Traveling with Lyme Disease: 10 Things I Always Keep in Mind

Let’s face it, traveling with Lyme disease isn’t like throwing a few things in a bag and jetting off on a whim. When your body has its own unpredictable agenda, every trip becomes a balancing act between adventure and self-care. But the good news? With the right prep, travel is possible and even enjoyable.

Here are 10 things I always consider before hitting the road (or the skies) with Lyme in tow:

1. Know Your Limits (and Honor Them)

This one took me a while to learn. Just because I want to explore every street of a new city doesn’t mean my body agrees. Lyme fatigue is real and pushing too hard can mean days of recovery. So now I build in rest days, and I’m okay with skipping the 7 a.m. hike if my body says “nope.”

2. Pack Smart—Protocol First

My carry-on always has my protocol kit any prescriptions, supplements, even my backup plan for flare-ups. I bring more than I think I’ll need, just in case. Trust me, running out of meds in a foreign country is not the kind of adventure you want.

3. Have a Flare-Up Game Plan

Because, let’s be honest, flare-ups happen—often at the worst time. I research urgent care clinics near where I’m staying and keep the Lyme Laser contact info handy for telehealth, as well as downloading the Lyme Laser™ Community App onto my mobile. It’s not being pessimistic—it’s being prepared.

4. Bring Your Medical Paper Trail

I carry a note from Lyme Laser™ summarizing my diagnosis, medications and any allergies. If I end up in a clinic or hospital, it saves a lot of time and confusion. A USB with medical records isn’t a bad idea either.

5. Stay on Track with Food

The Lyme Laser™ protocol outlines the perfect Lyme-friendly diet (like gluten-free, sugar-free, or low histamine), so try and plan ahead. I scope out grocery stores and restaurants before I go and I always travel with safe snacks. There’s nothing worse than being hungry and inflamed in a city you don’t know.

6. Don’t Forget Tick Protection

It might seem ironic to worry about ticks while already dealing with Lyme, but it’s so important. If I’m heading into nature, I pack permethrin-treated clothing and bug spray and I do tick checks religiously. No one wants Round Two.

7. Manage Your Stress Toolkit

Travel can be stressful. Delays, crowds, noise. And stress is like fuel for Lyme symptoms. I bring calming apps, headphones and sometimes even a little lavender oil. Ten minutes of deep breathing on a layover can do wonders.

8. Book “Comfort-First” Accommodations

I look for quiet places with comfy beds and, ideally, a kitchen. I’ve learned the hard way that thin walls and no fridge can make a trip miserable. Bonus if there’s a bathtub (Epsom salt soaks are my best friend after long days).

9. Hydration and Sleep are Non-Negotiable

Travel throws both out of whack. I bring a water bottle everywhere and stick to a sleep routine as much as I can, even if it means skipping late-night fun. If I don’t sleep, I pay for it the next day. Simple as that.

10. Invest in Travel Insurance

Things change. Bodies are unpredictable. Travel insurance with coverage for pre-existing conditions or trip cancellation for health reasons gives me peace of mind. It’s one of those “hope I don’t need it, glad I have it” things.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with Lyme means thinking ahead. But it doesn’t mean giving up on seeing the world. With some thoughtful planning and a little self-kindness, I’ve had incredible trips, even while managing a chronic illness.

So, if you’ve been hesitating to travel with Lyme, know this: it’s absolutely possible. Go at your pace, listen to your body, and remember you deserve to experience joy and adventure, too.