The moment you step off the plane, your journey truly begins. For someone with Dysautonomia or POTS, this transition isn’t just about unpacking and settling in—it’s the moment where recovery starts. If I’ve learned one thing from years of navigating the chaos of travel, it’s that how you approach your first day can define your entire trip.

This guide isn’t about doing everything “right”—it’s about showing up for yourself in a way that makes the rest of your journey not just manageable but empowering. Here’s what I’ve learned, deeply intertwined with my personal experiences, to help you make that crucial first day as successful as it can be.

A Personal Note: Embracing Rest Without Guilt

When I first started traveling with Dysautonomia, I didn’t allow myself to slow down. I would land at a new destination and rush to see as much as I could, terrified of “wasting time.” But this came at a cost: exhaustion, flares, and the overwhelming sense that I wasn’t enjoying anything the way I wanted to.

I’ll never forget one trip where I landed in Rome with a packed itinerary. By the third hour, I was sitting on the cobblestones near the Colosseum, dizzy, weak, and fighting back tears because I didn’t know how to explain to my travel partner why I couldn’t keep up.

It wasn’t until years later that I embraced what I now call the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO). Giving myself permission to rest on the first day was revolutionary. I realized that rest isn’t a waste of time—it’s an investment in the rest of your trip.

So let me say this loudly: It’s okay to dedicate your first day to recovery. You deserve it.

1. Plan an Extra Day of Doing Absolutely Nothing

Let me be clear: This day is yours to recover.

Travel fatigue is real—long flights, altitude changes, dehydration, and airport stress can leave your body completely out of balance. Instead of pushing through, give yourself the gift of stillness.

Why This Works:

• Recovery Time: Symptoms like swelling, dizziness, and fatigue are common after travel. This day lets your body recalibrate.
• Stress-Free Adjustments: There’s no pressure to stick to a schedule or meet expectations.
• Intentional Planning: Use this time to refine your plans with real, local insights.

What My Arrival Day Looks Like:

• Refine My Plans: I’ve wasted too much time at disappointing restaurants and overrated attractions in the past. Now, I check in with locals or my hotel concierge to find the hidden gems that align with my energy and interests.
• Unpack with Purpose: I lay out my clothes, toiletries, and essentials, not just to organize but to create a sense of calm in my space.
• Self-Care Rituals: Washing and styling my hair, changing into comfortable clothes, or simply taking a few deep breaths to ground myself—it’s the little things that make me feel human again.

If you’re struggling with low blood pressure in the mornings, I highly recommend downloading my guide:
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2. Prioritize Hydration and Nutrition

The first thing I do when I arrive? Hydrate. Airplanes are notorious for dehydrating you, and rehydrating isn’t just about drinking water—it’s about replenishing lost minerals.

What I Use to Rehydrate:

• LMNT Electrolytes: These have been a lifesaver. They’re salt-based, simple, and incredibly effective at restoring balance.
• Himalayan Salt Water: A pinch of Himalayan salt in plain water works wonders for absorption and blood pressure stabilization.
• Light Snacks: I pack nuts, seed crackers, or low-histamine fruits because they’re gentle on my stomach after a long flight.

Once hydrated, I elevate my legs for 15–20 minutes. Travel often leaves me with swollen ankles, but this simple step improves circulation and helps me feel refreshed.

3. Keep Compression Stockings On

I know the temptation—you’ve been wearing those compression stockings for hours, and all you want to do is peel them off. But trust me, leaving them on a little longer can prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure and keep swelling at bay. I wait until I’ve rested and feel stable before transitioning out of them.

4. Always Choose Air-Conditioned Transportation

Temperature regulation is a cornerstone of managing Dysautonomia. Hot, stuffy environments can trigger dizziness or fainting, so prioritizing air-conditioned transportation is non-negotiable for me.

My Petra, Jordan Experience:

I vividly remember exploring Petra during one of the hottest weeks of the year. Between the relentless sun and the physical demands of walking, I was at my limit. The only thing that saved me was the cool haven of an air-conditioned private tour car. Even though I skipped some of the fancier restaurants, the trade-off was worth it. It gave me the strength to savor the magic of Petra without pushing myself too far.

Pro Tip:

Always confirm that your transportation has air conditioning before booking—whether it’s a car service, bus, or train.

5. Nourish Your Body with Digestive Support

After a long day of travel, digestion can feel sluggish. Supporting your body with smart food choices and supplements can make a huge difference.

My Go-To Foods:

• Lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-carb options to keep my blood sugar stable.
• Avoid heavy, carb-rich meals that require extra blood flow for digestion.

Digestive Enzymes I Rely On:

• Biotics Research Gluterase: For carbs.
• Betaine HCL: For proteins.
• Beta Plus: For fats.

These have been lifesavers, especially when eating out at unfamiliar places.

6. Managing Flares Upon Arrival

Even with all the preparation in the world, flares can happen. When they do, I’ve learned to give myself grace and lean into the tools I’ve packed.

What I Do During a Flare:

• Find a quiet space, lie down, and elevate my legs.
• Sip water with LMNT electrolytes and eat a salty snack to stabilize blood pressure.
• Use a cooling towel or portable fan to bring down my body temperature.

One of the best ways I’ve found to stay balanced and bounce back quickly is by relying on the right supplements. I swear by CALM and BOOST.

When stress hits, CALM helps ease the overwhelm, keeping my nervous system in check. And when I need resilience for long days or intense travel, BOOST gives me the energy and stability to keep going. I even take them together—they complement each other beautifully for both immediate relief and ongoing support.

👉 Try CALM & BOOST: Your Essentials for Stress and Resilience

7. Treat This Day as a Reset

Your arrival day is about more than logistics—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with yourself. I treat this time as a personal reset, embracing self-care and setting the tone for my trip.

My Rituals:

• Unpacking thoughtfully to create order in my space.
• Taking time to shower, refresh, and feel grounded.

Looking for a full-body reset?
👉 Try the 7-Day Dysautonomia & POTS Detox Diet

8. Set an Intention for Your Trip

This is my favorite part of any arrival day. I take a quiet moment to ask myself: What do I want from this trip? Whether it’s peace, joy, or healing, I visualize myself experiencing those emotions and let them guide my journey.

Celebrate Your Strength

Traveling with Dysautonomia isn’t easy. Every step—from navigating airports to unpacking at your destination—is a victory. Take a moment to acknowledge your resilience. This journey is yours to shape, and you’re already doing an incredible job.

Final Thoughts and Resources

Your arrival day is your foundation for the trip ahead. By prioritizing rest, hydration, and intentional planning, you can set yourself up for a journey that’s not just manageable but genuinely enjoyable.

👉 Download the Low Blood Pressure Morning Guide
👉 Try the 7-Day Dysautonomia & POTS Detox Diet

Warmest regards,

to your INVISIBLE BATTLES & UNSEEN STRENGTH,
Carola Le-Wriedt
Founder, Wellhistic & The Holistic Detox

Carola

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