As a Lyme disease expert, I often hear the same concern: “Is traveling with Lyme disease even possible?” The answer depends on the person—but with the right mindset and preparation, many patients can travel while honoring their body’s limits.
Whether you’re dealing with fatigue, POTS, food restrictions, or flares, this guide offers compassionate, realistic advice for navigating summer travel with chronic Lyme disease.
Stay Hydrated While Traveling with Lyme Disease
Dehydration can intensify symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. I remind patients to always carry water, especially in heat or high altitudes.
Pro tip: Begin your morning with a full glass of water to rehydrate after sleep. This supports circulation, brain function, and energy levels—especially for patients managing fatigue or POTS.
Sleep Disruptions and Flare Management During Travel
Unfamiliar environments can worsen sleep quality, which in turn may trigger flares or increase pain. Sleep supports immune function and reduces inflammation—both critical when traveling with Lyme disease.
Bring what helps you rest: a sound machine, blackout eye mask, supplements, or an extra pillow. Even short naps can help.
Pacing and gentle movement for Lyme disease patients on the road
Travel often involves prolonged sitting or unexpected exertion. But patients with Lyme, POTS, or chronic fatigue may find walking long distances or standing in lines physically draining.
Movement doesn’t have to mean a workout. It can mean gently stretching in bed, rotating your joints, or spending five quiet minutes outdoors. For some, a slow walk or sitting in nature is enough.
Listen to your body. Flares can happen when we overdo it—even unintentionally.
Planning Meals with MCAS, Alpha-Gal, and Food Sensitivities in Mind
Traveling with Lyme disease often means navigating restrictive diets. Between MCAS, alpha-gal syndrome, SIBO, and gut inflammation, patients may need to avoid gluten, dairy, red meat, or histamine-rich foods.
Common concerns include:
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MCAS/histamine intolerance: Avoid leftovers, alcohol, fermented foods, and certain fruits.
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Alpha-gal syndrome: Red meat and gelatin—even in capsules—must be strictly avoided.
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SIBO and dysbiosis: Many patients follow a low-FODMAP or sugar-free diet.
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Food allergies: Restaurant dining may require pre-planning or allergy cards.
Pack shelf-stable snacks, call restaurants in advance, or choose lodging with a kitchenette.
Avoiding Alcohol Completely While Traveling with Lyme Disease
I advise patients to avoid alcohol entirely. It can trigger Herxheimer reactions, worsen MCAS, disturb sleep, and interfere with medications.
Some patients enjoy festive non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with lime, herbal teas, or fruit-infused drinks that hydrate and calm the system.
Packing and Managing Medications Safely During Travel
Many patients take antibiotics, probiotics, and supplements that require careful handling.
Here’s what I recommend:
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Keep medications in your carry-on, not checked luggage
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Use a TSA-approved cooler for meds that need refrigeration
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Pack a printed medication list or extra prescription
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Set alarms for timely dosing across time zones
Build in Flexibility—Especially for Flare Days
Travel can be unpredictable—and so can Lyme disease. Herxes, flares, hormonal changes (like periods), or plain exhaustion can derail even the best plans.
That’s not failure. That’s being human.
It’s okay to cancel a plan, take a rest day, or return to a familiar routine. Flexibility is not giving up—it’s resilience.
Encouraging Words to Share
“You’re allowed to change plans if your body asks you to.”
“Resting on vacation isn’t missing out—it’s honoring your reality.”
“Some days will be harder. That doesn’t erase the progress you’ve made.”
Final Thoughts on Traveling with Lyme Disease
For some Lyme patients, summer travel may mean staying close to home. Others may travel and flare. Both are valid. Even brief moments—like safe food, quiet rest, or a walk in fresh air—can be meaningful steps forward.
Healing and living often overlap. Whatever travel looks like for you this summer, know that you’re not alone—and your experience is real.
Learn More:
Lyme disease recovery takes more than just rest
