Tips for Traveling with Fibromyalgia

Travel has become a part of life for many. For some, it’s part of their job. But for others, it’s all for leisure and enjoyment. Making memories and seeking adventure and knowledge. But, if you are one with Fibromyalgia, traveling can be painful. Here are some tips for traveling with Fibromyalgia so you can get out and enjoy travel and make memories.

For those with Fibromyalgia, the thought of travel can put a strain on them, and those around them. The planning, packing, act of actually traveling is all just too much for some. How can I say this? Well, I am a Fibro Warrior. I consider myself a warrior because I am am determined to not let it take away my life. To fully enjoy travel when you live with Fibromyalgia you need a healthy balance of quality and quantity.

Read on for all my tips to enjoy travel when you live with Fibromyalgia.

10 Tips for Traveling With Fibromyalgia. Don't let Fibromyalgia stop you from enjoying life. Taking travel one hour at a time and do what you can do.

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What is Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia manifests as a condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and mood fluctuations. Experts suggest that this disorder intensifies painful sensations by altering the processing of signals in the brain and spinal cord, affecting both painful and nonpainful stimuli.

Symptoms typically emerge following events such as physical trauma, surgery, infections, or significant psychological stress, although they can also accumulate gradually over time without a singular triggering incident. It’s worth noting that fibromyalgia tends to affect women more frequently than men, with many individuals experiencing additional conditions like tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression concurrently.

While a definitive cure for fibromyalgia remains elusive, various medications can assist in managing symptoms. Additionally, incorporating exercise, relaxation techniques, and stress reduction methods into one’s routine may offer relief and support in coping with this challenging condition.

Tips for Traveling with Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia isn’t something you can just take a course of medication for and it will go away. It’s a life long condition and it differs from person to person as far as the level of pain. Also, everyone is different and so one person’s pain might not be as bad as another persons. Plus, everyone deals differently and approaches their symptoms differently.

Let’s go over my top Tips for Traveling With Fibromyalgia. These are the same tips I use when we travel.

Plan Ahead

With all the technology these days a person can fully plan their travels before they travel. While this isn’t always ideal, depending on the type of travel, it can be a great help. Taking stress off before the travel starts.

Weeks before travel, start making lists. Packing lists so you don’t forget things. Lists for those caring for kids/pets/house. Also planning out your travel route, places you will stay, and even making all your reservations before you actually leave. If you RV like I do, sometimes the preplanning for places to stay isn’t easy, but it does help.

If you will be staying in one location for a while, check out online to see what’s in that area. Places to eat, things to do, stores to shop. Sometimes having all this written down or even a plan for each day takes a lot of stress off of the travel. Check out our booking tools for all sorts of booking help.

Many people with Fibro stick to a certain diet so check out restaurant menu’s online as well and you can even make reservations at places to be sure you can get in.

Packing Tips

Start a week or so before your trip by laying out things you know you need. Certain clothing and footwear, personal items, jewelry, hair care, makeup and medications. As mentioned above, make a list. I always have many lists going and I can tell you they really help.

Dress Comfortably

There is no need to dress like you are hitting the red carpet. Dress comfortably and don’t worry about what others might think. I love my leggings and when I travel, that is what I wear. They don’t dig, pull, pinch, or tug. Most times when you travel you are sitting for a while, and comfortable clothing matters. Halara has some of the most comfy clothing for travel.

Also a good idea to dress in layers. One never knows what an airplane might be as far as temperature so having layers is good. Layering also helps when on a road trip. My husband is always hot and I’m always cold so I wear comfortable layers.

Same with footwear while traveling. Leave the high heels at home and opt for comfortable footwear. Orthofeet offers some of the most comfy shoes for all sorts of activities.

Graphic Explaining Orthofeet Pain Relief Technology

Get Plenty of Rest

Dealing with Fibromyalgia means being tired a lot. Make sure you give yourself time to rest. Rest equals healing and your body needs time to heal. If you have Fibro you fully understand that sometimes doing absolutely nothing, is exhausting! So, just keep in mind there is nothing wrong with resting when you need or want.

Bring Your Own Food and Snacks

Many with Fibromyalgia keeps to a strict diet. If you are one who is watching the foods you eat it’s a good idea to pack items you like and know your body can handle. We never leave home without snacks.

One of my favorite things to do is order food subscription boxes. That way I get a ton of fun snacks to bring with on our travels and I don’t have to put much thought into it.

Keep Moving

A body in motion stays in motion. I’m sure you have heard that saying before. With a condition like Fibromyalgia it’s easy to not want to move. Staying fit and active is a huge help with Fibromyalgia. There are many things you can do when traveling to keep your body in motion. Walking, riding bike, swimming, hiking, and even doing some yoga on the beach will keep your body moving.

Schedule Down Time

Make sure those you are traveling with understand that there is a need for you to have downtime. Maybe that’s just relaxing by a pool or on the beach. Or maybe you need to retreat back to your hotel room early one night of your vacation. Regardless of what your “down time” means, make sure you take it. Pushing yourself isn’t helping you at all. Don’t over do it.

Plan Comfortable Outings

This is something I’ve had to drill into my head over the years. What do I mean? Well, for me I have learned that I cannot do long tours on boats or buses. I can’t sit for to long, or stand for to long. I also am one of the lucky ones where my bladder let’s me know I can’t be far from a bathroom (another symptom in the mile long list of symptoms for Fibro). Any time we venture from our hotel or RV I need to know where bathrooms are.

Pick and choose your outings by what your body is capable of doing. It’s not fun when you choose to do something that will only make you miserable. Making memories should be of fun things, not miserable times.

Bring Your Comfort Tools

If there are things you use at home to ease your pain, bring them when you travel. Maybe a heating pad, or a water bottle. For me it’s those heated rice packs. I love them, even when I’m in a warm area. They really ease my neck pain. Bring your medications, pain patches, creams, etc.