Littleneck, I have traveled to two out of state conferences and two short vacations since diagnosis. Had fibro on my last trip to Italy but did not know it, so was not prepared.
If the rules allow, put your meds in one of those little daily pill thingies and write on the bottom on a little sticker what they all are so you don't get mixed up. Then take extras of the pain pills. Wear soft comfy clothing for the plane. Wear slip on shoes and take soft socks. Take a butt pillow or cushion. I got one with a little handle that hooked to my suitcase. Take a blow up neck pillow that you can use in the small of your back or a head pillow. Sit on the aisle if you can. Take comfy shoes and a couple of extra pairs. Take your heating pad. I've had to buy one when out because I didn't take mine. A small purse with minimal stuff inside is a good idea. Wear layers. Take your cane if you use one. I used to not use my cane, but found out that I can walk further without pain if I use it. I get a lot of perks with the cane (that's not why I use it, though) But it makes things a lot easier. At the ball game, they let us in at a short cut rather than make us walk all the way around. We got in a shorter line at a show in vegas. I can take the seat in the bus or the waiting area when I need to and people don't look at me funny. If possible, attach your purse to your carryon for walking thru the airport so you can use your other hand for the cane. Lots of sunscreen and have fun!!
This is kind of boring but important. Be careful with pain pills when you are away from the place you usually take them cuz of how your body responds to meds. (some or all meds, I am not sure) Remember Pavlov and his dogs. He got the dog to salivate to the sound of the metronome (commonly thought a bell) because the dog knew the sound meant meat powder was coming. It is kind of like that, but a little more complex. Your body wants to stay in balance. Some pain meds put brain chemicals out of balance. Your body responds by compensating. So, if you take your meds in the bathroom at night, or whatever, your body knows to respond. It will start compensating before you take the meds. (just like Pavlov's dogs' bodies knew the meat powder was coming and the body prepared for the food by salivating). If you take pain meds in a diff location, your body doesn't know what is coming and will not compensate as much. Less meds might do the same thing on vacation that more meds do at home.
So be careful and take less at first and see if they help. I took too much meds at the grand canyon and the smoke detector was crawling all over the wall spying on me!!
Have a wonderful time!!!!!
Sue