My favorite place to be on any given day at 3pm.
I’ve written in other posts about my need to cut down on travel in 2013. I was on the road every month in 2012 and away from home on average of over a week each month. I love to travel, and I do a lot of it for both work and pleasure. Knowing I needed to concentrate on better managing this disease, I cancelled my 2 week trip to Rincon, Puerto Rico in January. I was heart-broken because I feel like Rincon is my second home. I often think about relocating there, and I usually spend at least 2 weeks in January and over a week in March there. As I sat in Western NY for the holidays, watching the snow literally dump for about a week, I went stir crazy. Everyone who knows me, knows how much I detest winter (which begs the question,”Why do you live in New England, Julie?”). When I returned to the bitter cold Boston area after the first of the year, I decided to book my escape for February.
The trip is fast approaching, and I am strategizing on ways to manage the Fibro and prevent a full-blown flare upon return. Have I mentioned that I am a consultant? Strategizing is second nature to me. Here’s the situation:
1. Problems- I tend to flare most when returning home from travel; I have overnight arrival and return flights; and I am staying in the upstairs unit of the house I usually stay in (I figured stairs were the lesser of two evils because If there were a family or party crew above me, I’d lose sleep).
2. Contributors to travel induced flares include- heavy luggage, long lines, walking long distances in airports while dragging carry-ons, loss of sleep, change of time zones, bad eating habits on the road, the general stress of travel and just pushing myself too hard in the name of fun;
3. Needs Assessment- I need to mitigate the contributing factors to prevent or minimize symptoms from getting out of control;
4. Action Plan-Incoporate strategies that will reduce exhaustion, poor sleep and nutrition habits, increase hydration and better manage physical exertion and limitations.
I really cannot do much about the flight schedules for the week that I am flying. I always fly into the small airport in Aguadilla, which is about 40 minutes north of Rincon. The majority of the arriving flights come in between 1am and 4am. Jet Blue did start working with Cape Air to provide connecting flights from San Juan to Mayaguez (about 20 minutes from Rincon) at more reasonable hours. However, these flights were outrageous this time of year (like 3 times more expensive than more already steep ticket). I did get a hotel close to the Aguadilla airport when I arrive at 4am. I’ve done that in the past, and it helps. I have also gotten better about sleeping on the plane ( probably because of the CFS thing!). I have my extra- legroom seats and access to a club lounge during the layovers in Laguardia, and I plan on spreading out the best I can. So, it is what it is.
I called a friend down there to tell him when I’d be getting into town and asked for help getting my luggage and groceries upstairs. I’ve also been thinking a lot about my luggage. I always wear the same things when I am there, but pack like I’m never coming home (Freudian-perhaps?). This time I have to get everything into a small rollerboard that is not too heavy. Since my shoe options have been significantly limited due to Fibro pain, I’m thinking I can definitely swing it. I will check that bag right away, and bring a small carry on bag.
I am going to take more advantage of the great kitchen at the house, and cook more WHOLE30 approved breakfasts and lunches to help with dietary needs. I’m generally pretty good about dinners there because I end up having fantastic fresh seafood and fresh veggies. Breakfast is my downfall and lunch can get sketchy if I lay on the beach for too long without eating. So- no mas panaderías and no mas empanadas off of the great food truck near the beach 
.
When it comes to physical activity, this is where I push myself too hard. I love paddle boarding. I own a great 11ft Jimmy Lewis board that I take out at the beach around the corner from me here at home. Unfortunately, I could not muster the strength this summer to use it more than 3 times. Given I am just starting to rebuild my physical activity levels after a tough 2012, I have to accept that this may not be happening for me on this trip. If I do think I can swing it, I will have to limit myself to a couple of days (at most) for no longer than 20-30 minutes and only in flat water. I also will have to have somebody carry the board to the beach for me (they are heavy and big, and my 5″1 frame struggled to carry those boards before Fibro was part of the equation).
Surfing is out. Not much to say about that other than I love it and will miss it. I’m too weak to handle paddling out right now, and I’m not willing to risk drowning. I should note here that I’m not a good surfer anyways. I just really enjoy it ( when not being tossed around like a rag doll). I have not made any decisions on Scuba or snorkeling yet.
I won’t be out dancing until 4am. That’s no longer my scene. I’m very comfortable just chillin out on a bar stool. I just have to be comfortable saying goodnight when I’m tired and have a good sense of humor when others are trying to convince me to “buck up.” I quit drinking a couple of years ago because I noticed a direct correlation between alcohol and pain and exhaustion. I miss my Malbec wine and Amstel Lights, but the alternative is really just too painful. Although people were very curious when I consistently ordered soda water and a splash of cranberry last year (“No- I’m not in recovery.” ”Yes- one little drink does sound good, but I’m REALLY fine with my soda water.” ”No thank you; I don’t need a shot”), I think we have moved past that. I came out of the closet to folks over the summer.
Aside from all of the above, I know I just need to really pace myself, take frequent breaks, and accept that this is part of my life. No apologies and no embarrassment!
Now I’m looking for travel tips from you all. What types of things do you do to prevent problems when traveling? Oh- and any bathing suit top tips? Does anyone else find them really painful to wear? BTW- going topless is NOT an option.
Related articles
- 10 Caribbean destinations you can afford (usatoday.com)
- Vacation Spotlight on: PUERTO RICO (cmoneyspinner.wordpress.com)
So glad to hear you’ll be getting out into some sunshine. And, I’m jealous! When traveling, I now allow myself the rest of the “travel day” back and forth to do pretty much nothing. That gives me a little wiggle room and I don’t feel guilty for not “getting out and doing stuff” when we arrive or not “getting back into the swing of things” when we return. As for bathing suits, I have no advice. I find they are evil.
Lol! Yes- I agree about the suits. I have two weeks to go to get into one, and I’m hoping I can get the rest of those lbs off because I think a bandeau top will be the most comfortable. If not, I’ll have to bust into my fine collection of tankini’s and they hurt my neck so bad. Great advice! The last couple of times I’ve arrived, I’ve told my friends there that I won’t be out until the next day. I have no problem lounging on the roof deck and relaxing. I should bring some fun magazines! But you did just remind me about coming home. I need to make sure that I have prepped for that Monday’s class prior to even leaving on this trip! Thank you!
By the way, how’d you discover this particular getaway destination? My husband and I are looking to a sunny getaway…maybe…I just don’t have the energy to research any. :-/
You two should definitely check it out. I love Rincon, and it keeps getting more popular (much to my dismay). It was just voted in the Top Ten Caribbean Vacations You Can Afford by USA Today. I found it a few years back. I was just coming out of a serious relationship and dreading the holidays and winter. I had the month of January off from school, and my consulting contracts at that time could be managed from just about anywhere that had internet. I wanted to go some place sunny and warm and some place I could afford to be for close to a month. Through a lot of late night internet searching, I stumbled upon this little town. As soon as I read the descriptions, I knew this town was for me. The first day there, I went down to the Shipwreck Bar and Grill for lunch (http://www.rinconshipwreck.com/AHOY/HOME.html). It is your typical beach bar/restaurant with a gravel/shell floor. There was a still decorated Christmas tree near the entrance, and I fell in love.
Julie, I’ve been checking it out and I’m just dying over it! I think we really must go. We’re looking into flights and places to stay…the places to stay part is a bit overwhelming.
Sarah,
I love it there. Check out VRBO. I have never stayed in a hotel there, so I cannot comment on them. However, if you value sleep, I’d stay away from the lower priced hotels in Puntas. They cater to the young surfers who party all night, surf the morning shift, sleep all day, surf again and start all over.
I stay in Ensenada, which I love. It is beautiful there. You do need to get a rental car. These are the two houses that I stay in when I am there: http://www.vrbo.com/382810 and http://www.vrbo.com/68418. They are both great, and both have fabulous owners.
Corcega is more of a family neighborhood. They have great beaches, but the neighborhood itself is not as esthetically pleasing as Ensenada ( in my opinion). Keep me posted and let me know if you need help with the best airlines and travel routes. I’m excited for you!
If you do book something, I’ll give you some great tips of places to check out while there!!
Bizarrely enough, this just showed up in my reader:
http://www.stylelushblog.com/2013/01/swim-shirts.html
Ha! The universe is conspiring
Very cool!
Hi girl. Okay, so I’d love those tips you might have on Rincon! Haven’t made a final decision about where we’re staying, but have a reservation at Villa Cofresi…know anything about it? I’m wondering about renting a house/condo instead…but really want to be on the beach. SO, so excited. For all of us, in fact! Ha.
I know the Cofressi pretty well. Great Coconut drinks and a really nice beach. I learned to paddleboard there! It’s fun, but loud. I just called my friend to ask him about it. Ironically, he was at the Cofressi when I called. Very loud, and the rooms are nearby. Great action- maybe not so great R&R, although I do think it would would down by 11pm. Check out this rental. It’s not directly on the beach, but the beach is literally right there. It’s also my favorite beach in Rincon,Tres Palmas and Steps. I know the place bc I stay right in the same neighborhood. http://www.vrbo.com/292720 Let me know how you make out!
Okay, good to know. That’s what I’m gathering now…I love the rental you suggest. I just emailed to ask about availability. I’m finding a lot of people don’t update their VRBO calendars that often. I hope it’s available!
So, I just looked further on VRBO, and, um, I think I have some much better ideas now!
Great!!! I swear by it!
I hope it works out for you!! It’s a great little neighborhood!!
Julie, I’m waiting on a reply from the owner of the place you recommended. I’m also looking at one in Corcega Beach area…do you know it or know of it?
The beach is beautiful! When you pull into the neighborhood you may be a bit like “What have we done?” However, it is very safe and many of the beachfront properties are very nice. Neighbors are friendly. I met some folks from NH last year that rented there and loved it! I would definitely stay there as well. Amazing place to watch the sunsets!
Okay…here’s the one I’m considering. http://www.vrbo.com/122477 Tell me honestly, is it a not-very-nice neighborhood?
I was going to recommend this one! I know exactly where it is as my friend lives around the corner. The neighborhood is fine, just not as esthetically pleasing when you first drive in..However, in my travels, I have come to appreciate that many Caribbean locals may not appear postcard perfect. I would stay there! The beach is great. The Cofressi is right there, and you can use their chairs- just buy a drink. Wherever you go in Rincon, be prepared for stray dog, cats and roosters in the street. It’s part of the charm, and there is a pretty active animal rescue effort. Last year you could go to Calypso for Happy Hour and walk away with a puppy!!!
Okay, it’s a done deal. That’s where we’re staying. The owner seems lovely. It’ll be a great retreat, I think. Thanks so much for your help!
Oh! And that one you recommended I’ve contacted 3 times! To no avail!