Holiday Travel Tips for People With Chronic Illnesses

Holidays are for spending time with family and friends and celebrating. But if you have a long-term (chronic) health problem, traveling can add an extra layer of stress. Crowded airports, long car rides and full schedules can make it hard to stay healthy.

So how can you enjoy the holiday season without making your health worse? With some planning, you can travel safely, protect your health and focus on what is most important: making memories with loved ones.

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Check in with your health care provider

Before you pack your bags, make sure you’ve gone to all your medical appointments. This includes your regular provider and any other specialists you see.

“A pre-trip check-in a few weeks before you travel is a good idea for people with chronic conditions, even if you are feeling well,” said Jessica Majcherek, a family medicine nurse practitioner with Banner Health. “This will ensure any travel-related risks can be identified and immunizations and prescriptions can be prescribed, if needed.”

Ask your provider about:

Adjusting medication timing for new time zones
Extra prescriptions in case of delays
Special accommodations, like portable oxygen or mobility assistance
How your condition may react to flying or long drives

Pro tip: Ask your provider for a travel letter. This can include your medical history, medication list and any special instructions. Airlines and hotels may request this for accommodations.

This conversation ensures your trip is planned around your health, not just your schedule. It’s one thing to pack your meds. It’s another to make sure you won’t run into trouble while traveling.

Carry on your medication

“Medications should always be placed in carry-on luggage, never in checked bags,” Majcherek said. “Keep medications accessible so you can take them on schedule and quickly if needed.”

These include but aren’t limited to:

Insulin and diabetes supplies: Keep insulin and related testing tools in a soft cooler with a gel pack. Quick-acting glucose snacks should be within easy reach. Continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps should be flagged to airport security to ensure proper handling.

Inhalers: Bring your inhaler and a spare in your carry-on. Tell airport security you have an inhaler so it is screened correctly.

Heart medications: Keep them in your carry-on for easy access during long flights or drives.

“A clear, resealable plastic bag for all medications helps organize them and makes security checks smoother,” Majcherek said. “TSA doesn’t require medications to be in original bottles and will allow pill cases, but prescriptions in original bottles with medical labels are the safest.”

[Also read: These Expert Strategies Make It Easy to Travel With Your Medication.]

Pack a smart travel health kit

Beyond medications, pack some health essentials to prevent issues on the road:

Documents: Bring a list of medications, allergies, health conditions and your provider’s contact info. Carry insurance cards and store a digital backup on your phone.
Hydration: “Bring a refillable water bottle and aim to drink two liters of water,” Majcherek said.
Nutrition: “To prevent blood sugar swings, pack healthy snacks and follow a consistent eating schedule,” Majcherek said.
Protection and comfort: Face masks, hand sanitizer, alcohol wipes, a thermometer, sunscreen and a hat and sunglasses can help prevent illness or sun damage (even in the winter!). Compression socks, a travel pillow and supportive shoes improve comfort and reduce the risk of blood clots or falls.
Equipment accommodations: Check with your airline or hotel ahead of time for gate transportation, special seating, wheelchair access, refrigeration for medications or other needs.

Prepare for unexpected situations

Even with planning, things can go wrong. Plan for the unexpected:

Know local hospitals or urgent care centers: Research hospitals along your route or near your destination. If you will be overseas, contact the US embassy at your destination to locate medical services.
Travel insurance: Check whether your health insurance covers medical care abroad. Consider additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation.
Emergency contacts: Keep a list of family or friends who can help in case of a health emergency.
Medical ID bracelet: Consider wearing an ID bracelet that lists your doctor’s contact information.

International travel may require keeping medications in their original bottles, along with a prescription and a doctor’s note. Check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate for the country to which you are traveling.

Protect your health in public spaces

Airports, hotels, restaurants and holiday destinations can expose you to germs and hazards. Protect yourself with these steps:

Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer when needed.
Wipe high-touch surfaces like airplane trays and hotel room handles.
Avoid touching your face.
Use night lights in unfamiliar hotel rooms and wear non-slip, supportive shoes.
Stay aware of obstacles such as ice, uneven ground or curbs when walking.

“Use airport concierge services or arrange hotel accommodations in advance to make your journey smoother,” Majcherek said. “Pre-book wheelchairs, ramps, first-floor rooms or accessible seating to reduce stress and help prevent health issues.”

Manage stress during the holidays

Holiday travel can be stressful. Stress affects your health, so managing it is important.

Use reminders: Set alarms for medication times. Apps or phone reminders help you stay on track.
Know your limits: It’s okay to say no to certain events or activities if you need rest. Your health comes first.
Breathe and relax: Deep breathing or short meditation sessions can calm nerves before boarding a plane or getting on the road.

[Also read: Little Ways to Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season.]

Stay healthy on long flights or drives

Sitting for hours increases the risk of blood clots, blood sugar swings and worsening asthma or heart symptoms.

Move and stretch

“On flights or drives, stretch, stand and walk when possible,” Majcherek said. “Rotate your ankles and flex your legs to improve circulation. Take breaks every one to two hours during long drives.”

If flying, consider an aisle seat so you can get up and move around more easily. Compression socks may also help but check with your provider first.

Drink and snack

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can affect heart rate and blood sugar. Keep healthy snacks on hand for steady energy and blood sugar control.

Give yourself plenty of time

“Give yourself adequate time before departure,” Majcherek said. “Rushing in crowded airports or parking lots increases the risk of falls or other injuries.”

Condition-specific advice

Asthma: Monitor air quality and carry your inhaler within reach.
Heart disease: Know your exertion limits and pace yourself.
Diabetes: Check your blood sugar more often, especially after meals or snacks.

When to contact your provider or seek help

Even if you’re prepared, health problems can happen while you’re traveling. Call your health care provider if you get minor injuries, rashes, urinary tract infections, insect bites or any new symptoms.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Severe headache or confusion
Uncontrolled bleeding
Vision changes
Fainting
Sudden weakness

Takeaway

Traveling with a long-term health condition doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holidays. Careful planning can help you stay safe, comfortable and have fun. If you have questions or concerns, contact your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist.

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