Traveling With Chronic Conditions—Expert Tips For Stress-Fee Vacations

It can be daunting to travel with chronic health conditions. Time changes, lost medicine and unknown ingredients in food can leave many thinking they are better off staying at home. Yet according to these professionals, with careful planning and proper precautions, travel can be a safe option for all.

The reality of traveling with chronic health issues is that you must plan ahead. “Make sure that you have all of your medication, plus extra in case the trip is extended or delayed,” says Dr. Heather Hinshelwood , an emergency medicine physician based in Hilton Head, South Carolina. “If you are chronically on controlled substances, this is especially true. Many states and institutions have rules prohibiting the refill of chronic controlled substances by anyone other than the managing physician.”

They key to traveling with a chronic condition? Involve your doctor in the planning process. These experts weigh in.

8 Tips for Planning Ahead

“Many of my clients with chronic conditions want to travel and for most people, it is doable with advance planning,” says Dr. Gerda S. Maissel, MD, board-certified in both physical medicine and rehabilitation, and Founder of My MD Advisor. Here are Dr. Maissel’s top tips.

1. When possible, travel with someone else. This might mean inviting a niece or nephew to come with you or hiring a nurse travel companion.
2. Avoid an overpacked itinerary. People with chronic illnesses may need a day off to recover from a demanding day.
3. Bring your medications with you in the original prescription bottles as much as possible. Bring extra medications in case you are delayed returning, and keep your medications in your carry-on. Consider which medications you only take occasionally when needed, and bring some of them with you just in case.
4. Plan for emergencies by checking out the availability of hospitals where you are going . Not every location has good healthcare a block away.
5. Prevent blood clots by wearing compression socks , doing ankle pumps, and, if your doctor agrees, taking a baby aspirin before you fly
6. Check with your physician about any special precautions and time frames for traveling. Some people receive treatments and shouldn't travel immediately afterwards
7. Don't be embarrassed about taking advantage of airport help such as an escort, wheelchair transport, or early boarding. These often have to be arranged ahead of time.
8. Have a card in your wallet with the highlights of your medical history and a list of your doctors and their phone numbers in case something serious happens, and you are unable to provide your medical history.

8 Tips for Travelers with Food Allergies

“Food allergies are estimated to affect between 3% to 10% of adults worldwide,” says Dr. Stephanie Kayode, Allergy Physician at Allergy Care London . Travelling with food allergies can be a daunting prospect with real risks of developing severe and life-threatening allergic reactions away from home. If a reaction occurs abroad, the situation can be worsened by navigating unfamiliar locations and foods, different languages, and sometimes being far from medical care. All of this can delay treatment and lead to more severe reactions.

“Travelling with allergies requires extra planning and consideration,” notes Dr. Kayode. "To mitigate the risks, in my clinical practice, I recommend always carrying essential and emergency medications, communicating your needs, and staying vigilant, so you can enjoy your trip safely.” She recommends these tips for travelers with food allergies.

1. Prepare before you go by researching your destination, notifying airlines or transport providers about your allergies and ensuring you have travel insurance that covers allergic reactions.
2. Find the nearest emergency department while abroad and know the number of the local emergency services.
3. Make sure the emergency medication you will take with you on holiday is not expired and learn the key phrases related to food allergies, ingredients and potential allergens in the local language.
4. Pack safe snacks and hygiene supplies, such as wipes, to prevent cross-contact.
5. While on the plane, always carry allergy emergency medication in your hand luggage so it is readily accessible at all times.
6. Do not hesitate to communicate clearly with airline staff, restaurant personnel, and accommodation providers.
7. Use translation cards when needed. These handy pocket-sized cards contain translated allergy information of your choice, ensuring you can communicate your allergy needs to food staff while abroad.
8. Familiarize yourself with local ingredients, dishes, and emergency services, and consider self-catering or allergy-friendly accommodations when possible.

4 Tips for Migraine and Vertigo Sufferers

“I focus on treating dizziness, vertigo, and chronic headaches, so patients and I do a lot of active problem solving around their travel plans,” says Jimmy Pang, doctor of physical therapy and founder of Pang Physical Therapy in San Diego, California. Here are his top tips.

1. While traveling with a health condition can make things more difficult, for many it is still very doable. The most important thing is to plan ahead. Call and verify with the airline about disability accommodations such as wheelchair transport, priority boarding or seat considerations.
2. Don't overlook ground transportation. Make sure that you are able to get in and out of the car safely, whether independently or with help from a caregiver.
3. For migraine patients, have your abortive medications ready as well as a "rescue kit" consisting of items such as sunglasses, caps, and aromatherapy to manage any potential attacks.
4. The best way to prepare is to do a practice run, ideally under the guidance of a therapist. You don’t have to drive to the airport but can practice getting in and out of a car, simulate airplane aisles at home and actively problem solve any other potential hurdles. Practicing ahead of time helps identify challenges and build confidence before the actual trip.

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By Judy Koutsky, Contributor