Travelling  and gap years with an eating disorder

By Young Ambassador, Kat

Kat says: “I thought I'd work on this article as I know a lot of people are apprehensive about going on holiday / going travelling yet really want to, but their eating disorder limits them. I was in that boat until my treatment phase and have enjoyed travelling ever since!”  

Travelling and taking gap years are really popular in the 16-25 bracket, and there are plenty of competing companies offering student prices, package deals, tours and a lot of volunteering opportunities. All this experience is great for your CV and is thoroughly enjoyable, sometimes the hardest part is deciding where to go (!)

If it's your first time travelling independently it's definitely worth sticking close to home where you are in easy reach of food you feel comfortable eating.

Portion sizes can vary overseas, so do prepare yourself for different sized plates of food to what is familiar and acceptable in the UK. Another option is to go for self catering, and you can still enjoy your holiday and live like you would at home.

Australia and New Zealand are always really popular to travel to, and particularly as you can go there on work visas, however if depression and anxiety is a side effect of your illness don't forget that it's a long and expensive flight home. If you can head over there with someone you know well, that's always a good start.

Volunteering. This is how I actually got involved in my travel enjoyment, on a volunteer project in Ghana.

A lot of African and Latin American countries have western restaurants and in the major cities they may have a western supermarket. The prices of items there are expensive compared to standard prices of the country and it is easier to live locally. ( e.g. Shop at a local Market).

If you are applying for a volunteer programme, it is probably better to avoid the rural projects where you will be very limited on food options.

Also note that in Africa if you are invited out to a meal by a local 1) it is seen as rude to decline and 2) they will feed enormous portions and often very carbohydrate heavy. (you don't have to finish your food as in some other cultures).

Tours. A number of international tours include food as part of them, often breakfast, lunch and dinner if you are travelling for a number of days. Certain places are better at catering for vegetarians, and again be prepared for larger portions.

Plane food.  It's normal to not like plane food. But always make sure you request any special meals 24hrs in advance.  Bring extra food with you if you think it's going to be an issue, there's nothing worse than starting your holiday having skipped a meal.

There are some airlines that allegedly are better than others for catering, have a research of these if price isn't a significant problem.

Medical insurance. Make sure you have sufficient insurance especially if you're going away for a long time. Make sure you research health treatment facilities in the country/countries you are travelling to and know what to do if you do get ill.

If you are going somewhere exotic, ensure you've got the right jabs and pills.

Finally, the people, places and cultures that you see when travelling no matter what place you go in the world are fantastic and have helped my own recovery. It can be difficult being in a new place and dealing with your e.d. abroad but I don't think that anyone should be limited from seeing the world, so I hope this guide helps.