Fibromyalgia (FMS) can be challenging enough without adding the complications of travel.  But travel is not only often fun, it is also neccessary at times!  So how do you minimize the hassles and maximize the fun??

The first thing to do is to break it all down into manageable parts.  It's just like the old joke, "How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time!"  How do you get ready for travel?  One step at a time!

The first thing is to look at the type of travel you will be doing.  Each mode of transportation has its own special issues.  If you are going by plane, bus, or train, will you be able to avoid the long lines?  Will you be able to board first?  You'll need to arrange all of that, plus arrange the best seating for your comfort.  Generally, the aisle is the best for FMS sufferers in all three types of transportation - you can then move around and avoid cramping and circulation flow problems.  If the transportation is by car, and you are not the one driving, make sure the driver understands frequent stops may be necessary to stretch your legs and keep circulation going.  Plus, if you have IBS, you may need to make many bathroom stops!

You also need to consider the types of travel when packing.  If you are going by car, you can generally pack whatever you like - including your favorite pillow!  And I do recommend that you do - if you want to sleep well in strange places, a familiar pillow that gives you correct support will be invaluable.  However, if going by plane, train, or bus, you need to think about space conservation.  How long will your trip be?  If your trip is short, or you have enough money for laundry services, packing comforts like your pillow may be possible; if not, you may have to make some hard decisions! 

If traveling by anything other than car, you'll also need to think about packing your medications and other essentials.  Medication must be in its original containers.  You'll want it to be in your carry-on luggage/purse/briefcase/etc. as well, so it is readily available.   And on airplanes especially, you must take water with you.  My recommendation for traveling light is to either take chances with the local water and bring a bottle (NOT recommended if you are traveling to other countries!), or plan to buy lots of water on your trip.  You cannot run the risk of losing your meds or getting dehydrated!

If you cross time zones, it is extremely important that you give yourself a chance to adjust.  For FMS sufferers, sleep is a precious enough commodity without wrecking it further!  There are diets you can follow and sleep regimens to try before and after travel across time zones; look them up and see if they can help you.  Also, make sure that the fun stops at a sane time - I know it's easy to get off-kilter during a vacation/business trip, but do you really want to pay for the fun later...and pay...and pay...?!

Double-, triple-, and quadruple-check your plans.  Make sure everything is in place.  Stress will only add to your discomfort and make your trip unpleasant, to say the least!  You do not want to be dazed, confused, and lost miles from home because some plans fell through.  Although the best-laid plans do go awry, and you cannot always control what happens, controlling as much as possible will help you retain your sanity and enjoy the ride. 

Of course, all the other cautions that travelers are asked to observe also are very, very important to you as well - especially since our systems can be upset so easily!  Watch what you eat and drink, be careful of where you go, etc.  You don't want the agony of an upset digestive system, the pain of an injury, or worse happening to you!

You may have noticed that I didn't mention travel by boat.  It is one I don't recommend at this time, due to the increased problems with illnesses that have been cropping up on cruise lines.  Some of these illnessses have been very serious.  With our compromised health, travel by sea may not be the best choice.  However, if you want to try it, the usual advice and cautions I spoke about above apply to cruises as well.

Well, now - are you ready for the world of travel?  Yes, traveling with FMS is more complicated, but it can be done, and you can enjoy yourself!  Make your plans, get it all together, and go enjoy the new places open to you!