The Invisible Work Behind Work Travel

Traveling for work can be enjoyable – it might take you somewhere new, or give you the opportunity to work on a project you’re passionate about. But when you’re living with a chronic illness, it can also bring a layer of stress and uncertainty.

• What if I have a flare-up while I’m there?
• Will brain fog get in the way of doing my best?

Work trips are already demanding, filled with long days, constant interaction, and unfamiliar environments. When you live with a chronic illness, what people don’t often see is the additional invisible work that happens before the trip even begins.

I travel often for work, which has taken me to places I might not have otherwise visited. In the past year, I’ve been to three new states and even made it to Brazil. I also live with multiple sclerosis (MS), which comes with unpredictable symptoms, fatigue, and brain fog. Whether it’s a five-hour flight with four full days of meetings or a quick overnight trip an hour drive away, I’ve learned that having a plan is critical.

When living with a chronic illness, you can navigate work travel with preparation and a solid strategy. Here are a few ways I set myself up for success.

Review the Agenda in Advance

Whether I’m meeting with a small group or attending a multi-day event, there’s always an agenda, and reviewing it ahead of time helps me create an energy management plan.

Days can be long, often filled with back-to-back meetings and group activities. Look for natural breaks in the schedule. If there’s an opportunity to step away, even for ten minutes to reset in your hotel room, take it. Budgeting your energy or taking moments to decompress is key to showing up as your best self at work.

I’ve also learned to ask about team-building activities in advance. At one event, I found myself standing for two hours with no seating available – something that’s tough for me physically as someone with MS. Now, I make sure I know what to expect and plan accordingly.

And don’t underestimate logistics. Large hotels and convention centers can mean long walks between rooms. Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go—and pack comfortable shoes. (Thankfully, sneakers have found their place in professional wardrobes.)

Pack Strategically

Once you’ve reviewed the agenda, it’s time to pack with intention.

If I’m flying, I prefer to keep my luggage with me and stick to a carry-on (I’ve gotten surprisingly good at fitting everything in two bags!). Keeping essentials close adds a layer of control and reduces stress.

When it comes to clothing, comfort and confidence are equally important. Choose outfits that feel good to wear and allow you to focus, not adjust or second-guess. Plan for layers, too – meeting rooms are often unpredictable when it comes to temperature.

Medication Planning

For those of us managing chronic illnesses, medication planning is a critical part of travel.

If you’re flying, always keep medications in your carry-on to avoid the risk of lost or delayed luggage. Organize everything in a way that’s easy to access and keeps you on track, especially when you’re out of your usual routine.

Setting reminders can help, and bringing an extra dose or two provides a buffer in case travel plans change unexpectedly.

Preparing for Unpredictable Symptoms

One of the hardest parts of traveling for work with a chronic illness is the unpredictability. As many of know, symptoms don’t always wait for convenient moments to show up.

That’s why I try to prepare mentally before I leave. If I need to step out of a meeting or take a break, what will I say? Having a few simple phrases in mind, whether you choose to disclose your condition or keep it general, can ease the pressure in the moment and help reduce stress.

Just as important: give yourself permission to respond to what your body needs, without guilt. Be kind to yourself – tell yourself you’re doing the best you can, and your health comes first. 

Work Trips with Chronic Illness are Possible

Preparing for a work trip when living with a chronic illness comes with an added, often invisible layer of effort. But with intention, it can feel more manageable, and even empowering.

Before your next trip, take a few moments to check in with yourself:

• Do I understand the flow of the agenda and where I might need breaks?
• Did I pack in a way that supports both comfort and confidence?
• Do I have a plan for managing symptoms if they show up?
• Are my medications organized and easy to access?

And just as important: Am I giving myself permission to do this in a way that works for me?

Success on a work trip doesn’t have to mean doing everything. Sometimes, it simply means showing up, adjusting as needed, and taking care of yourself along the way.