Top tips for travellers with chronic fatigue

After some weeks on the road, I feel better qualified to assert the following top tips for those thinking about backpacking with chronic fatigue:

1. It's probably best that you don't. Grab a villa in France with the family instead or stay at home.

2. Consider traveling alone. Travelling with well people is a bit like traveling with wealthy people when on a shoestring: you're always stretching yourself or watching others splash out.

3. In the rare instance you've found a companion who's willing to alter their travel plans to accommodate you, good for you! Otherwise, try finding someone in the same boat. There must be a website like "findtravellerswithailments.com" or "chronicallyillcompanions.org".

4. Take more money with you than you ever remember needing in the past (taxis for short distances, more comfortable accommodation).

5. Think about how long you'd like to be away for, then halve it.

6. Only consider staying in places that are a closer match to the word "sanctuary" than "hell hole" or "traveller den".

7. Forget dormitories. Those days are long gone - unless you're willing to double up on eye masks and super sonic ear plugs.

8. Forget most activities - you're going to need those spoons for something else*

9. Try to stay in each location a minimum of three nights (or do two then four... Find what works for you).

10. Try to check out accommodation thoroughly in advance - importantly - are there stairs between you and food?


*Touch up your knowledge of spoon theory, it simplifies the planning and rationing of energy consumption for the spoon abundant reader: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_theory