it at that moment, I carry enough to get started. If it can wait, I don't bother or only take a very small amount.

"What are your tips or experiences of being ill/injured on the road that can help others?"

It's getting late and I'm not focusing too well, but a few thoughts on your question. I also travel solo most of the time and haven't had too many problems over the years. However while travelling in Italy a few years ago, I had a fall and sustained a serious leg injury. That required an ambulance ride, a week in hospital and orthopaedic surgery. I always travel with a very comprehensive travel medical insurance policy and this is one case where that really paid off. A few things I learned on that occasion....

• It's always best to carry my Passport with me when out touring for the day. That was the first thing that both the ambulance crew and hospital asked for. A copy may have sufficed for hospital identification, but if I had to be quickly repatriated, not having a Passport would have been a problem.
• The language issue can definitely be a problem in some countries. I was able to manage to some extent with my limited Italian and Google Translate, but not all of the medical staff were able to speak English so it was a challenge every day. Google Translate wasn't as much help as I had hoped.
• I've been travelling with a cell phone for many years and more recently a smart phone, and I found that was an absolutely essential travel accessory, especially for a solo traveller. It allowed me to notify my family that I'd been injured, maintain contact with the travel insurance company to provide them with the information they needed. I always use a travel agent to book overseas flights, and I also had to stay in touch with my agent to rebook flights and get the necessary medical approval from the airline to board the flight home.
• Still on the topic of cell phones, on future trips I'll make sure to carry either the charger or a portable battery bank with my when I'm on day trips. I didn't do that on the trip I was injured and by about the second day the phone was down to 10% and I was getting worried as that was my only means of contact. With the help of a wonderful Nurse, I was eventually able to arrange delivery of my luggage from the hotel (at a very steep cost) and once the luggage arrived I had a charger.
• I always prefer to stay in hotels and that was fortunate in this case as the luggage delivery service was able to easily gain access to my room to collect my bags.

As others have mentioned, I also carry some basic medical supplies. As a retired paramedic, that always includes a small first aid kit, and also my prescription med's and Tylenol. I usually visit the local travel medicine clinic well before departure to review any med's that might be needed for a specific destination.

In addition to Pepto-Bismol, another OTC medication that's apparently not available in Europe is high-zinc throat lozenges like Cold-Eeze. Those help me a lot when I get a cold by reducing its severity and duration. My trips are long, and I've run out twice in the past, so I've learned to take as many of those things as I might conceivably need, based on the length of my trip. A cold isn't serious, but I figure there's no sense in dealing with sniffles and a raw throat when there's something I can take to avoid those symptoms. (Note: zinc lozenges significantly affect my sense of taste, but I'm willing to accept that trade-off.)

In addition to all the above ideas - I always travel with several granola bars and some trail mix. If you find yourself too sick to leave your hotel room but need something in the way of sustenance these things can come in handy. Of course the main reason for having them is when you find yourself between meals somewhere (like on a train) and don't have any options for buying anything - keeps blood sugar level stable at least but it would also come in handy in the case of illness.

I agree Isabel. Having some protein or snack helps keep the energy levels up.
I have several food sensitivities (as well as mentioned meds), so I make sure I have some nuts and/or granola bars that I can eat. As sugar just sends me into a slump, I also carry Splenda minis for coffee. These are little 'pills' of sweetener in a dispenser and good for numerous weeks of travel.

I also have learned the benefits of rehydration tablets. It's very difficult to get Gatorade powder in Canada, but our REI equivalent (Mountain Equipment Co-op) carries other options usually in tablet form. They can be broken in half. If all else fails, there are drink enhancers in the grocery story and some are for 'sports'. It seems to have sufficient something to keep my equilibrium up and ideally help avoid falls or trips when blood sugar is low and energy flags. The better ones help when Nile Belly hits.

Hi, Maria. Thanks for starting this thread! I was already doing a number of the things suggested in this thread — but quite a few I haven’t been doing. Those will be added to my preparations for my future trips - whether traveling solo or as a solo member of a small tour group.

Wow! You guys are ready for anything.

The most I do is a small first aid kit. I mean small. A few pills for problems up top and down below, Neosporin, band aids and one of those flexible forehead thermometers. If I need more than that, its off to the clinic.

Oh, I have a chronic heart problem, so I have a few meds for that. I also have a bracelet that describes the condition, the meds and where to ship the body if I am found lying on a sidewalk. A few of the meds are a fraction of the cost in Europe, so I generally buy a month’s supply when there. Caution read the US law before you do it.

I put a link to the embassy website in my cellphone / cloud, as they usually have a list of doctors and clinics.

I have a cardiologist, dentist, and audiologist in Budapest; working in the system is fairly easy. In some ways they are better than the US, others, not as good. Pretty much a wash.

And finally, I buy medical insurance for each trip.

The other posts reminded me of a few more things.

Back Up Battery for my cell phone. Mainly so i can play solitaire on the flight over.
Extra pair of reading glasses. I am stupid blind without them.

Haha, James. You say you have a small kit, but you’ve actually packed three doctors. LOL

I carry a small variety of OTC medications, band-aids, a small bit of Neosporin, tweezers, extra prescription glasses and of course my prescription medications. We bought a highly-rated Pulse Oximeter over the summer and I will bring that along as well as a digital thermometer, on any future trips.

Wray, all trips pre COVID had become a week to 10 days in Budapest and then another week to 10 days someplace else that I could reach on a discount airline.

Really good, helpful info here. I was staying in an apartment in Paris on my 2nd solo trip and got deathly sick - acute pneumonia, acute bronchitis and acute sinus infection. I called for a doctor who prescribed antibiotics. After several days when they did not work, he came back and prescribed others (that also did not work). This was over 16 days, then i flew home. The experience was awful - being completely on my own and so sick i could barely get out of bed yet i had to walk miles each day to the pharmacy and to get basic food. First time in my life i counted the days until i could go home. It was very scary to be alone, to have no one at all to help me, and to be so sick i should have been in the hospital. I do speak French which was really helpful, it would have been so much worse if i was in a country where i didn’t speak the language. Because of this experience i do not plan to travel solo again.

Susan, what a terrible experience! Again, a fear of mine, no doubt. And I can understand your reticence to travel solo again. What is the probability that this will happen again? That is the question I would be asking myself...don’t know how I would respond.

This is one reason I stay in a hotel on solo trips. Whether it would really make a difference...I don’t know. Is there anything you would add to your kit having gone through what you did?

Susan, that must have been very difficult for you. Having had pneumonia enroute home from a conference, I know how exhausting it is. I don't have help readily available at home, but at least I have some food stockpiled as well as a medicine cabinet. If you like solo travel, it's a shame that it was so traumatic it has limited your options.
I wonder if we need to, on the very slim chance that we get sick on the road as a solo - change accommodation? I need to remind myself that as well. An apartment is great for me, but perhaps I should give myself permission to check into a hotel if I am very sick and toss the budget out the window. A hotel with room service, laundry service, 24 hour front desk...and an elevator :-) Also, remember that Uber or similar, and taxis also run in many places reducing the need to walk. Covid has also created the ability to get groceries delivered or at least take out. Yes, some language barrier may be more challenging, but Uber app works in English, and you don't need to bicker about fares. If the host has left take out menus, perhaps they know how easy it would be to receive take out without language challenges?
It isn't easy to think of these alternatives when we are sick, but maybe thinking outside the box before that happens allows us to have alternatives that still allow us to travel the way we want to? Short list hotels near apartment, Uber or that country's taxi app, and nearby groceries or take out.....
I am hoping for winters away, so long term travel. This may need to be on my pre-planning check list.

This is not on the level of seriousness of some examples, but important nonetheless. Don’t forget a spare pair of glasses, if you use them. Case in point. My husband uses otc readers. Can’t read a menu or label on a museum display without them. Where we live, there is a Walgreens or CVS every few blocks of commercial streets, where you can get readers for $10 - $15. Not so in Europe. Upon arriving in Brussels, he left his in the taxi we took to our hotel. We spent our morning trying to find some that weren’t ultra expensive. After a couple of hours, someone pointed us at an unexpected source, and we got replacements. (I can’t remember where, but It wasn’t a pharmacy or an optician’s office.). Ironically, when we returned to our hotel that evening, we discovered that the taxi driver had found the specs and returned them to the hotel. From his description the desk folks were able to figure out who owned them. I’m sure that I don’t need to point out that with presciption lenses it is even more important to have a spare.
Writing this has reminded me that one cannot assume that the sources for acquiring health products will be the same in Europe as they are here. Some will be only in pharmacies; some not available at all. Some that require prescriptions here are available otc there, and vice versa.

Maria: thank you for initiating this important thread.

Having suffered illnesses (mild and serious, including one ER visit & hospitalization) while abroad (Paris, Beijing, Tuscany, Venice, Chennai, Cologne & at a remote camp in Botswana), I can say without hesitation that it is indeed important to travel with a first aid kit containing REHYDRATION SALTS (available at REI).

Depending upon where you travel, your doctor may also advise carrying an antibiotic to treat travelers' diarrhea (with explicit instructions explaining if, when and how to use it (so as not to misuse and promote antibiotic resistance), Imodium, Pepto Bismol, Advil, Tylenol, Sinus medication, anti-histamines, something to prevent motion sickness (important if you are susceptible, and will be traveling via light aircraft and/or ferry) and a travel thermometer to check for fevers.

Speaking from experience, the last thing I want to do when I feel like crap in the middle of the night is to have to find a pharmacy. At the same time, it's important to know when a visit to a pharmacist, doctor or ER is the better course of action. When it comes to dehydration due to diarrhea or heat stroke, always err on the side of caution and seek medical attention sooner rather than later.

And please, make sure ALL of your immunizations are up to date prior to traveling abroad. Some trips (like a safari) often require a whole host of vaccinations that you've probably never had before. In which case, I highly recommend making an appointment with a travel clinic. The nurse or PA will ask a series of questions & check with the CDC to see which immunizations and medications are required and/or recommended for your destination. Afterwards, you'll need to carry proof of vaccination in the form of an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP), also known as a "Yellow Card".

For our safari in Botswana, we needed vaccinations for typhoid (I highly recommend the oral version), Hep A & B, and tetanus. In addition, we were given prescriptions for anti-malarial medication and antibiotics for travelers' diarrhea, and told to carry plenty rehydration salts (which we needed and used!). Due to the remote location of our camp and the nature of several activities, we were also advised to get Rabies vaccinations. Since we had been immunized for Hep A & B many years prior, but lacked proof, the nurse drew blood for a titer- our results confirmed resistance. The nurse also asked if we had chicken pox as children, and much to my shock and amazement, my husband couldn't recall, so the nurse ran a titer for that as well, and his results showed zero immunity! So thankfully, he received that vaccine too. Prior to a work trip to Ghana, my DH had to get a Yellow Fever vaccination. Upon arrival, a colleague realized he had forgotten his "yellow card" at home. Upon exiting the aircraft, he was were given the following choice: either return home immediately (on the next flight out with zero ability to leave the airport), or get the immunization, right there at the airport. He opted for the immunization and had to deal with the rather awful side effects (pretty serious for many: my DH, was sick for five day with high fever, textbook for YF) in their hotel room, while jet lagged AND working. Lesson: NEVER forget your "yellow card".

We always travel with decaf herbal tea bags (and make sure our room has a kettle), table salt (for gargling, helps sore throats), and some type of fiber to help maintain digestive regularity (dried prunes & psyllogel work great).

We also always take easy to peel, juicy mandarines to eat on long flights - vitamin C & so refreshing!
Pro tip: squeezing orange peels releases the citrus oil - hello instant air freshener!

Lastly, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to drink plenty of water when it's hot and/or you're walking long distances each day and drinking wine at dinner.

Stay well everyone!

Hmmm? It appears that this solo traveler needs to add a few items to my kit for the next trip.

I've not experienced any accidents on any of my trips, but I have gotten sick a few times. On my trip to Portugal and Spain in the summer of 2019, I developed an awful nasty-sounding cough.

I never had any fever or stuffy nose, and I didn’t really feel bad. I never lost my appetite. But it was exhausting enough to keep me from participating in some of the RS tour activities as well as some things I wanted to do on my own.

I rested in my room. I tried a variety of OTC meds along the way, purchased from more than one pharmacy. Nothing helped any more than Ricola cough drops. It never occurred to me that it might be an allergy.

Did I actually have acute bronchitis? I believe so. Was it caused by an allergy to Jacaranda trees? Probably. I learned when I got home that some people have to have shots for their Jacaranda allergy. Did I know then that bronchitis can be caused by allergies? Nope. I've only had one slightly similar experience with trees and it only lasted one day.

All I know is that the symptoms started shortly after we visited an area in Lisbon with beautifully blooming Jacaranda trees, that they were blooming elsewhere in Portugal and Spain, that the severity of the cough waxed and waned and that the cough really started to abate toward the end of the Spain tour.

I was able to function okay during the whole experience and to get to the pharmacy on my own, but I had to pace myself. I didn’t really need any help from the tour guide or anyone else. I feel lucky that I was able to enjoy my time in Portugal and Spain as much as I did and that I didn't feel as awful as my coughing sounded like I should.

I hate packing a lot of "just in case" stuff, but next trip I'll pack an OTC allergy med of some kind.

Pre-pandemic, there are times my vacation and my husband’s vacation do not match so I would head off to Europe by myself. My spine is slipping forward as I have a condition called Spondylolisthesis so I’m always concerned about my health and making sure I find places to sit and not strain my back if I can help it.

One thing I recommend is making sure that your medical insurance covers you overseas. I mean full coverage in terms of hospitalization, evacuation if you are going to some remote area, and even something as serious as coverage for being flown back to the US if you become severely ill. If your insurance does not, buy a policy and do your research first meaning read reviews of people who have filed claims to make sure that the insurance policy pays them quickly. Reviews of people saying they bought the policy but never needed to use it are useless for you.