Traveling allows you to see the world, expand your horizons, and experience different cultures. When it comes to traveling with epilepsy, it can be a good idea to plan ahead to ensure your safety during your trip so you can enjoy it as much as possible.

Whether you’re taking a weekend road trip or flying across the country, preparing ahead can help you feel more confident and reduce stress during your travels. To help you prepare, we have a list of epilepsy vacation tips so you can scratch that travel itch with peace of mind.

Why Should You Plan Ahead When You Travel With Epilepsy?

Planning ahead before traveling with epilepsy can help reduce the risk of seizures and make it easier to handle unexpected situations if they come up.

Changes to daily routines — such as missed medication doses, lack of sleep, stress, time zone changes, or long travel days — can sometimes trigger seizures for people with epilepsy. Preparing in advance can help you stay on track with your treatment plan and avoid common triggers while you’re away from home.

Travel planning can also help you feel more confident and independent. Knowing where to access medical care, how to carry your medications safely, and what to do in an emergency may ease anxiety and allow you to focus on enjoying your trip.

With a few precautions and some extra preparation, many people with epilepsy are able to travel safely and comfortably.

Tips for Traveling With Epilepsy

As you plan your trip, here are some considerations to keep in mind and some tips for navigating travel with epilepsy.

1. Talk to Your Healthcare Team Before You Go

Before you travel, talk to your neurologist. They know you and your condition best, so they can provide you with specific tips based on your history, symptoms, and triggers.

They can also write a letter that outlines important health information like your triggers, medication list, and your seizure action plan — steps to take if you have a seizure.

Depending on where you’re traveling to, you may need to get certain vaccines. Your doctor can recommend the proper vaccines that are safe for you.

2. Understand the Accommodations Your Airline Offers

If you’re living with epilepsy and planning to fly, requesting accommodations from your airline can give you more peace of mind.

For instance:

• You may want to sit close to the front on the airplane so it’s easier to access help from the staff.
• It can also be beneficial to have an open seat next to you so you can lie down if you don’t feel well.
• Some airlines may also let you board early to avoid the stress of getting on with everyone else.

If you have mobility issues or you’re concerned about extensive physical activity triggering seizures, you can ask for help moving around the airport. Find out if there are motorized vehicles or traveling chairs available at your airport.

Make sure to request accommodations well in advance to give yourself and the airline enough time to plan ahead.

3. Find Out About Medical Care at Your Destination

If you’re driving, research medical facilities that are close to your destination or along the way. Look for nearby hospitals or urgent care clinics that can provide care in case of an emergency.

Knowing where the nearest pharmacy is can also be helpful in case you need access to your medication.

If you have health insurance, bring your insurance card with you. If you’re traveling overseas, talk to the insurance company before you leave to understand how you can access coverage.

4. Ask Your Doctor About Medication Dosages for Time Zone Changes

If you’ll be in a different time zone while you travel, talk to your doctor about how to manage your medication. Your provider may suggest gradually changing the time you take your medication to adjust to the new time zone. You may also want to set alarms so you remember to take it.

5. Bring Someone With You

Traveling with someone who knows how to help you if you have a seizure can provide another layer of safety.

If you’re traveling with a group, talk to them about your symptoms ahead of time so they know what to expect. You can also provide written instructions (from your doctor or yourself) that explain how to help you if you have a seizure.

If you’re traveling alone, you can let the airline and other transportation personnel know about your epilepsy and how they can help.

6. Wear an Epilepsy ID

Wearing a bracelet, necklace, or other form of ID that says you’re diagnosed with epilepsy can be useful, especially for emergencies. If you need emergency medical care or seizure first aid, a form of medical ID can alert healthcare personnel of your condition if you aren’t able to share it.

7. Carry Medication and Emergency Information

Make sure to pack extra medication, including emergency medication. Put it in your carry-on bag so it’s always nearby. Avoid putting it in your checked luggage, just in case it gets lost in transit.

You can also write down the type of medication you take, the dosage, and how often you take it. If your doctor is writing a letter for you, you can have them include this information in their letter.

Make sure you have enough medication for your whole trip and label each medication clearly.

8. Remember Your Triggers While Traveling

Understanding your triggers can be helpful for travel planning. Triggers vary for each person, but here are a few that should be monitored during travel:

• Temperature changes
• Sleep deprivation
• Low blood sugar levels

If temperature changes are a known trigger for you, you might consider traveling at a specific time of year or making sure you pack the proper clothing to keep you warm or cool. You could also pack ice packs or heating pads to bring with you.

Traveling can be tiring for anyone, but for people with epilepsy, a lack of sleep can trigger seizures. It’s important to carve out time to rest and recharge and make sure you get enough quality sleep.

Eating regularly can help you avoid low blood sugar levels, a potential seizure trigger. You can always ask about ingredients, if you’re concerned that some may be seizure triggers.

9. Get Travel Insurance

Consider buying travel insurance that covers epilepsy, especially if your health insurance doesn’t offer a lot of coverage. You may have to pay extra to cover epilepsy-related costs.

Be honest when you talk about epilepsy with a travel insurance company. Get your doctor to verify any information they need. This can help you get the best possible coverage and ensure that it will be there if you need it.

Join the Conversation

On MyEpilepsyTeam, people share their experiences with epilepsy, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What do you do to stay safe with epilepsy when you travel? Let others know in the comments below.