You CAN Travel: Travel Tips for Chronic Migraineurs

Chronic intractable daily migraines have changed my life significantly, and I thought I wouldn't be able to travel, but with these tips and tricks, it IS possible. I hope these tips can help you prepare to travel and have fun on your adventures.

What to bring:

- Medications and supplements. Bring a few days extra just in case your stay is prolonged a bit just like my last trip was. If you are flying, keep your meds with you instead of checking them. If your checked bag gets lost, at least you have your meds.

- Keeping hydrated is so important, so bring your favorite drink (I have a huge addiction to LaCroix), or if you are flying bring a reusable water bottle to fill up, once you get through security. - In addition to staying hydrated, pack healthy snacks so you can eat regularly. You never know if you'll be delayed or running late and not be able to grab a meal. I like Rx Bars (high in protein, real ingredients, Paleo approved), dark chocolate (a great mood booster), gluten free granola, and a protein shake (I love my In.Form pea protein powder cause I'm supposed to be off dairy. Paired with Vital Proteins collagen creamer for a collagen boost and some extra fat (MCT oil) to keep full plus Designs for Health GI Revive to keep my gut happy and healthy). If I'm flying, I prepare the shakes in snack baggies to cut down on weight and leave more room in my suitcase for other things. - Reusable ice packs (or heat packs - whichever you like) are absolutely essential or my much loved Headache Hat if I'm driving. - I also make sure I have sunglasses, light blocking face mask (I love my Meye Mask), my favorite essential oils (lavender, peppermint, frankincense and copaiba), and Biofreeze.

Let's talk germs:

Getting sick on vacation is awful, but it is so much worse with a chronic condition. If you are flying or visiting friends or family with kids, make sure and take a antimicrobial preventative like echinacea or vitamin C (I like Youngevity's Immu 911 because it has zinc, vitamin C, echinacea, beta glucan, and mushroom extracts). Even more important: WASH YOUR HANDS as often as possible, especially before eating or taking medicine, and preferably with non antibiotic soap. If you are immunocompromised (extra susceptical to germs), you may need to wear a face mask in highly populated areas such as the airport, plane, and concerts or large events.

Traveling by plane:

The altitude, pressure, and turbulence (not to mention loud people or crying babies) can trigger a migraine. Plan to arrive a bit early to the airport so you can grab some water, snacks, and use the restroom. Give yourself the time to prevent having to run/hurry to the gate. I like to pre medicate before take off to prevent a migraine (please consult your doctor before taking any medication while traveling). Bring some earplugs or headphones with music (my preference) if you are sound sensitive, an eye mask for sleeping or blocking light, water to keep hydrated and for ear popping. If it is a long flight, make sure you get up and move around when possible to prevent stiffness and blood pooling in the legs. For an overnight flight, a head rest pillow, blanket and something to help you sleep makes it much easier to sleep. And don't forget germ prevention!

Traveling by car:

I often drive alone, because I enjoy driving and it is so much more laid back. Whether you're driving or riding, these tips can help turn a boring drive into a fun and relaxing drive. Books on tape keep me awake. I use the app Audible by Amazon, that way all I need is my phone. Stop often. I usually stop every 3-4hrs for gas, the restroom, food and to stretch my legs. Stop if you are feeling sleepy or having a bad attack. I keep a pillow and blankets in the car so I can stop and sleep a bit if needed. Bring healthy snacks to avoid a fast food stop. Add a portable essential oil diffuser to your ride. Peppermint totally helps keep me awake and also lowers the intensity of my migraines.

Try to keep your routine the same. This is so hard to do when you are having fun, and sometimes can't be helped, but it is worth it to prevent a horrendous attack. Go to bed when you normally do and eat at the same times. Try not to skip meals. In a case of jet lag, make a plan to rest and recuperate, then try to get back to your normal routine.

Take your time. Don't plan vacations that don't include any down time. Plan to rest, you need it. Don't think you need to do absolutely everything. Even without a chronic illness, that is near impossible. Allow yourself to rest - isn't that what vacation is all about, anyhow?

Lastly, and one of my most important travel tips is to travel with or visit friends or family that really understand you, and that you may or may not be able to do everything. I've experienced the bad and good side of this. Last year I went on a family trip to Lake Tahoe. I had a horrendous migraine from the start. I have no idea how I managed to get there in the first place. Once there, I spent the first three days in my room because I was so bad. I couldn't eat much, only snack. My sisters absolutely didn't understand and were angry with me for not spending time with them, helping with meals, and the kids. It made the "vacation" more stressful, which just made the migraines worse. Since then, I have driven to Colorado and Wisconsin. Both times I have stayed with friends that understand that I need to rest often, need a cool (I'm super sensitive to heat) and dark (I'm also extremely sensitive to light) room, and that I may get a bad migraine which means I'm not going to participate that day. When I visit my bestie in WI, she even helps feed, potty, and snuggle Ruby, my dog, which means the absolute world to me.

So get out there, travel as much as your heart desires (or in my case, as much as I can afford), pack well, and take your time. But above all, have fun!

What helps you when you travel? Where have you traveled, and what's next up on your bucket list?

*Please consult your doctor before traveling, taking any medications or supplements, or implementing anything new. These tips are based solely on my previous experience.

**I am not receiving any compensation from any of the brands I have mentioned above with the exception being Youngevity (the company I have partnered with).

#travel #travelwithmigraine #chronicmigraine