Traveling with Migraines - Tips

No one wants to be waylaid by a migraine, especially when traveling. But even the best-planned trip can be stressful and take you out of your routine, putting you on the path to one. You can do a few things to help keep your next trip migraine-free.

• Avoid rushing. Plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination.

• Pack a migraine bag. Include necessary migraine medications and refills, vitamins, supplements, healthy snacks, water or water bottle, anti-nausea items, sickness bags, eye mask, earplugs or headphones, charcoal face mask (if you are sensitive to smells), polarized sunglasses, instant cold packs, essential oils, wet wipes, pill cutter, etc.

• Sleep well. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and make every effort to get enough sleep, especially the night before you leave.

• Eat right. Carry healthy snacks with you. It’s fun to indulge in the local cuisine but beware of potential food triggers - chocolate, cheese, red wine, citrus, soy sauce, sugar, artificial sweeteners. Stick to a regular eating schedule.

• Drink water. Staying hydrated is very important, especially if you are flying.

• Wear sunglasses. Use polarized sunglasses or try tinted lenses like the ones with FL-41 tint. Or wear an eye mask.

• Use earplugs or headphones.

• Give yourself time to rest and decompress when you arrive at your destination.