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Travel Essentials for Chronic Illness
36
items The pain relief, hydration, and comfort tools I pack for every trip.
Sections
6
Wellness Essentials
Pain & Relief Essentials
Health & Hygiene
Travel Organizing & Comfort
Dysautonomia Care
Random Things I Always Forget (But Always Need)
Wellness Essentials
digestive and anxiety relief essentials to keep you feeling your best on the go.
From nausea support to diarrhea support to probiotics, it's all here.
both digestion and immune system can use a boost when traveling. This is the exact one I use when I travel, and they do have other kinds. It is shelf stable (a lot need to be refrigerated) AND surpasses the minimum requirements for effectiveness in p...
Garden of Life Once Daily Probiotics for Women
a digestive enzyme that breaks down protein, therefore aiding in digestion. It also can reduce inflammation in the stomach. these were a MUST when I was in India.
Country Life Chewable Papaya Enzymes
A must have in your tummy supports, especially if traveling internationally. for gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It also can bind to and remove toxins in your digestive tract. So if you eat street food and realize maybe it wasn't safe, charcoal might be...
Activated Charcoal Capsules
Mildly sweet, not overpowering. I suck on these when my stomach is feeling a little off or I just need something soothing on the go. Great for flights or long car rides!
Traditional Medicinals Organic Belly Comfort Lozenges
A classic for a reason. These spicy-sweet chews help me with motion sickness, nausea, and travel anxiety. I stash a few in every bag — they’re the kind of thing I miss when I forget them. These and the Trader Joe's ones are my go-to!
GIN GINS Original Ginger Chews 3oz Bag
very compact! I haven't been on a boat in awhile, but they were really helpful last time I used them.
Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Wristband
A weird but effective trick I learned from other chronic illness warriors—sniffing an alcohol prep pad can actually help stop a wave of nausea in its tracks. It’s one of those random, simple things that’s surprisingly powerful. I always keep a few in...
Medical Alcohol Pads
I used to deal with flight anxiety and this is a MUST! put a few drops in my water before a flight and my nerves are eased. HIGHLY recommend!!
Rescue Bach Remedy Dropper, Stress Relief
really nice to have a losenge that can also aid in alleviating stress. easy and great for on the go or travel!
Bach RESCUE PASTILLES, Orange & Elderflower
Pain & Relief Essentials
quick and portable pain relief options that fit perfectly into your travel routine.
so convenient to throw in a bag while traveling and have a heating pad whenever I need!
ThermaCare Lower Back & Hip Pain Relief Therapy Heat Wraps, 3 CT, S/M
I love keeping a package of these in my purse at all times! Just peel, stick, and feel the coolness start working!
Be Koool Migraine Cooling Gel Sheets, 4 Pack
i rub this on my temples during migraine to help find some relief or distraction from pain. It can also feel nice on the back of neck.
Deep Relief Essential Oil Roll-On
Health & Hygiene
stay clean, and comfortable on your travels with these essentials — SPOONIE edition!
Most Neutrogena products are a no-go for my skin, but this sunscreen is the exception. It’s light, non-irritating, and doesn’t leave a greasy film. Plus, it’s the perfect size to toss in a bag, whether I’m running errands or headed out of town.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Facial Moisturizer to Hydrate & Soothe Dry Skin - Fragrance Free - SPF 50 - 1.7 fl oz
These are my go-to for freshening up on the road or during symptom flares when showering isn’t easy. They’re super gentle, fragrance-free, and made for sensitive skin—no irritation, just clean comfort. The packages are small too!
pH Balanced Wipes™ Travel Size
These are a lifesaver on low-spoon days when a full shower just isn’t happening. Gentle, effective, and aluminum-free, they help you feel fresh without overwhelming your senses—perfect for sensitive skin and on-the-go care.
Pacifica Coconut Milk Deodorant Wipes
these don't cause me any irritation!
Natracare Organic Cotton Intimate Wipes
Travel Organizing & Comfort
packing tools, sensory aids, and sleep supports. keep everything organized and within reach with these travel must-haves for comfort, convenience, and peace of mind.
This bag fits ALLLL the essentials. it never ceases to amaze me how much it fits. I'm talking multiple MEACOLIA pill organizers, a foldable cane, a pack of bekoool migraine relief gel sheets, my wallet, pure spectrum ICE full sized cream, BOUY, etc. ...
Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
When I want a bag with more safety features, depending on the trip and location, I use this over Baggu. It is harder to steal anything with clipping zippers and there is an RFID protective wall. I love this bag for international travel!
Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Small Crossbody Bag
perfect for med refills. I put my PRNs / as needed meds for migraine in here! So convenient when traveling and way better than bringing whole pill bottles. I use these for refills along with a weekly medminder.
MEACOLIA 3 Pack Travel Pill Organizer
the only thing that can get me through a flight as someone with noise sensitivity and migraines
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Headphones
i personally use these all the time! I don't know if you will ever see me without theraspecs on my head, even if I am not using them! You never know when they will come in handy.
TheraSpecs WearOver Glasses for Light Sensitivity
Travel is noisy. These stylish earplugs help me filter sound without cutting me off from the world. Huge help for sensory overload, migraines, and overstimulation. Plus, the noise blocking levels are adjustable!
Switch 2
This is the one I reach for every night, and it’s a lifesaver on flights or hotel nights. Soft, comfy, light-blocking — and doesn’t smush your face.
Solid Silk Eye Mask Dark Gray - Casaluna™: Adjustable, Hand Washable, Polyester Filled, OEKO-TEX Certified
A gentle, plant-based balm I reach for when my body feels tense or overstimulated. The magnesium and CBD combo helps calm my nervous system and ease muscle discomfort—especially on high-symptom days. It’s become a grounding part of my daily routine, ...
Good Night Magnesium 2 oz
Dysautonomia Care
Tools to help regulate body temperature and manage dysautonomia symptoms, like cooling towels and compression garments & keep track of your vitals on the go.
i used this when traveling abroad (Peru, Panama, and Costa Rica). It comes with a case and it has a memory that records all your previous readings. It was nice and compact, making it the perfect travel companion to get blood pressure readings! (:
MMIZOO Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor W1681
okay so this one might not be small in the price tag, but it makes a big difference. As a POTS girlie, getting to track my heart rate in real time, especially when presyncope takes over is HUGE. I then have this info to give to my doctors. I wear thi...
Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular (2024) 41mm Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band - S/M
Great for hot flashes and a perk that it is a battery pack and flashlight! Never know when you might need all these features while traveling (:
JISULIFE 3 IN 1 Mini Handheld Fan - Green
I wear these daily to help manage my POTS and presyncope. They've become a non-negotiable part of my routine—definitely check with your doctor to make sure they’re a good fit and compression level for you.
NEWZILL 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks
amazing for when the hot flashes hit, and available in so many patterns! They stay cool for awhile. These were a hit when I worked at REI, didn't think I would be here now using them all the time, but here I am!
Kafka Kool Ties Cooling Bandana Neckwear
These capsules have been a reliable part of managing my POTS and presyncope symptoms. I put one in my med minder for every day so I don't forget to take these! They are a saving grace for presyncope episodes and help control my POTS.
Vitassium Electrolyte Capsules, 100 Salt Pills
These were recommended to me by a nurse. These are my favorite flavor, and I like that these combine immune support with faster rehydration.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier - Tangerine
Relief within minutes! My go-to when I keep getting presyncope episodes. They’re easy to carry and work way faster than trying to down a salty snack or drink.
Vitassium FastChews, Electrolyte Tablets, 60ct
Random Things I Always Forget (But Always Need)
Handle unexpected situations and minor emergencies
This tiny lifesaver is always in my bag when I travel. Between fatigue, tremors, or just the chaos of being on the move with chronic illness, spills happen. This pen instantly lifts stains without needing water—perfect for quick cleanups when you're ...
Tide Pen to Go Instant Stain Remover Pen
small and easy to throw in a bag when traveling with it taking up less to nothing room
Ezy Dose Pill Cutter and Splitter
my lips are always SO dry when I travel because I naturally am a bit more dehydrated (between the flight and being out). So, yes a whole pack so I can keep one in my purse and one in my bag, or for when I inevitably misplace or lose one.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm
because there isn't always a sink available when you really need one. fun fact: lavender can both soothe an insect bite, but also act as a repellant. So the lavender can be a nice bonus, especially in humid places.
Dr. Bronner's - Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray