MyoCon! September 24–27, 2026.
For many people living with myositis, travel can feel exhausting even before you leave the house. Fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, mobility challenges, and the unpredictability of symptoms may make even a simple trip seem overwhelming. But having myositis does not mean giving up on travel. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, visiting loved ones, crossing a destination off your bucket list, or attending MyoCon: TMA’s Global Myositis Patient Conference, a little preparation can go a long way.
The goal isn’t to travel exactly as you did before your diagnosis. It’s to travel in a way that works for you today. Here are 10 practical tips to help make your next journey more comfortable, enjoyable, and less stressful.
1. Ask for Assistance Before You Need It
Many people hesitate to request help because they don’t think they’re “disabled enough.” But travel can be physically demanding, even for healthy individuals.
If you’re flying, request wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, or transportation between gates when you book your ticket. Airports, cruise terminals, and train stations often involve far more walking than expected. Saving your energy during transit means you’ll have more stamina to enjoy your destination.
2. Build Rest into Your Itinerary
One of the most common travel mistakes is trying to do too much. When planning activities, consider scheduling only one major outing each day. Leave room for naps, leisurely meals, or simply relaxing and taking in your surroundings. Remember, overexertion during a trip can sometimes lead to increased fatigue and soreness that lasts for days afterward. The best travel memories often come from savoring experiences, not rushing through them.
3. Choose Accommodations Carefully
When booking a hotel or rental property, accessibility matters. Look beyond the word “accessible” in online listings and ask specific questions. Is there an elevator? Are there grab bars in the bathroom? Does the bathroom feature a bathtub or shower? How far is the room from parking, dining areas, or public transportation?
Did you know The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth guidelines for hotel accessibility? The ADA specifies the minimum number of accessible rooms a hotel must provide based on its total room count. This requirement ensures that hotels of all sizes offer appropriate accommodations for guests with disabilities. For example, if a hotel has 401-500 rooms, it must offer at least nine accessible rooms. But if a hotel has 501-1000 rooms, at least 2% of total rooms must be accessible.
Accessibility is among TMA’s biggest priorities when choosing a location for MyoCon. We try to select hotels that feature showers instead of tubs and look for bigger hotels so that the number of accessible rooms is greater.
4. Keep Medications Close at Hand
Medications should always travel with you, not in checked luggage. Bring enough medication for the entire trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry an updated medication list, copies of prescriptions, and contact information for your healthcare providers. If you receive infusions or specialized treatments, it may also be helpful to identify nearby medical facilities before you travel.
5. Use Mobility Aids Without Apology
Canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and trekking poles are not signs of weakness. They are tools that help conserve energy and increase independence. Even if you don’t use a mobility aid every day, you might find one helpful during travel. Renting a scooter at a large theme park, museum, or in St. Louis for MyoCon could make the difference between ending the day exhausted and ending it with energy to spare.
6. Schedule Activities Around Your Energy Levels
Most people with myositis know their bodies well enough to recognize patterns. Some feel strongest in the morning, while others need time to get moving and function better later in the day. When possible, plan flights, tours, and activities during the hours when you typically have the most energy. Working with your body’s natural rhythm can help reduce fatigue and make your trip more enjoyable.
7. Stay Hydrated and Keep Healthy Snacks Nearby
Long travel days can easily disrupt normal eating and drinking habits. Carry a refillable water bottle and pack easy-to-carry snacks such as nuts, protein bars, fruit, or crackers. Staying hydrated and maintaining steady nutrition can help support energy levels and reduce the physical stress that travel places on the body.
8. Prepare for Weather and Temperature Changes
Heat, cold, humidity, and sudden weather shifts can affect symptoms for some people living with myositis. Before you travel, research seasonal conditions and pack accordingly. Lightweight layers can help you adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day. Cooling products may be useful in warmer climates, while warm clothing and hand warmers can provide comfort in colder environments. At MyoCon, remember to bring layers as air conditioning often makes rooms feel chilly.
9. Consider Travel Insurance
No one likes to think about canceled trips or medical emergencies, but travel insurance can provide an extra layer of security. Look for policies that offer coverage for medical care, emergency transportation, and trip interruptions. Be sure to review any provisions related to pre-existing conditions so you understand exactly what is covered.
10. Give Yourself Permission to Change the Plan
Perhaps the most important travel tip of all: be flexible. If you’re tired, rest. If an activity feels like too much, skip it. If your body needs a slower pace than expected, honor that need. Travel success isn’t measured by how many attractions you visit or how full your itinerary is. It’s measured by the experiences you enjoy and the memories you create.
And Finally…
A good rule of thumb is simple: plan for twice as much rest as you think you’ll need and half as many activities as you think you’ll accomplish. You may be surprised at how much more enjoyable your journey becomes when you give yourself permission to travel at your own pace.
Safe travels!
