Christmas Travel Tips For Cancer Patients

Christmas has a way of calling us home—toward family gatherings, familiar traditions, and the comfort of being surrounded by the people who lift us up. For others, it’s a moment to slip away somewhere peaceful and soak in a change of scenery after a long year. But when cancer enters the picture, the simple act of travelling—something once effortless—can feel layered with challenges. Planning becomes more intentional, energy becomes precious, and health and safety move to the centre of every decision. Yet even with these added complexities, many people still long for connection, celebration, and a sense of normality. With the right preparation and support, Christmas travel can still be meaningful, manageable, and full of warmth.

Talk to Your Doctor

Even if you’re only travelling a few hours away, it’s important you talk to your doctor and care team before you go away. They can decide whether you’re fit to travel based on your current treatment stage and overall health. They can also tell you when it will be safest to travel - like between treatment cycles, and plan your treatments around Christmas travelling if needed. They can also suggest specific precautions you might need to take, and provide any written clearance for things like airlines if you need them. 

Managing Your Medications

One of the things you should discuss with your doctor is your medications. They can provide you with guidance on travelling safely, adjust your treatment schedule, and give you a letter with the details of your care team for emergencies. They can also make sure you have a sufficient supply of any medications you need for your time away, so that you don’t run out. You should keep this in it's original packaging, especially if you’re travelling abroad. 

As well as your prescribed medications, you should also stock up on any over-the-counter medicines you might need. Pain relief, nausea relief and digestive issue medications. If you have any medical devices (like a glucose monitor or thermometer), make sure they’re packed safely and you have all the accessories you need. Pack smart, and make sure anything you could possibly need, you have.

Managing Fatigue

One of the biggest side effects of both cancer and its treatment is fatigue. Doing even the simplest things can feel draining, so you need to plan in ways of managing it. Prioritise rest, and listen to your body when it’s telling you to slow down. Delegate tasks where you can. Having someone else take on shopping, cooking or decorating can be a huge help. Stay hydrated and eat well, and make sure you have plenty of comfortable clothes on hand!

This can be a nice time to create new family traditions together, especially if you’re struggling to keep up with your normal traditions. Maybe a quiet movie night, having a cosy dinner at home, or crafting decorations together. New traditions can be a wonderful way to celebrate the season without the pressure of past routines or expectations.

Keep Yourself Safe

If you’re going through treatments for cancer, like chemotherapy, then there are some added risks to travelling. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it, it just means you need to be careful and plan ahead before you leave. For example, make sure you pack enough face masks so that you can wear them whenever you go out in public. Practice frequent handwashing, or use hand sanitizer regularly. If any of your family or the people you’re visiting are showing signs of illness, avoid them where possible. Basic things like this can stop you from contracting infections while you’re away.

You should also create a plan in case of a medical emergency. We don’t like to think about it, but cancer doesn’t play nice, and you want to make sure there’s a plan in place in case of unexpected health issues. This plan should include:

• The locations and contact numbers of nearby hospitals or clinics.

• Check if your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions like cancer.

• Keep an emergency contact card with you at all times.

• Make sure anyone travelling with you, or anyone you’re visiting knows about your condition and what to do in an emergency.

  
  

Prioritise Rest

Christmas can be a stressful time of year (both physically and mentally) as it is, without cancer being added to the mix. So while travelling to visit loved ones or just get away for a while can be incredibly good for the soul, you need to make sure you plan in time for rest. Cancer treatments often bring with them pain, fatigue, nausea and other side effects that need management and care. Don’t be afraid to prioritise self-care like naps, relaxation and time to recharge between activities. Enlist your family members to help plan things around your energy levels, allowing for quiet moments without guilt or pressure.

As you think about how to navigate Christmas in a way that supports your health, your comfort, and your peace of mind, it’s worth remembering the heart of Jill’s fundraising journey. Our mission is to give cancer patients the chance to pause—to escape the weight of treatment and enjoy a restorative break with the people they love. Thanks to that effort, free holidays are available for those who could benefit from time away, and there are still a few last-minute slots open for this Christmas. If a gentle, much-needed getaway feels right for you or someone close to you, this could be the perfect opportunity to make space for rest, joy, and a different kind of holiday tradition.