Tis the Season for Traveling!

Travel Tips for Making Your Adventures a Less Stressful Experience.

Travel can be both a joyful and stressful experience. We have written before about traveling with Mild Cognitive Impairment (here and here), but that was 5 years ago now and it is that season again! We figure it never hurts to get a timely reminder of some tips! Here are our travel tips below--suggestions that may help make your journey less stressful. We’d also like to hear and learn from you, so please add your own travel tips to the comment section.

Choosing the trip and making the plans

• When planning for a trip, go with options that provide the most comfort, and least anxiety, that is within your budget. At times it may be easier to visit places you’ve visited before. Travel to known destinations and accommodations may be more familiar and therefore may help you feel more at ease.
• Long distance travel may no longer be a fun experience, and it may create too much stress and/or disorientation, so plan for trips that you would enjoy.  Talk to your loved one about your preferences. Alternative options: consider trips closer to home, day trips, stay-cations, or have themed gatherings at home (ex. bring the Hawaiian luau to your backyard).
• Be mindful of the time of day you have scheduled your trip and your fatigue level during that time.
• Allow yourself extra time to and from your destination. Remember planes and trains will not wait for you, but you can wait for them. If you are traveling by car, having some extra time to make the trip can allow for extra stops or longer stops if you need them!
• When you book a hotel room/cruise cabin etc., call and ask the reservation desk, if the bed and bathroom can be on the same side that you are used to at home. For example, in your home, if you sleep on the right side of the bed and you get up at night and your bathroom is on the right side, it may be easier when you travel to have the same configuration. It may be less confusing when you travel, and get up in the middle of the night, if the bathroom is on the side you are routinely used to.
• Write all of your travel information down in a planner. We recommend our memory support system (our 2023 version is now available here) but you may use any planner system that works for you.

Preparing for the trip

Consider writing a “packing list” of items you want to take with you. You can add this list to your planner as well. Then, when it comes time to pack, unpack, and then repack, it may lighten our cognitive (brain) load by following the list.  This may also help minimize accidently leaving items behind.

In case of an emergency:

• Bring your insurance card.
• Bring a list of your medications and list allergies you have.
• Write emergency contacts, including your doctor’s name and phone number in your planner and/or wallet, and bring it on the trip with you.
• Share your travel information with a family member and/or friend who is not going with you, so that they are aware of the details of your travel in case of an emergency.

While you travel

Consider using a travel pouch around your waist or neck, or use a cross body bag so that your hands are free.  Having something that attaches to your body, helps minimize leaving things behind somewhere. Place all of your essentials in here:  ID, tickets, passport if needed, money/credit cards, cell phone, cell phone charger, your planner, etc.

In addition, consider taking a small travel bag to place items in that you might need for self-care and entertainment in order to help pass the time in the airport or airplane.  Some of these suggestions may also be modified for long car trips. Some examples:

• Empty water bottle that you can fill at the airport once you cross security.  Many airports have free filtered water filling stations above the drinking fountains.  If you are traveling by other means of transportation that doesn’t have a liquid restriction, then filling up your water bottle before you go may be a good option.
• Snacks.  If you are flying, please read travel restrictions in terms of food (ex. no liquids).  Some airlines are very specific and even soft food items like yogurt/pudding may not be allowed through TSA, or it may be allowed in small quantities.
• A tablet such as an iPad to listen to music, watch movies, audio book etc., as well as a headset or ear buds. Headset/ear buds may help dampen the noise around you, keeping you calmer and more focused on what you are seeing/hearing on the tablet. It also is respectful to other travelers around you who may not want to hear what you are listening to.
• A book or magazine
• A soft sweater or small lightweight blanket that folds up small, since inside places do get cold (even when it’s really hot outside).  Soft sweaters and small blankets can also double as a pillow if needed.
• 1-2 days’ worth of medication in case there is a delay/cancelation in flight, or in case your luggage gets lost.  A pill box may help you stay organized with your medication.

Get up and stretch!  Sitting for prolonged periods of time may be difficult for your body.  Take a one minute (or longer!) stretch break.

Be aware of options such as luggage and wheelchair assistance if needed.  Sometimes the lines are long, or the terminal/gate may be quite a walking distance (or tram ride) to get to. We encourage you to look for opportunities to conserve energy by using the services when you can.

Ask questions of airport staff if you are unsure of the direction you are going (what terminal/gate).  Gate changes can happen especially when flights are delayed.

If you are flying, consider getting the airline flight app on your phone, or sign up for airline texts, so you can stay up to date on your flight changes (flight time and gate location).  Airline apps also offer electronic tickets so you don’t have to print them.  Some people still prefer to print out a paper copy just in case there is any problems with the phone app, internet connection, or the cell phone battery drains.

While you are there

• Pace yourself.  This may mean that you do less, but you may also enjoy it more because you will be less tired.  You may need more time between activities to rest, unwind, and replenish.
• Consider using tracking devices in case anyone gets lost.  There are phone GPS trackers that can also locate the person that has the phone, GPS watches and pendants, as well as tracking devices such as Apple AirTag, Samsung smarttag, Tile tracker etc. Tracking devices can also be added to wallet, car, keys, luggage, purse/bag etc.

(These are just a few examples of trackers, but there are many options available.  Please check to see range of each, and if any service plans are required.  Mayo Clinic does not endorse any specific products.)

• Try to maintain your daily routine where you can (ex. sleep/wake time, meal times, morning routine, night routine etc.). If there are changes to a routine for one day or the whole trip, write that new schedule down in your planner, so you have a reminder and know what to anticipate.
• Stay hydrated. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Some people like to keep track of their water intake and meals in their planner, so they don’t forget, especially when people are out of their normal routine.
• Consider asking for more support than you might need at home. For example, perhaps ask a family member to help you be certain you've taken your medications correctly while you are away.

These are just a few ideas. We encourage you to review our past posts from 2017 on the topic as well. What has worked for you in terms of travel that has helped trips be less stressful and more fun?