9 Secrets Every Fibromyalgia Traveler Needs to Know

Travelling with fibromyalgia can feel like a big challenge, but it doesn’t have to stop you from exploring the world. With some thoughtful planning, you can manage your symptoms while still enjoying your adventures. Here’s how to make your trip as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

1. Plan Ahead: Set Yourself Up for Success

The best way to make travelling with fibromyalgia easier is by planning. That means booking accommodations and transportation that cater to your needs and purchasing travel insurance in case anything goes wrong.

• Accommodation: Look for hotels or rentals close to the attractions you want to visit, and if possible, near public transport. This minimizes the amount of walking you’ll need to do.
• Travel Insurance: Make sure you have insurance that covers medical issues related to chronic pain. I recommend SafetyWing for affordable coverage that’s perfect for travellers with fibromyalgia.
• Pre-Travel Checklist: It’s helpful to have a checklist for all the essential items you’ll need—medications, pain relief tools, and anything that helps you manage symptoms.

2. Pack Light and Smart

Packing light isn’t just about convenience—it’s about reducing strain on your body. Overpacking means you’ll be lugging around extra weight, which will only increase your fatigue and pain.

• Pack Versatile Outfits: Stick to clothes that can be mixed and matched. This will give you more outfit options without adding extra weight to your luggage.
• Essential Items: Don’t forget pain relief items like your preferred medications, heat pads, or a travel pillow. Snacks and water are also must-haves to avoid fatigue from hunger or dehydration.
• Travel-Sized Essentials: You don’t want to overburden your bag, but make sure you have everything that supports your well-being on hand.

3. Choose the Right Transportation

Getting from point A to point B can be a challenge when you live with chronic pain, so choosing the right transportation is key.

• Rent a Car When Possible: Renting a car gives you the flexibility to stop whenever you need to rest. It also reduces the stress of navigating crowded public transport or carrying luggage through busy train stations.
• Public Transport: If renting a car isn’t an option, do your research. Look up train stations or bus routes to see if there are any shortcuts that will help reduce your walking. Try to avoid transfers or long waits if possible.
• Book Tickets in Advance: Skip the lines by booking tickets to museums, tours, and activities in advance. This way, you can avoid standing in long queues that can drain your energy before you even begin your day.

4. Find Comfortable Accommodations

Where you stay can significantly affect how well you manage your pain while traveling. After all, a good night’s sleep is essential to a good day of sightseeing.

• Focus on Comfort: Look for accommodations with comfortable beds. If you prefer a firmer mattress, don’t hesitate to request one in advance.
• Location: Stay somewhere near the attractions you plan to visit or close to public transportation. You’ll save energy and have more time to enjoy the sights.
• Hotel Amenities: If you need extra help managing your pain, check if the hotel offers amenities like room service, elevators, blackout blinds, or even a hot tub for relaxation.

5. Pace Yourself

When you have fibromyalgia, it’s easy to overdo it without even realizing it. The key is to pace yourself and listen to your body.

• Slow Travel: Take your time exploring each destination. Don’t cram too many activities into one day. Slow travel means more time to relax, take breaks, and really enjoy your surroundings.
• Plan Breaks: Plan for down time every day. Whether it’s a nap, a coffee break, or just a quiet moment in a park, make sure you schedule in periods of rest to keep your energy up.
• Avoid Stairs and Inclines: Research the places you’ll be visiting and see if there are any stairs or steep inclines you need to avoid. If you’re visiting a popular spot like Sacré-Cœur in Paris, check for alternative routes or consider using a taxi to get to the top.

6. Be Mindful of Crowds and Noise

For many people with fibromyalgia, crowds and noise can be overwhelming, so it’s important to choose activities and times that minimize sensory overload.

• Arrive Early: Visiting popular attractions early in the day helps you avoid the rush of tourists. You’ll get a calmer, more peaceful experience.
• Avoid Peak Hours: If you can, travel during the off-season when there are fewer tourists. Not only will it be easier on your body, but it’ll likely save you money, too.
• Quiet Spaces: Look for less crowded spots, like hidden gems, that allow you to take in the local culture without the noise and chaos.

7. Rest and Recovery: Don’t Skip It

One of the most important things to remember when traveling with fibromyalgia is that rest is essential. Your body needs time to recharge so you can enjoy the next adventure.

• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for at least 8 hours of rest each night. A lack of sleep will only make your symptoms worse the next day, so prioritize a comfortable, quiet place to sleep.
• Rest During the Day: Take it easy when needed. Whether it’s sitting down to rest or taking a short nap, don’t feel guilty about slowing down.
• Sleep Aids: If noise or light is an issue, bring earplugs, an eye mask, or use a white noise app to help you sleep better.

8. Consider Using Mobility Aids

Fibromyalgia often causes reduced mobility, and there’s no shame in using tools that can help you enjoy your trip more comfortably.

• Wheelchairs and Scooters: Many attractions offer free wheelchair rentals, or you can rent one for your entire trip. Wheelchairs are especially helpful when you want to see large sites like museums or parks without exhausting yourself.
• Mobility Assistance at Airports: Most airports provide wheelchair assistance, and it’s usually available free of charge. Request it when you check in for your flight or even beforehand.

9. Final Tips for Traveling with Fibromyalgia

• Hydration and Snacks: Keep water and snacks with you at all times. Traveling can sometimes mean long gaps between meals, and not eating regularly can trigger fatigue and pain.
• Medications: Stick to your medication schedule as closely as possible, and bring extra medication in case of delays or travel hiccups. Set alarms to remind you when to take them.
• Listen to Your Body: Above all, listen to your body. If you need to rest, rest. If you need to slow down, slow down. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to managing fibromyalgia while traveling, so find what works for you.

Conclusion: Travel with Confidence

Traveling with fibromyalgia is entirely possible—it’s just about finding the right balance between exploring and taking care of yourself. Plan ahead, pace yourself, and prioritize rest, and you’ll be able to create amazing memories without sacrificing your health. Don’t let fibromyalgia hold you back—embrace the journey, and enjoy the world on your terms.

Safe travels!