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If you have been recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia or are struggling with your symptoms, traveling (even a day trip) might seem daunting. Coping with chronic fatigue, pain or brain fog can make travel stressful if you are unprepared! This can be compounded if you are traveling alone, if you are driving or taking a new method of transportation for the first time. Despite the challenges, you CAN travel hassle free with fibromyalgia if you know how to prepare for your trip. The PatientsLikeMe Community has you covered! Let’s review some tips and tricks for traveling with fibromyalgia from our members so you can have a great time on your holiday!
Crowd Sourced Tips & Tricks from the PatientsLikeMe Community
1. Timing is everything.
If you tend to have flare ups or struggle during the hot summer months, choose a vacation during the cooler weather. Timing your trip in this way makes it that much easier for you to be comfortable and enjoy yourself. Even if you are planning a trip during the best season for you, be sure to check the weather predictions for your destination so you are fully prepared!
2. Research is critical.
The idea of an impromptu vacation sounds dreamy to many, but if you are living with chronic illness, this might not be best for you. Research your destination, your hotel and any activities that you might want to enjoy while you are there. If you have diet restrictions, research dining options as well. During your research, consider what you may need to feel your best, like how much walking you're comfortable doing each day, or how much time you'd like in between activities to rest.
I don't really plan a lot of activities during vacation. It's mostly more suggestions of what I'd like to do. That way if it happens or if it doesn't - either result is good."
PLM Community Member
3. Consider accommodations in advance.
If you know that you struggle with mobility or fatigue, use a mobility device to help you feel steady. Choose luggage with wheels if you know that carrying it will cause your symptoms to flare up. Some members suggest using a wheelchair at the airport to help conserve your energy. If you need help at the airport or hotel, plan it out! Research what you will need and how to obtain it while you are away. You can always call the airline or hotel with any questions you may have.
4. Medication storage.
Be sure you have packed enough medication for your entire trip, plus a little extra in case your transportation is delayed. It is super important to keep your treatment regime, even when you are away from home so you can continue to feel your best. Don’t forget, it is best to carry medications in your carry-on bag, and double check with the airline if you have questions about how it should be packed.
5. Rest up.
Look for ways to stop and rest throughout your journey and try to plan an agenda that won’t be overwhelming. It’s common to want to cram as much fun into your vacation as possible, but fibro patients need to be careful to not overdo it. If possible, try to have an extra day at the start of your vacation to prepare and another at the end to rest and recover before you go back to your regular schedule!
When I travel I know the day of getting there is going to be all that can happen. I rest as much as possible during each day and if I have to opt out for anything from energy crunch, pain, I do."
PLM Community Member
Enjoy Traveling Safely
Traveling with a chronic health condition might require a little extra research and planning, but it is not impossible! Use these tips and tricks to start planning the perfect vacation for you! Do you have more questions or your own tips and tricks to share? Be sure to create a free PatientsLikeMe account today!
