Traveling with Fibromyalgia: Be Flare-Ready Without Losing the Joy

Traveling with fibromyalgia is a balancing act. You want to explore, relax, and make memories—but there’s always that looming question in the back of every fibrowarrior's mind: What if I flare? While flares can be unpredictable, they don’t have to ruin your plans. The key is preparation, knowing your body, and bringing the right tools to care for yourself on the go.

Before your vacation even begins, take inventory of your personal triggers. Whether it’s long travel days, poor sleep, cold weather, change in altitude, or too much activity, planning around them gives you more control. Always book accommodations with comfort in mind. Look for places with a supportive bed, quiet environment, and adjustable temperature, for starters. Every fibrowarrior is different, and what might cause a flare for one might be quite different than a flare trigger for someone else. Thus the reason for knowing your body...your needs are different from others.

Here are some things to consider:

- Don’t over-schedule: Allow for breaks, naps, and spontaneous rest if that's how you typically manage symptoms..

- Communicate your limits: Let travel companions know you may need to slow down or change plans based on how you feel.

Packing with intention can be the difference between feeling powerless and being prepared. My family and I just returned from a week long cruise. Here’s what I traveled with: 

- Liquid Acetominophine – For fast relief that’s easier to absorb, especially during intense flares.

- CBD oil and gummies – Helps with inflammation, anxiety, and promoting calm. Never a bad idea to eat a gummy or ingest CBD oil at bedtime, and first thing in the morning.

- Vape pens (both CBD and THC cartridges) – When used responsibly, cannabis of any form can help manage pain, ease muscle tension, and support better sleep.

- Heating pad – A lifesaver for sore muscles and back pain, especially after long travel days.

- A GOOD pillow – Don’t underestimate the power of a familiar, supportive pillow to help protect your sleep and alignment

The goal isn’t just to treat flares, but to avoid them when possible:

·  Hydrate constantly

·  Stretch regularly during long rides or flights

·  Stick to your med/supplement schedule

·  Watch your energy—don’t use all your “spoons” early in the day

Give yourself grace. You don’t have to do it all to enjoy your trip. Sometimes the best travel moments come from slowing down, soaking things in, and doing what feels right for your body—not what looks good on an itinerary. Choosing rest over rush is not weakness. It’s wisdom.

Fibromyalgia doesn’t take time off...not even for a trip of a lifetime, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop living. When you prepare with intention, advocate for your needs, and pack a little compassion along with your essentials, you can still experience the joy of travel—on your own terms.