Migraines tend to come on at the most inopportune moments. For patients who travel for business or relaxation, worrying about potential migraines can easily disrupt their travel plans. The fact is that modern travel is filled with certain stressors and factors that can actually trigger migraines. 

For those who live with migraines and other neurological conditions related to cephalalgia, planning ahead and migraine prevention are important aspects of an overall migraine prevention plan. Living with migraines entails learning to avoid common things that trigger migraines. When it comes to travel, following these five steps will make you enjoy your trip by minimizing the potential of a migraine:

1 – Organization reduces stress and makes a difference. Quite a few migraine patients claim that stress can be a significant trigger of their migraines; to this end, planning ahead and making sure that there is enough time to get from one point to another will help patients avoid stress. For those who live with migraines, it is important to take the right medications along and to ask their physicians for advice in this regard. For example, patients who are going on a cruise should ask their doctors about motion sickness medications and their potential side effects.

2 – Formulating sleeping and eating plans during travel. Getting plenty of sleep before a trip is mandatory for all travelers, especially those who must live with migraine conditions. For some people, jetlag can be an uncomfortable migraine trigger that must be avoided at all costs. For those who know about how certain foods will trigger migraines, it is imperative to learn about the cuisine of their destinations. As a general rule, migraine patients tend to avoid caffeine and monosodium glutamate.

3 – Physical activity and hydration. Adventure travelers and eco-tourists who enjoy spending their vacations in a constant state of exhaustion are often seen carrying water bottles for a good reason. Migraine patients should do the same and ensure that they are always well-hydrated during their trip, particularly if they expect to engage in physical activity.

4 – Plan for sudden changes in weather conditions. For many people who learn to live with migraine conditions, sudden climate changes may turn into triggers. Traveling from the northern United States during the winter months to the sunny climates of the Caribbean can be too much for migraine patients to handle without first consulting their physicians.

5 – Pack your migraine diary. Traveling can be a great time to learn more about this chronic neurological condition. Being exposed to new environments, different foods and a distinct lifestyle can be exciting and relaxing at the same time. Writing down these observations and later reviewing them with family and health care practitioners can be both therapeutic and instructional.

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