The Hypermobile Traveller: How Katy Balances a Chronic Health Condition and Solo Travel

In this interview, Katy shares how she manages Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder while embracing her love of solo adventures.

It explores how she plans her trips with care, adapts to her body’s needs, and how she finds freedom and joy in travelling the world solo.

What is Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, and how has it affected your daily life and travels?

I was diagnosed with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD) in 2023 after suffering with neck, back, and shoulder pain for most of my life, along with a whole host of seemingly random, unconnected symptoms.

I’m very hypermobile (often referred to as “double jointed”), with clinically elastic skin. HSD is a connective tissue disorder and connective tissue makes up your entire body so I’m still learning how most of my random issues are actually all connected!

HSD is also known to have a lot of co-occurring conditions that could account for some issues. 

I work full-time as a data analyst, so I make the most of my annual leave to fit in as much travel as possible!

What inspired you to start travelling solo while living with HSD?

Solo travel actually came before my diagnosis, although looking back, my symptoms were always there. In my early 20s, my then partner was working in Romania, and I visited him several times.

Romania wasn’t your typical holiday destination 15 years ago, but I fell in love with its people, history, and culture. It was also the first time I flew alone, even though someone was waiting for me at the other end.

In 2014, I spent six months backpacking around the world with friends. Sometimes we wanted to do different things, and I felt confident enough to wander off solo and meet back up later.

At the end of that trip, I travelled to New York alone. It was a huge, slightly terrifying step, but it gave me the confidence to know I could do it. After months of being surrounded by friends, I did feel that pang of sadness not having anyone to share the New York experience with and I felt little lonely.

Once I returned home and back to full time work, I mainly travelled with friends and family so solo travel took a back seat. But as we’ve all got older and friends have settled down with families those opportunities have become rarer. (Although I love being the third wheel on their trips!)

After the pandemic, my travel itch returned with a vengeance. In 2020, I booked a solo trip to Rome and absolutely loved it. I think living along during the pandemic gave me the confidence to know I wouldn’t be lonely. 

How has your approach to travel changed since your Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder diagnosis?

Since my diagnosis, I’ve become much more aware of the pace of my trips. I try not to plan rigid itineraries anymore, and I build in unstructured days where I can simply see what unfolds.

Wandering with no set plan is one of my favourite things to do and I like to take photos, I find this is great way to pace. 

Living in England makes short European breaks really easy, and I still enjoy those, but I now factor in travel time and logistics far more carefully. In the past, I might have driven over three hours to catch a flight for a quick weekend away, but my body doesn’t thank me for that anymore.

How do you plan and prepare for trips with a chronic condition like HSD?

Since my diagnosis, I’ve become more willing to invest a bit more in accommodation. A comfortable bed is non-negotiable. I scour reviews to find somewhere with a softer mattress, and I prefer to stay within walking distance of cafés, shops, or attractions. I also love a good bath! 

I avoid connecting flights when I can, and if I can’t, I make sure to have generous layovers. (There’s a story behind that…)

My travel must-haves include:

• a refillable water bottle and electrolytes
• handheld fan
• painkillers
• comfy and cool clothes for warmer climates
• magnesium bath salts (if there is a bath!)

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced travelling with HSD, and how did you overcome them?

Oh, plenty but honestly, those moments are what make solo travel so empowering. You have no choice but to handle challenges yourself, and time and time again, I’ve been moved by the kindness of strangers.

Temperature is one of my biggest challenges. My sweet spot is between 19 and 27°C. Anything above 30 and I start to get dizzy and faint. Anything below, and my joints ache and fatigue hits harder. Altitude and humidity are also tricky issues.

One of my toughest experiences was missing a connecting flight from Frankfurt to Namibia after storms delayed my first leg. I sprinted through the airport (which is huge!) only to find the gate closed and ended up stranded overnight with a lot of other passengers. To their credit, Lufthansa handled it brilliantly — hotel, meals, transfers, the lot. But the mental stress and physical exhaustion was real.

The next day, my only option was a three-flight journey: Germany to Austria to Ethiopia to Namibia. Four flights in 24 hours! It was exhausting, but it also gave me a story I now laugh about.

I got to stay in a hotel with an amazing view of the Frankfurt skyline, eat apple strudel whilst sipping Austrian wine overlooking St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, and experience incredible Ethiopian hospitality at Addis Ababa Airport — none of which was part of the plan.

It’s a good reminder that sometimes, a “bad” situation can lead to unexpected adventures.

How has travelling alone helped you understand your body and condition better?

It’s taught me how much I enjoy my own company and how liberating it is to make decisions entirely based on what my body needs. I don’t have to compromise or push myself to keep up with anyone else.

I can eat when I want, rest when I need to, and if I skip something, I don’t feel guilty about it.

Can you share a travel experience that made you feel strong, free, or empowered despite your chronic illness?

Honestly, I can’t narrow it down to just one. Every solo trip I’ve taken has made me feel powerful, free, and so alive in its own way. There’s nothing quite like knowing you navigated the world on your own terms.

I love watching the sunset and every time I have a little pinch me moment that I am experiencing the end of another day in an incredible part of the world.

What advice would you give someone with a chronic health condition who wants to travel alone but feels unsure or afraid?

Everyone’s circumstances are different, but my biggest piece of advice is: go for it if you feel physically able to.

A few tips are:

• Invest in good travel insurance for peace of mind.
• Plan your logistics carefully so everything runs more smoothly once you arrive.
• Don’t overpack your itinerary — give yourself breathing room to rest.
• Book accommodation and activities with flexible cancellation options so you can adapt if needed.
• If fully solo travel feels overwhelming, consider a group trip. It’s a great way to have structure, support, and companionship, with the flexibility to carve out solo time if you want it

What’s next on your travel bucket list?

My next trip is to the Maldives. It’s never been at the top of my list, I’m not much of a lie-on-a-beach person but I found an incredible flight deal through collecting airline points and I couldn’t resist. I’m excited (and a little nervous) to see how I handle a slower-paced, beach focussed trip. It’ll be a challenge for my HSD but also an absolute dream.

In 2026, I’m also finally ticking off a long time bucket list destination: Colombia. I’ll be joining a group trip for most of it, but I’ve planned solo time at the beginning and end, a perfect mix of safety, structure, and independence

Thank you Katy!!

Discover more about Katy: The Hypermobile Traveller

If you’d like to find out more about hypermobility spectrum disorder and the realities of exploring the world with a chronic condition, you can find Katy on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok

 @Thehypermobiletraveller

She loves connecting with fellow travellers, especially those navigating similar health challenges, so come and say hi!

I’d Love to Hear From You!

Have you travelled solo with a chronic condition? Or are you thinking about it? Do you have a favourite wellbeing place? Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comment section below.

If this post resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need this kind of encouragement.

Would you like to contribute a guest blog post?

Do you travel solo with a chronic health condition, whether that be physical or emotional? If you’d like to share your story and tips with others, contact me here 💌

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Traveling solo with a chronic condition can be incredibly empowering – but only when it aligns with your current health capacity and limits.

Orchids to Olives

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