Travel Tips
I love to travel. I love experiencing new places and people and learning about customs, history, and cuisine. Traveling is something my family loves doing together. Unfortunately, traveling with a concussion, PCS, migraine, and/or chronic pain can be challenging and painful.
This summer I spent three weeks in South Africa and wanted to compile some of my travel tips and tricks, specifically for flying.
If you have any dietary restrictions, contact your airline well in advance for your special meal. Note that you must be specific; I discovered that one well-known non-US airline defines “non-dairy” quite differently and gave me low-fat milk.
Keep good packing lists -- make them over time. I find that I’ll think of something to pack at a random time and then forget by the time I get home and to my closet. I keep a list on the Notes on my phone leading up to a trip.
Make sure to pack all your medications so you can get them easily. Never pack medications in your checked luggage in case it gets lost, and also make sure your meds are easily accessible while you’re in your seat on the flight. The non-prescription medications I pack include Motrin, Tylenol, Tums, chewable Pepto Bismol. Dramamine may also help if motion triggers a headache for you. My mom is the best and always keeps these on hand as well for me.
Remember to pack eye shades and ear plugs or good headphones.
“Kool ’n’ Soothe Migraine Cooling Pads.” I found these at London Heathrow because I experienced bad neck pain after the first leg of my trip. These worked amazingly well! They’re little gel pads that you apply to your neck or forehead that are supposed to help with migraines. I initially just wanted them for my sore neck and shoulders but they helped to ward of migraines on the rest of the trip. I ordered a bunch on Amazon while I was there and will definitely keep these on hand for future flights. I also use them at home when I get migraines. Click here to buy them on Amazon.
Ask airlines for what you need. In the past, if I’ve had a really bad headache or migraine before boarding a flight I’ve gone up to the desk and explained the situation and asked if I could pre-board in order to get settled. If an extra pillow would help alleviate your back pain, a flight attendant may be able to find one for you.
Stay hydrated. Buying bottled water at the airport is highway robbery but I find that it’s worth it to spend $7 for a big bottle to bring on the plane. Then you don’t have to keep asking or waiting until flight attendants come around, and can sip and put the cap back on
Bring snacks. If you know low blood sugar or hunger exacerbates your symptoms, make sure to bring a snack from home or pick one up at the airport. That way you can sleep instead of dealing with the interminable wait for food service. Also plane food can be downright foul.
Ginger ale. I don’t enjoy soda but find that (real) ginger ale helps with nausea on flights.
The back up: I also always check that there’s a barf bag in my seat pocket just in case :)
Upgrade if at all possible for you. Being able to completely lower the seat in a quieter section to sleep can can make a big difference and could prevent migraines on a ten-hour or overnight flight. I realize this is just not possible for most of us.
Ask for help with your bags. I have neck, back, and arm pain from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, which is related to my concussion injuries. Luckily, I have an awesome dad who will always carry my bags for me. If I’m traveling alone I usually can find someone who is happy to put my luggage into the overhead compartment for me. You can also ask flight attendants for help.
Bring a neck pillow. I find that a good neck pillow helps me to not get a sore neck from sleeping upright. A comfy shoulder also helps.
Bring a hat with a brim and sunglasses on the plane. You might look like a Blues Brother but it can help if you’re in a window seat and hear the flight attendant’s dreaded words: “could you please open the shade for landing.” Also, people will definitely think you’re famous but it’s chill.
Relax. Read a good book or watch a good movie on the flight. This will help you to not think about pain or not be anxious about getting a migraine or being in pain. A good nap also is great.
Once you arrive at your much-anticipated destination, remember all your other trigger-prevention tricks! Don’t push yourself to see every sight in the country, and carve out time in calm, quiet locations.
Let me know your suggestions in the comments below! I’m always learning new tricks, and I’m sure other people will benefit from your knowledge.
Safe travels and good luck!
