Travelling with Depression – Finding Light in New Horizons

For many, travelling is an exciting adventure, filled with new experiences, cultures, and perspectives. But for those struggling with depression, the idea of navigating unfamiliar places can feel daunting. The world may seem overwhelming, and the energy required to plan and embark on a trip might feel out of reach. However, with careful preparation and self-compassion, travelling can offer moments of respite, self-discovery, and even healing.

The Challenges of Travelling with Depression

Depression can sap motivation, making it difficult to plan and execute a trip. The thought of leaving the comfort of home can bring anxiety, and the unpredictability of travel might heighten feelings of vulnerability. Fatigue, low mood, and social withdrawal can also make engaging in new experiences challenging. However, recognising these potential hurdles is the first step to overcoming them.

Planning with Self-Care in Mind

A well-structured plan can help mitigate some of the stress associated with travel. Consider these tips:

• Choose a Destination Mindfully: Choose destinations that align with your comfort level. If crowded cities feel overwhelming, a quiet retreat in nature might be more suitable.
• Plan but Stay Flexible: Having a loose itinerary can help reduce anxiety while allowing space for rest if needed.
• Pack for Comfort: Bring familiar items that provide a sense of home, such as a favourite book, journal, or soothing playlist.
• Prioritise Mental Health Needs: Ensure access to necessary medications, research local mental health support options, and schedule downtime.

Finding Joy in the Journey

While depression can make it difficult to find joy, travel provides opportunities for small but meaningful moments of happiness:

• Slow Travel: Instead of rushing from one tourist attraction to another, take time to appreciate simple pleasures like a peaceful morning walk or a quiet café.
• Engage in Comforting Activities: Whether it’s reading by the sea, visiting museums, or people-watching, focus on what feels enjoyable rather than what you ‘should’ be doing.
• Connect with Others: Travelling doesn’t have to be a solo battle. Trusted companions can provide reassurance, or even brief interactions with locals and fellow travellers can be uplifting.

Returning with a Renewed Perspective

Travelling with depression is not about ‘escaping’ but about creating space for self-compassion and new experiences. The journey may not magically erase feelings of sadness, but it can offer glimpses of light, new perspectives, and small victories. Whether it’s the beauty of a sunset in a foreign land or the pride of overcoming travel anxiety, these moments serve as reminders that hope exists beyond the darkness.

If you’re considering a trip but feel uncertain, take it one step at a time. The world is vast, and while depression may cast shadows, travel can remind us that light still exists beyond them. Make your journey even more seamless by getting your travel insurance here

Sunshine Saturday 2024

Sunshine Saturday is one of the busiest times of the year when it comes to booking a holiday. Why may that be, you may ask? Well, Sunshine Saturday is typically when travel agents and tour operators offer discounted holidays for the year ahead, allowing British holidaymakers to bag themselves a bargain break for less.

While getting a great deal on your next holiday can feel like a win, it’s really important that you protect your upcoming break with suitable travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked.

Without having a suitable travel insurance policy in place, you could be liable for any costs if something was to go wrong before or during your trip. For example, if you were advised by a medical practitioner not to travel due to a new illness, and you didn’t have travel insurance in place, it would be unlikely that you could claim the cost of your holiday back. Additionally, if you were to fall ill while you were abroad and need emergency medical assistance, you would be liable for any associated medical costs.

Having travel insurance protection in place as soon as you book offers peace of mind that you and your trip are covered. And what better way to start a holiday than knowing you and your loved ones are protected?

Sunshine Saturday falls on Saturday January 6^th in 2024. However, it is likely that travel agents and tour operators will be offering discounts and deals over the festive period, all the way up to the end of January.

We’re pleased to announce that Insurancewith will also be taking part in the Sunshine Saturday event and offering our customers the chance to save on their travel insurance, if they buy a policy with Insurancewith before February 27^th 2024. Just use the code ‘SUNSHINE24’ to get 20% Ɨ off by clicking here!

Keep your eyes peeled as we will be sharing further details of our Sunshine Saturday offering very soon…

Ɨ Please note, online prices automatically include a 15% discount against our Customer Service Centre prices. The code ‘SUNSHINE24’ entitles you to an additional 5% off your policy, and is a discount from the base price, not including the additional cost of optional extensions or any additional medical premium. The discount code expires 28/02/2024.

Coronavirus FAQs

If you are an existing customer who purchased their policy before the 17th January 2022, please check your policy wording to see what cover was provided under your policy. To access copies of your policy documents, you can quickly register for your free customer area access by clicking here. Alternatively, you can find copies of policy wordings by purchase date by clicking here. 

Meet Jo

As someone who had primary breast cancer and then diagnosed with secondary incurable breast cancer, I wanted to show my support for this campaign as Fiona and her team have helped me every time I have been away on holiday.

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Important Information for customers about Thomas Cook

Following the news that Thomas Cook has gone into administration, we here at Insurancewith would like to clarify what is available to policyholders: