Travelling versus Holidaying

'Travelling' as opposed to 'holidaying' certainly has plenty of ups and downs; especially with a seven year old, and especially on a budget....
Today we packed up the car in France, put on pretty dresses and nail-varnish and thought we could arrive at our hotel for around 2pm in order to casually stroll the streets of Barcelona looking and feeling great!
 We drove four hours to Barcelona, and tried to find the 'hotel' which we booked on 'booking.com'...... after a couple of hours of not finding it, we parked up and tried looking on foot. Too many people told us it was an apartment, to be careful, that it would be hard to find... and sure enough, we did not find it. We gave up and spent another hour or so driving around asking hotels and hostels if they had 'una habitation libre?' Finally at 10pm (we set out at 10am) we found a hostel where we could share a single bed for 30Euro..... Parking is dodgy and I have to move the car before 8am or from what I can make out, it will be towed.... But at least we have a bed. Parking is so difficult in Barcelona, and we had such a rough day that I think we are both eager to get out of the city and head for Valencia area first thing in the morning. I tried to play it by ear last week in Bize, France, where even the camping was fully booked, and hotels were hard to find and had early check in limits... so we tried to book ahead..... This hasn't worked either; so maybe a combination of the two; so tomorrow we drive until we find somewhere nice, and find a hotel; but we start the search early so as to enjoy the day. We are determined not to repeat todays wild goose chase.

One final thought; travelling with a seven year old may seem difficult to some, but today when we were both a little stressed but extremely supportive of each other, I tried to picture various friends and ex partners in the passenger seat. Although another adult may have been practically helpful, I could not think of anyone I wouldn't have fallen out with in that situation. She really is my true travelling buddy :)

 After 6 months of visits to the Dr and getting more and more unwell and frustrated, my GP now thinks I have M.E. - we are still a little way from official diagnosis, but already it makes so much sense. the muscle aches for no apparent reason, the headaches, joint pains, heaviness, confusion, lack of concentration....

 So, my first reaction was of course to sit in the car and cry. It was something I didn't understand but knew was long term. But imediately after that, I wondered how it would affect my travelling, as this is so important to me....

 I have pondered over this and I don't see any reason why I cannot still travel. I just need to make slight lifestyle adjustments; back up plans, and increased flexibility. The main thing is that because I get so overwhelmingly exhausted, for every day of travel/activity, I will need to plan at least one day of rest.

 I'm looking into meditation, yoga and relaxation more than ever... and I'm determined not to let this get the better of me. Whatever happens to me, I want to be able to travel.

                                                  Keeping Positive

 

I would be interested in anyone who suffers M.E. or CFS. I would love to hear any hints/tips on travelling with this 'condition' and how it affects you. Maybe you could even write a guest post? Please get in touch; on here, via my facebook page 'Double Trouble Travel' or leave a comment and I will get in touch with you. x