Vacations are a great way to unwind, relax, and spend time with loved ones. You’re free from the daily stresses and pressures of life. But, traveling can come with its share of stressful situations. Here are some ways to avoid headaches on vacation.

Always Plan Ahead

Traveling can be stressful, which is a trigger for those who suffer from chronic migraines. Avoid the stress that can lead to a headache by writing out your itinerary and running errands before your trip. Pack your luggage a day or two before you leave. Plan some downtime to relax whether you’re flying, driving, or traveling on a bus, train, or cruise ship. You can use this time to work out, meditate, or rest. Keep all of your flight information together in a folder or planner.

It also pays to take steps to guard against common mishaps which occur on vacation. For example, if you recently bought a brand new iPhone, you may also want to browse iPhone Xs cases and screen protectors and buy one prior to your trip. That way you don’t have to worry about dropping and breaking your thousand-dollar device while getting through airport security.

Drink Plenty of Water

Water deprivation can lead to headaches. It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re standing in line at the airport, sitting through a long flight, or sleeping on a bus or train. Sometimes traveling to a hot climate makes you want to drink more water which is a good thing. It’s a reminder that your body is dehydrated.

Prevent dehydration headaches from happening by drinking enough water. Stay hydrated, especially if you’re spending a lot of time in the air. Sometimes just a little water can get rid of your headache in as little as 30 minutes.

Get Plenty of Rest

Don’t switch up your sleep routine just because you’re on vacation. It might be tempting to stay up late, but it might be worth the headache. Disrupting your sleep pattern can make you more susceptible to migraines. Make sure to get enough sleep each night.

Follow the same sleep schedule that you had at home. Avoid getting too much sleep on the plane, train, or bus. Sometimes too much sleep can be too much of a good thing and can lead to headaches.

Lay Off the Alcohol

It’s also easy to overdo it on alcohol while on vacation. This is especially the case if you’re on spring break with your friends or in other situations where partying on vacation is to be expected. More people drink on vacation, which can lead to cocktail headaches and hangover headaches. Be careful of your alcohol consumption whether you’re at the beach or on a cruise.

If you plan to drink on vacation, order a glass of water as well. Drink on a full stomach to avoid headaches and hangovers.

Avoid Tech Neck

It should be a no-brainer to avoid technology as much as possible on vacation. But, sometimes you need to keep in touch with friends and loved ones, or work has a way of finding you wherever you happen to be. Tech neck can make your headaches worse. Staring at digital screens can make your headaches even worse.

Adjust your posture when you’re looking at your laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Shut your devices off around 8 p.m., or at least an hour before your bedtime. Electronic devices can keep you awake at night, causing sleep deprivation and migraines.

Keep tech safe while traveling by using a hardshell case or padded shell for your laptop or tablet. Use rubber case for your smartphone to prevent it from breaking.

Even if you follow some of these tips, you may still end up with a headache on vacation. If this happens, spend time by yourself and get rest until you feel better. Make sure to eat a meal and to drink plenty of water. Take pain medication, if needed. Once you feel better, you can move on with your vacation.