Coping with migraine attacks can put a serious damper on travel plans. Use this advice to reduce your risk and enjoy your trip.

Whether you’re on a trip for business or pleasure, the last thing you want is a migraine attack.

“Travel may help alleviate or can exacerbate migraine,” says Alina Masters-Israilov, MD, a neurologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. “This often depends on your migraine triggers. For example, if stress is a common trigger, time away in a different setting may help reduce migraine attacks. My patients sometimes report feeling much better when traveling.”
For many people with migraine, though, traveling can mean changes in stable patterns of sleep, weather, and diet — all common migraine triggers. Even the sheer stress of getting to your final destination can bring on an attack; stress is a trigger for almost 70 percent of people with migraine, notes the American Migraine Foundation (AMF).

Here’s the good news: There’s a lot you can do to avoid migraine attacks while traveling — or cope if an attack happens.

“I often advise patients to have a plan they can enact if they have migraine when they’re away from home,” says Dr. Masters-Israilov. “This includes having effective medications on hand — their usual medication plus a rescue medication — as well as paying attention to lifestyle changes they might experience in a setting away from home. It’s also important to discuss any travel plans with your doctor so you can be most prepared.”

Take extra care to avoid known triggers and follow these tips to help make your trip (hopefully) pain-free.

1. Plan Ahead

Avoid the stress that can lead to migraine pain by organizing your itinerary and travel errands in advance, Masters-Israilov advises. Prepare your luggage at least a day ahead and leave plenty of time to get to your destination. The AMF also advises taking breaks along the way, especially if you are driving, and arranging for some downtime once you arrive wherever you’re going.

Make a list of everything you need to bring, so you don’t forget anything and can quickly see if something’s missing when you pack for your return. Download any apps you might need, too, such as an airline app, local transit app, or translation app.

Delegate tasks when you can — it may help you feel less anxious and overwhelmed by travel preparation. And if you’re traveling with friends, family, or colleagues, let your companions know about your migraine triggers beforehand.

Also remember to take precautions to lower your risk for viral infections. To avoid germs, you may want to wear a well-fitting mask in crowded areas and make sure you’re up to date on vaccinations.

2. Sleep Well

Disrupting your usual sleep pattern can make you more susceptible to migraine, so make every effort to maintain a consistent sleep schedule while you are away. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, aiming to get at least seven to eight hours of sleep.

“Melatonin used preventively may help if jet lag and sleep disruption is anticipated when traveling,” Masters-Israilov adds.

A well-timed power nap can also be helpful for addressing a sleep deficit while you’re traveling.

3. Eat Right

One of the best things about going to new places is indulging in the local cuisine, but if you know that certain foods — chocolate, cheese, red wine, citrus, soy sauce, sugar, artificial sweeteners — tend to worsen your migraine attacks, steer clear of them, Masters-Israilov notes.

Be mindful of how much coffee you are drinking (or not drinking). Increasing or decreasing your caffeine level can trigger migraine. Red wine and other types of alcohol can also bring on migraine attacks.

4. Drink Water

Approximately one-third of people with migraine say dehydration is a trigger for them, according to the AMF.

Be sure to stay hydrated, especially if you’re flying. Airplane cabins have very low humidity, and flying can dehydrate you.

Spending time in a hot climate and participating in a vigorous physical activity like hiking, skiing, or swimming can also affect your hydration needs. Carry a water bottle when possible.

5. Don’t Overdo It

Whether you’re taking a business trip, going on vacation, or visiting family or friends, you may be tempted to fit in as much as possible, but too much activity, alcohol, and sweets can increase your risk of developing migraine, Masters-Israilov notes. Overdoing it can also affect your hydration level, sleep, exposure to viruses, and other factors that can increase migraine activity.

6. Be Prepared for Light, Heat, Noise, and Other Triggers

People who are susceptible to migraine attacks are usually sensitive to bright or flickering light, extreme heat, and strong odors. Do your best to avoid or minimize your exposure to such triggers.

Pack sunglasses, a sleeping mask, and earplugs.

7. Seek Smoke-Free Alternatives

Smoking and secondhand smoke can cause migraine and headaches.

Smoking is still allowed in certain public and privately owned places in some states and overseas. This includes restaurants, bars, hotels, and offices.

Ask for nonsmoking rooms, rental cars, and seats on trains and buses. Look for eating establishments that prohibit smoking, or choose a table in an outdoor area, where smoke will be less concentrated.

8. Be Mindful of Motion

People with migraine are more vulnerable to motion sickness, according to research.

To avoid motion sickness while traveling, sit in the front of a car or bus, choose a window seat on trains and planes (preferably over the wings, to reduce the sensation of turbulence),

stay hydrated, and talk to a healthcare professional about whether you should take medication for motion sickness, notes the CDC.

9. Be Prepared for a Change in Climate or Altitude

If you’re traveling far enough to experience a change in climate or an extreme change of weather, be aware that excessive heat, humidity, or changes in barometric pressure can cause migraine.

Additionally, if you’re going to be deep-sea diving or skiing or snowboarding at high altitudes, you risk migraine. Talk with your doctor ahead of time to figure out the best ways to deal with climate or altitude differences.

10. Don’t Forget Your Medication

If you take any over-the-counter medications or you’ve been prescribed any drugs for migraine pain, be sure to take them with you on your trip, Masters-Israilov says. Keep a dose handy during any day excursions, in case you have an attack while you’re away from your toiletries, she adds.

If you’re flying, bring your medications in your carry-on bag so you’ll have them if your checked luggage is lost or delayed.

How to Cope With Migraine Attacks While Traveling

Even if you take every possible precaution, you may still have migraine attacks while traveling. If this happens, take time out to be by yourself and de-stress until you’re feeling better. Take your medication (acetaminophen or triptans) right away, drink water, and rest, advises the Migraine Trust. A nap may help end the attack; if you can find a dark, cool room, lie down.

In addition, here’s what to try if you’re in the following situations.

On a Plane While you can’t control the lights and sounds on an aircraft, and you likely can’t change your seat once you’ve boarded, using a sleeping mask and earplugs can help create a more restful, soothing environment.

In a Car If you’re driving, pull over immediately and treat your migraine. Don’t resume driving until the attack is over. Be sure that none of your medications will interfere with your ability to drive.

At a Hotel It’s possible that the scents (from detergents or cleansers) in a hotel room could trigger an attack.

If these triggers affect you, consider packing your own pillowcase and an odor-neutralizing spray. Or try aromatherapy inhalers to block out the fragrance in the room.

You might also try calling ahead to ask for a hypoallergenic room, if that’s an option.

The Takeaway

• Planning and organizing in advance can significantly reduce travel-induced stress, a common migraine trigger. Prepare itineraries and run errands well before your departure.
• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial, as disrupting your sleeping pattern during travel can heighten your susceptibility to migraine attacks.
• Before you go, identify your potential migraine triggers, like bright lights or certain foods, and have a management plan while traveling. Check with your doctor before your trip for personalized strategies.

Don’t panic.

There are few travel nightmares more terrifying than arriving at the airport without proper identification. If you’re currently freaking out in the departures hall, take a deep breath. Although it will likely be an inconvenient process, you’ll probably be able to fly even if your government-issued photo ID has been lost or stolen.

Arrive at the airport as early as possible. Passengers traveling without a form of identification will have to go through interviews with TSA officers to establish their identity and most airlines will not refund tickets for people who missed their flights due to a lost ID.

The first step is to explain your situation to an airline representative at the counter. Come prepared with additional forms of identification (credit card, photo business card, student ID, even mail or prescription medication with your name and address). Once the airline representative is satisfied that you are who you say you are, they will issue a boarding pass with a note that you don’t have an ID.

Pass through to security and explain the situation to the TSA agents. An agent will likely take you to a second room for additional security screening. “The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity,” according to the TSA website.

If the agent is able to confirm your identity, you will be allowed to pass through security after additional screening.

The process becomes more difficult when flying abroad, as individual countries decide whether or not to allow travelers without identification. Travelers who lose their IDs abroad should immediately contact the closest U.S. embassy for assistance in replacing their passports.

Although it may be too late, the best defense is preparation. If your ID was stolen, obtain a police report. This will detail when and where your identification went missing (providing some proof to your story) and confirm your identity. Travelers should have a photocopy or digital scan of their identification easily accessible. (Consider storing this in a private Dropbox account.) Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before leaving for a trip. It will make it easier to get help from the embassy while abroad.

And most importantly: Remain calm and courteous. Airline, security, and immigrations employees are all more likely to help get you on your flight if you’re being cooperative.

A back-door strategy to the Alps, ski school tips for kids, and money-saving hacks to put to use this winter.

Now that the snow guns are powered up at most ski resorts in North America, it’s time to get some trip dates in the books. We all know that ski vacation-planning is complicated: There’s airfare, car rentals, lodging, lift tickets, ski school, and off-slope activities to wrangle, and that’s not even taking into account your ski equipment—should you lug it from home or demo when you get there?

While there’s no magic wand—aside from hiring a travel agent—there are some hacks we’ve uncovered after decades of ski travel. From tips for ensuring smooth air travel during unpredictable winter weather to making sure your little ripper’s first ski school experience is a positive one, these seven nuggets of wisdom aim to help you have a less stressful, more relaxing ski trip this winter.

SKI’’s Top Travel Hacks For Smooth Ski Vacation Planning

Hack #1: Reduce the Odds of Your Flight Getting Canceled or Delayed

While you can’t control the weather, booking travel on the largest available aircraft, may allow you and your crew to punch through storms that typically sideline smaller vessels. That’s especially worth remembering whenever you’re weighing the difference between flying directly into a ski resort (such as Steamboat) or taking ground transportation from the nearest major city. If tiny planes are your only option into the resort airport, you may be better off taking a bigger plane to the city and completing the trip via a shuttle van, which is generally more likely to make the journey through snowy, stormy conditions.

Hack #2: Skip the Car Rental on Your Next Ski Trip

While many aspects of travel have returned to their pre-pandemic norms, car rentals have remained stubbornly high. Experts attribute it to the global vehicle shortage caused by pandemic-related supply chain issues, limiting the number of cars the rental companies could buy. In other words, good ol’ supply and demand. That said, some resorts are more easily navigable without a car than others, so be sure to choose wisely.

Hack #3: Ensure Your Child Has a Positive Ski School Experience

Always be completely honest about your child’s skiing ability. If your learner never got off the bunny hill last year, don’t sign them up for ski school saying they turn down greens. The ski school will likely have a projected progression for the age/experience level of your skier, which helps the ski school group students together and pair students with the appropriate instructor with the appropriate certifications. If you fudge your student’s ability, this will only slow down the lesson and your child’s progress, since they might have to be shuffled into another class mid-day, and end up feeling like they failed. That’s no way to grow a lifelong love of skiing.

Hack #4: Slash Your Lodging Costs in Half This Winter

With ski-town lodging costs higher than ever, it’s no wonder that many skiers are looking to pare down vacation costs this winter. One way to do this is to opt to stay in a nearby ski town rather than right at the base of the slopes. This can easily shave 50 percent or more off of your lodging costs. These “second ski towns” often have great public transportation to the resorts, often utilized by resort employees, and can be a great way to stretch your dollar this winter.

Hack #5: Look Beyond Epic and Ikon for Low-Cost Passes With Great Benefits

Most skiers think there are two major pass options—Epic and Ikon—plus a few more second-tier products you can add on, such as the Indy Pass, Mountain Collective, and Power Pass. What most of the general skiing public doesn’t know about are the myriad resort season passes that offer reciprocal skiing benefits at partner resorts spread all across the continent, and in some cases, around the world. While they’re not direct competitors to the Epic or Ikon passes, these passes could have appeal as complementary products that are affordable and serve up additional low- to no-cost ski days at destinations that might surprise you.

Hack #6: Consider This Back-Door Option to Cut Airfare to Europe

For many American skiers, a ski trip in the European Alps is a dream-worthy adventure. But flights to the traditional European ski cities (Zurich, Milan, Munich, or Vienna) are pretty pricey. As of last winter, there’s a cheeky little hack you can take advantage of: the Eurostar London Ski Train. Score yourself a cheap fare to London, take the scenic train to the French Alps, and save yourself a chunk of change.

Hack #7: Escape the Crowds and Still Use Your Ikon and Epic Pass

The heavy hitters that draw crowds on the major multipasses do so for good reason. (We’re looking at you Aspen, Vail, Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, Big Sky, et al.) There’s no shortage of world-class terrain, amenities, and events at the most well-known ski resorts on the continent. But with that comes world-class crowds and a less, well, soulful experience. While the big-ticket trips to the marquee destination resorts will always be a highlight, you might be surprised by how some of the lesser-known ski areas will worm their way into your heart.

Fine dining typically means splurging a little for high-quality meat or fresh seafood. However, what if money were truly no object? Well this, would have to be the case to indulge in some of the most delectably opulent dishes.

Restaurant owners and chefs around the world create original dining experiences for those who want unique experiences — you know, like spending nearly $12,000 on a pizza or $1,000 on an ice cream sundae. If this sounds intriguing, here are some of the most expensive dishes and tasting menus in the world — all starting at more than $500 per person.

Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama — Kyoto, Japan

• Prix fixe Kaiseki menu per person: $589

At Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan there are several prix fixe menus to choose from, but the costliest option is 79,200 yen — or $588.56 a person. Granted, you won’t leave hungry, as the meal is at least 10 courses, featuring rounds of sashimi, grilled and steamed food, rice, pickled vegetables and dessert, to name a few.

The chef, Kunio Tokuoka, is at the helm of the restaurant, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who were the chefs before him. When you’re eating a high-end meal, be mindful of how restaurants sometimes markup dishes to increase your bill.

Restaurant Guy Savoy Monnaie — Paris, France

• Prix fixe menu for the table: $514

Chef Guy Savoy opened the restaurant in 2015 overlooking the Louvre and the Pont Neuf. Currently, the Parisian restaurant offers a prix fixe menu of up to 13 courses described as a feast of “textures, colors and flavors” served for the entire table.

The price does not include drinks, however. For your hundreds of dollars, you’ll enjoy duck, lobster and artichoke soup with black truffles, in addition to other delightful dishes. Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and eating at Restaurant Guy Savoy Monnaie will certainly make your heart skip away with your budget.

Masa — New York, New York

• Dinner Omakase menu per person: $750 for table seating or $950 for bar seating, plus $150 for prized seating

Plan to set aside two hours and nearly $750 to enjoy the sushi-eating experience at Masa in New York. That price does not include tax and drinks and is basically just a starting point for your meal’s price tag. You will save on gratuity, though, as tips are not accepted.

Although the menu changes regularly, expect to be served only the finest Japanese cuisine, carefully crafted by chef Masayoshi Takayama.

Ultraviolet — Shanghai, China

• Prix fixe menu: $661 to $1,226

Would you like a multi-sensory dining experience? How about a dinner that dazzles more than your taste buds? Visit Ultraviolet as part of your life-changing trip to China — it will be worth the cost.

French chef Paul Pairet designed the concept in 2012. This 20-course meal comes with theme music for every course, as well as light shows. All guests at the table are served the same food at the same time. Prices can vary but they are never cheap.

Serendipity 3 — New York, New York

• Golden Opulence Sundae: $1,000

If you have $1,000 to spend and are curious what a four-figure dessert tastes like, head to Serendipity 3 in New York.

How can a sundae be more than a few bucks? In this dish, Tahitian vanilla ice cream made with Madagascar vanilla bean is covered in 24-karat gold leaf, specialty chocolates, Parisian candied fruits, truffles, caviar and more. A sundae of this magnitude isn’t served in a simple glass dish, but rather a Baccarat crystal bowl that you can take home as a souvenir.

SubliMotion — Ibiza, Spain

• Dinner per person: approx. $2,380

When you’re wealthy, you can pay for a three-hour dining experience that costs thousands of dollars per person. That’s more than the average family will spend for an entire month on food.

SubliMotion is not your typical dining experience. In fact, it operates very much like Ultraviolet — only it’s more expensive. Chef Paco Roncero opened the restaurant in the Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza in 2014, creating a spectacle for the eyes, ears and taste buds where he offers his “gastronomic performance.”

Norma’s — New York, New York

• The Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata: $2,000

Norma’s Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata may look out of place next to the other $30 dollar menu items at Norma’s in New York. The dish is aptly named even though Norma’s isn’t known as an extremely expensive restaurant, per se.

So, what’s the catch? The $1,000 omelet includes 10 ounces of caviar, which is a big factor in price, making it the most expensive omelet in the Guinness Book of World Records. For those who can’t afford to pay the extravagant cost, there is a smaller frittata with only 1 ounce of caviar available for over $100.

De Daltons — Voorthuizen, Netherlands

• The Golden Boy Burger: $5,533

You’re not going to find beef patties that live up to the caliber of the ones made by chef Robbert Jan de Veen at your neighborhood burger chain. His diner, De Dalton’s in Voorthuizen, Netherlands, serves up a burger known as “The Golden Boy.”

This burger is made with 100% Wagyu A5 meat, as well as Beluga caviar, king crab, Spanish Paleta Ibérico, white truffle and English cheddar. The burger is crowned with barbecue sauce made with Kopi Luwak coffee and Scotch Macallan whisky. Oh, and don’t forget the gold-leaf bun made with Dom Pérignon champagne dough.

Renato Viola — Salerno, Italy

• Louis XIII Pizza: Over $12,000

Do you want a pizza fit for a king? If you’re filthy rich, you can splurge on the Louis XIII Pizza, one of the most expensive food items you can order. It will be made in your home by Renato Viola, one of Italy’s best master pizza chefs.

The pizza is anything but ordinary, with sophisticated toppings, such as mozzarella di bufala, lobster and caviar, all flown in from all different parts of the world. To top it off, the feast is served with Remy Martin Cognac Louis XIII and Champagne Krug Clos du Mesnil 1995.

The Fortress Resort and Spa — Sri Lanka

• The Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence: $14,500

If you prefer to eat nearly $15,000 rather than put it towards retirement or paying off debt, then this is the extravagant dessert for you.

Made on special request, with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice, the dessert features Italian cassata flavored with Irish cream and is served with a pomegranate and mango compote. The base is a champagne sabayon, adorned with an 80-carat aquamarine stone, placed beneath a handcrafted chocolate stilt fisherman.