How to Travel More Comfortably With Health Challenges, From Back Pain to Anxiety

Whether you’re seeking novelty or some well-earned relaxation, there’s nothing quite like travel. Part of the appeal is leaving your routines, responsibilities, and stress behind in search of not just new places but also new sides of yourself. Unfortunately, you can’t leave your ailments at home, but managing your health while away doesn’t have to be a killjoy.

According to Blen Tesfu, MD, a London-based physician, health issues can be exacerbated when travelers are out of their usual routines. “By staying hydrated, remaining on top of their medication schedule, consuming balanced meals, and allowing for plenty of rest, a traveler can take care of themselves much better while on vacation and have a safer, healthier trip in general,” she says.

With a little extra planning and some strategic packing, you can savor that dream vacation without the stress. To help you get the most out of your next trip, we identified five common health issues and several thoughtfully selected products for managing each one while traveling — including picks tested and approved by the Everyday Health team.

Travel with a food allergy can be intimidating, even for those extremely well-versed in coping with trigger foods at home. Your priority should be to pack any medications you need and consult your doctor if necessary, but these additional items can also help streamline the travel experience and provide peace of mind.

If you’re one of the growing number of Americans taking injectable medications, such as a GLP-1 or insulin, you’ll want to plan ahead to ensure you know how to store and administer them on the go, as well as manage any side effects.

Florida-based internist George W. Carroll, MD, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Director at GLPrelief, advises those on GLP-1s to speak with their provider to map out where their next injection falls before they book. “For trips under a week, most patients do best keeping their injection on home-time-zone dosing. For longer trips, ask your clinician whether a small shift makes sense before you go,” he says.

While mobility limitations can make certain aspects of travel more complicated, some careful planning will help streamline your experience. Talking to your transport provider and hotel in advance of your departure will ensure they’re ready to assist you, and you can find myriad resources for travelers with disabilities on the U.S. Department of State website. Additionally, investing in products like these can make a world of difference.

What Should Travelers Discuss With Their Doctor Before Booking a Trip?

If you have a chronic condition that might be affected by factors like time zones, sleep schedules, altitude, temperature, or food intake, it’s a good idea to consult your physician before the trip.

“In the case of patients that are on insulin, GLP-1s, blood pressure meds, hormones, etc., they should discuss medication schedules,” says Meena Malhotra, MD, a double-board-certified physician based in Illinois.

Rather than a time of day, which can get tricky with time-zone changes, she suggests choosing a specific number of hours between doses or taking meds right after a daily meal so you don’t forget. Additionally, “if you lose the meds or something unexpected happens in another country, they won’t accept a prescription from an MD that’s abroad,” Dr. Malhotra adds, so stock up on prescribed and over-the-counter medications before departure.

What Medical Documents or Information Should Travelers Always Carry With Them?

When you arrive at Customs and Border Protection, officers may want to see a signed doctor’s note before they allow medications into the country. “In many cases, I've heard of customs taking away the meds because the patient doesn’t have a prescription, or people desperately calling their MDs from the airport to get the required paperwork,” says Malhotra. She also advises that people keep a list of all their medications, doses, medical conditions, history of surgeries, emergency contacts — including their doctor’s number — and even recent lab results. “Keep a digital copy of it in your cell and a printed one on you, in your wallet,” she says.

What’s the Best Way to Prepare for a Medical Emergency While Abroad?

Don’t depart without buying comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses while you’re abroad and your transportation home if necessary. Additionally, says Dr. Tesfu, “find out where your nearest hospital or clinic will be in advance. Understanding how to contact emergency services at your destination can be an important factor when something happens that requires immediate medical treatment.”