Travel Tips for Bipolar Disorder: How To Have a Smooth Journey
Here’s some important advice for bipolar disorder travel.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this blog are affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. I only share services and products I personally use or believe can genuinely support mental health. 💙
At a Glance:
• Plan ahead: create a calming packing list and take extra meds
• Talk with your treatment team before you leave
• Travel with companions who are supportive
• Prepare for stress triggers and jet lag
• Buy travel insurance that includes mental health and pre-existing conditions coverage
Sure, it can be incredibly rewarding and relaxing to break out of your daily routine and explore somewhere that you’ve never been before. But there’s no getting around the fact that traveling when you have bipolar disorder can be stress-inducing.
When you travel, there are so many things outside your control. Massive crowds at the airport, flight delays, and lost luggage can all trigger stress. Throw in rude passengers and frustrating language barriers, and stress levels can really skyrocket. We all know that stress is a common trigger for a bipolar episode. Dealing with bipolar disorder can be tough when you are far away from home.
On the flip side, travel is an amazing experience that can help you feel more connected to the world. Last summer, I finally took a real break and went on a Royal Caribbean cruise. It was exactly what my mind and body needed: ocean air, long naps, and zero phone notifications.
I used CruiseDirect to plan the trip, I didn’t overthink it, I just picked something that felt easy and restorative.
Here are some other things that helped me travel with bipolar disorder.
#1 Plan Ahead: Prepare for Bipolar-Friendly Travel
When it comes to travel, planning your trip in advance (through sites like Expedia) can minimize stress by a TON! Tips to help you prepare:
Make a packing list. Include some things to help you relax, like lavender oil or noise-cancelling headphones. You can also prepare a relaxing book or playlist on your tablet before you go.
Take extra medications. This can be helpful in case you lose yours or have travel delays. Also, keep meds in the original container in a backpack, belt bag, or purse, rather than your carry-on. Sometimes, airplanes will check make passengers carry-on luggage at the gate.
Be cautious with controlled meds: If you will be traveling with controlled medications like benzodiazepines, get a note from the prescribing doctor that lists the medication name, dosage, and why you take it. Be aware that many psychotropics are considered controlled substances in some countries, even if they aren’t in the U.S.
If you are traveling internationally, make sure you have a passport. Ensure that it has at least 6 months’ validity. Do this even if you take a cruise (where passports are sometimes not required). If you have an episode on board and need to fly home early, you will need a passport.
Research the destination. Have a detailed itinerary and plan for what you will do and see.
Know what you will do if you have increased bipolar disorder symptoms. The things that work for you at home will probably also work for you on vacation.
Understand what you will do in case of an emergency. It’s best to be prepared in case you do need to seek help for either a medical or mental health crisis.
Explore new places at your own pace.
#2 Talk With Your Treatment Team
Make an appointment with your treatment team members right before your trip. Discuss any concerns that you have with them. Perhaps your therapist can come up with interventions to help you better cope with travel anxiety. Maybe your psychiatrist can prescribe PRN (as needed) medications for the trip to reduce the chance of a manic episode.
More about counseling for bipolar.
#3 Go With a Close Friend or Family Member
Traveling with loved ones who help you feel safe and comfortable can make a big difference when it comes to feeling comfortable traveling when you have bipolar. Your loved one may be able to assist you in coping with bipolar disorder symptoms and help you feel safer.
Make sure the person is aware of your mental health history. Also, make sure they know what to do in case there is a crisis. If you don’t travel with a loved one, make a plan to check in with your support system back home while you are on vacation.
#4 Identify What Causes You the Most Stress
Maybe you become anxious because you are always rushing to the airport before your flight or perhaps you always wait until the very last minute to pack, which inevitably means that you forget things you need, like your medication! Whatever it is that causes stress, take steps to manage it. Plan ahead by packing several days in advance. Give yourself time for delays and other issues. Leave for the airport much earlier than usual.
#5 Don’t Forget Your Coping Skills While Traveling
Things like mindfulness meditation can be helpful when traveling. Fortunately, you can practice these on the go with various apps. Before you leave, try out various meditation apps to find which one — or two — you like best. If you get flight anxiety, meditate when you take off and land. This will help calm your nervous system.
#6 Buy Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can help pay for medical expenses if you become injured or ill or even have a manic episode while traveling. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the policy covers pre-existing mental health conditions. Some travel insurance companies do, but many do not. Closely read the fine print and call the company to verify.
#7 Be Prepared for Jet Lag
One of the most important travel tips for bipolar disorder is to be aware of jet lag.
Jet lag typically occurs if you take a flight across more than two time zones. This phenomenon can seriously mess with your mental health and cause bipolar episodes. The change in time zones disrupts your circadian rhythm (24-hour clock) and affects both your sleep and eating schedules. This can lead to irritability and jet lag depression or even mania.
It can help to remind yourself that jet lag is temporary and will go away. You can also make sure you get plenty of sunlight in the morning. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can make jet lag worse.
Some Final Travel Tips for Bipolar Disorder
Stay positive and have fun!
Traveling with bipolar disorder might have its challenges, but it’s worth the effort. It can improve your well-being. If you go into travel with the idea that you are well prepared for an adventure, you are more likely to have a smooth, fun journey. But, if you anticipate the worst, then that just might happen. So, try to focus on the positive and enjoy the experience.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling when you have bipolar disorder.
Should people with bipolar travel?
Absolutely! With the right planning, people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder can travel. In fact, many people find it deeply rewarding, as it offers growth opportunities. The key is self-awareness and careful planning.
Are there any bipolar travel restrictions?
In most cases, there are no travel restrictions for people with bipolar disorder. You can travel both domestically and internationally. However, it is a good idea to be aware of things that trigger an episode for you. It’s also important to plan. Some countries have rules about medications (especially controlled substances like benzodiazepines), so it’s a good idea to be aware of those.
Does bipolar affect travel insurance?
It’s important to know that having bipolar disorder can affect travel insurance coverage. It may be considered a pre-existing condition, and many travel insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Always check the coverage before purchasing a policy.
