Having an autoimmune condition like Chronic Hives (also known as Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria) can make every day life really difficult. Adding traveling to the mix seems like it could be impossible, but it can be done with a lot of planning (planning is half the fun though, right?). Below are my top tips on how to travel with Chronic Hives (Urticaria).
1. Research restaurants that fit your dietary needs
AIP, Paleo, gluten-free, low histamine – the types of diets are endless when it comes to managing an autoimmune disease like Chronic Urticaria. If certain foods trigger a flare-up, it is important before you travel with chronic hives to research restaurants and read their online menus.
Tip: Save the restaurant locations on Google Maps in your phone so that you can easily find it offline when you arrive.
2. Bring snacks
If you have food triggers, or are on a special diet to manage your Chronic Hives, bringing snacks from home can help avoid a situation where you are left hungry and and have nowhere to go for a quick bite to eat!
I normally either bake goods or bring pre-packaged food and have never had an issue, but check your airline’s website to make sure you can bring certain food across international borders.
3. Stay hydrated during travel with chronic hives
It’s important for your immune system and body to stay hydrated, especially when traveling with chronic hives! Bring a refillable water bottle so that you can always fill it up at water stations, or in restaurants as you travel and explore new places.
4. Book a private room
Whether you are staying in a hostel or a hotel , try and book an accommodation that has a kitchen so that you can cook your meals if you are unable to find anywhere that you can eat.
Also, it is nice to have a private room when traveling with chronic hives just in case you experience a flare-up and want privacy to apply anti-itch cream, or lay in bed for awhile without being disturbed.
5. Bring extra medication
Whatever you do, always bring extra medication when you travel with chronic hives! If you are going on a trip for 3 days, bring enough medication for 2 weeks – Or just bring the entire bottle!
Don’t rely on bringing just the amount that you need. If 2020 has taught us anything, is that travel delays and getting stuck somewhere can happen in a moment of hours.
More medication tips:
- Don’t depend on picking up prescriptions once you reach your destination area. Always have some on hand!
- Always pack your medication in your carry-on. If you put it in your checked luggage, it might get lost.
- If you have taken prednisone in the past for bad flare-ups bring some just in case.
6. Get travel insurance
Even if you don’t Chronic Hives, it’s important to get Travel Insurance. If anything happens you won’t have to worry about a huge medical bill.
I recommend World Nomads because you can buy and claim online, even after you’re left home. Check out their website for more details, or get a quote below.
7. Avoid triggers
Triggers for Chronic Hives can be different for everyone. You know what triggers you best, but here are a few ideas to keep in mind for common triggers:
- Temperature. If heat is trigger, avoid going to hot, sunny destinations. Or if the cold is what makes your hives come out, avoid going to places that get really cold.
- Pressure. Sitting for long periods of time on the plane or a bus can trigger pressure hives. Taking extra antihistamines, or prednisone (discuss with your doctor first!), as a preventative measure; or wearing loose, comfortable clothing may help.
- Stress. Traveling in general can be stressful. Listening to soothing music, doing breathing exercises, and being organized can help reduce stress. I personally like to listen to the Calm App to calm myself down. Read how to reduce fear of flying if you struggle with that as well.
- Environmental. Pollen, grass, trees can be a trigger for hives. Check to see what the environment is like in a certain area and try and travel around high pollen season, or when flowers or trees are at their peak.
- Laundry. Harsh detergents can trigger hives. If you use hypoallergenic detergent, either bring your own sheets or check with your accommodation before you go to see if they offer hypoallergenic bedding /rooms.
- Beauty Products. Bring your own tried-and-true products from home in travel sized bottles. Shampoos and conditioners provided by the accommodation normally contain fragrances and dyes that can trigger hives. Oh, and don’t forget your anti-itch creams!
8. Make plans as flexible as possible
With all of the planning that goes into preparing a trip with chronic hives, try and make your plans as flexible as possible. If your hives normally tend to appear in the morning, make plans for later in the day. Book activities that don’t have cancellation fees, or are free, or have little penalties if you need to cancel.
If you are able to, make your vacation one day longer with nothing planned (or keep one day entirely plan-free) so that you can enjoy something you may have missed earlier.
9. Don’t be hard on yourself
Most importantly, don’t be hard on yourself! Having an autoimmune condition like Chronic Hives can be hard to deal with. Adding the extra stress and pressures of travel might be hard on your hives, but don’t beat yourself up over it.
Try and push through the itch and discomfort if you want to, but don’t try and pressure yourself to have a trip that meets certain expectations. Because let’s face it – not all trips do! (But that’s why I am here to help make your trip go as smoothly as possible).
If you just need to lay in bed for longer than anticipated, then do it! Having flexible plans, or making a day completely plan-free, can reduce the stress of potentially missing something that you want to see or do when you travel with chronic hives.
Do you have an autoimmune condition and have any tips for traveling with one? Let me know in the comments below!
You’ve proven that it is possible to travel even under certain medical conditions with proper planning. Your post will offer courage to those suffering with similar disorder.