Traveling with Challenges: How One Woman Makes the World Work for Her

Go Far, Girl: Episode 6 with Annalaura Brown

When Annalaura Brown joins you for a conversation, one thing becomes clear: she’s not waiting for perfect conditions. As the host of the Autoimmune Rehab podcast, Annalaura has spent years finding ways to live fully and travel boldly while managing the challenges of an autoimmune condition. And she’s here to remind women that there’s always a way if you want to travel.

From Road Trips to the Runway
Growing up as the oldest of eight children in Utah, Annalaura’s travel beginnings were rooted in long road trips to visit extended family across California, Nebraska, and Iowa. With flights out of reach financially, her family made it work with what they had: a car, a map, and time. Those early days sparked a desire to see more of the world.

She remembers one of the first flights at ten years old, flying to California with her grandmother. That trip planted a seed, but it wasn’t until she saw The Amazing Race in the early 2000s that the fire really caught. Watching people chase challenges around the world lit a spark, and she started crafting her own bucket list.

Traveling with Autoimmune Challenges
Annalaura lives with Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune disorder that impacts the thyroid and can lead to extreme fatigue and other health challenges. Diagnosed in 2018, she reflects on the years prior when travel felt impossible due to exhaustion. “I went through a phase in life where I really couldn’t travel,” she shares. “Now that I’m more or less in remission, I’m able to do so much more — but I still have to plan with care.”

Intentional travel became her new approach: building rest days into her itinerary, not overbooking, and letting go of the pressure to see it all. “You don’t need to pack three major sights into a day. Choose what’s meaningful and give yourself grace to slow down.”

Why France Stole Her Heart
Annalaura started learning French at just four years old, attending an immersion school and growing up around native speakers. Her connection to the language and culture made France a dream destination, one she’s returned to four times.

While Paris is a must for any first-time visitor, she says the real magic happens beyond the capital. “I love Normandy more than Paris,” she confesses. “There’s less noise, fewer crowds, and much rich history.” She also recommends the Loire Valley, especially for solo women, thanks to its castles, calm pace, and manageable size.

Top Tips for Traveling with Health Concerns
Annalaura doesn’t sugarcoat it: traveling with an autoimmune condition takes planning. But it’s doable. Her advice?

• Build in rest days.
• Be realistic with your energy and schedule.
• Boost your immune system before and after trips.
• Don’t try to do everything — focus on what truly matters to you.

She also reminds women to stop letting fear be the default setting. “If you want to go, you’ll find a way to make it happen,” she says. “Ask yourself: do I want it badly enough to push through the discomfort? Because if the answer is yes, you’ll do it.”

Her Favorite Travel Lesson
“I’m more open than I thought I’d be,” she says with a laugh, recounting her experience trying escargot in France. “You’d be surprised what you’re willing to try when you’re out in the world.” That open-mindedness has led her to unexpected places — and delicious discoveries.

What’s Next for Annalaura?
She’s heading to Sicily on a company-sponsored trip and has her sights set on a cruise to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco in 2026. She’s also the author of a Kindle book on budget travel in France, packed with practical tips and personal insight.

Final Word to Women Dreaming of Travel
“Just go,” she says. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. Group trips, solo adventures, whatever works for you — don’t let fear or logistics stop you. There’s a way to make it happen.”