Traveling with ADHD – 5 Useful Tips

Traveling with ADHD can be a headache. All it takes is one forgotten item, and the trip could be in jeopardy. Imagine arriving at the airport and realizing that you forgot your wallet. Even worse, imagine that you don’t remember where you last had your wallet. Did you leave your wallet in the Uber ride or at home? What about your ADHD medications? The trip can’t go on without them.

At my day job in finance, I travel occasionally. Over the years, I’ve developed several hacks that have saved my trips countless times. However, the most important hack to remember is that you have hacks. In other words, tips and tricks are only helpful if they are remembered and used when they are needed.

Imagine an organized packing list that is never used when packing, or luggage tracking tags sitting on your dresser. So, find useful hacks for traveling with ADHD, and then make sure to use them.

5 Hacks for Traveling with ADHD.

 

1.     Use tracking tags on your luggage.

 

This is an excellent hack for ADHD travelers. Luggage tracking tags help you keep track of your luggage, so you never have to worry about lost or forgotten bags. Simply attach the tag to your luggage, and then use the app to track your bag’s location.

The apps that track your luggage can also serve as a quick reference list for double-checking. To assist, many tracking apps have features for setting location reminders. For example, before I leave the hotel parking lot, I open my Tiles app and visually scan the list of tagged items to make sure they are all near me.

I started with Tile luggage trackers. They have several Tile sizes to accommodate everything from a wallet to luggage bags and laptop travel backpacks. Their “Thin” tracker fits easily in my wallet, while the larger tiles can be attached to my laptop backpack and luggage. They also have a “sticker” tracker that is small enough to be put on my travel pill case.

I opted for the premium subscription with the Tile app to access the app’s location reminders. The location reminders are helpful for setting up locations that don’t require notifications. For example, I’m not concerned about leaving my tablet at work, but I definitely want to be notified if I leave my tablet at the airport.

I also started using Apple’s AirTag, which works with the iPhone’s “Find my” app. With the “Find my” app, all Apple devices, including the AirTag, are shown on the map. This app also includes the ability to add location-specific reminders and notifications.

2.     Use packing cubes.

 

Packing cubes are a great way to organize your belongings when traveling. Simply place all of your clothes in the cubes, then pack the cubes in your suitcase. Packing cubes come in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs.

I like to use packing cubes because they help me stay organized. I can easily find what I’m looking for, and I don’t have to worry about losing anything in my suitcase. Packing cubes are also great for ADHD travelers because they can help you keep track of your belongings. Simply label each cube with the contents, and then you’ll always know what’s inside.

Besides saving space, packing cubes can help organize your packing routine. If you are consistent with using packing cubes, you’ll probably notice if you are missing a cube. This is just another way to reinforce your memory and to help avoid forgetting something when packing.

I usually pack one packing cube for each day of travel. I’ll put all my clothes and necessary toiletries in the cube for that day. This way, I won’t forget anything important like my toothbrush or ADHD medication.

3.     Keep a separate set of charging cables at your office, home, and luggage.

 

This also applies to other essential electronics such as portable USB charging batteries.

The key to this hack is redundancy. If you have a separate charging cable for your phone at home, work, and in your luggage, then the cable will be one less item to remember.

ADHD can make it difficult to keep track of your belongings. This is especially true when traveling. Keeping a separate set of charging cables at your office, home, and luggage reduces the likelihood of forgetting your cable and being stranded without a phone.

4.    Keep a separate ATM or credit card in your luggage for backup.

 

This one is a life-saver. When I travel, banks will often freeze my card when they see transactions originating from out-of-state. It’s a safety feature of most cards to help stop identity theft. However, it may also mean that your primary bank card can be declined at the cash register at any moment. Having a separate backup card means I can avoid embarrassment at the register.

The other key to this hack is that the backup card needs to be packed in a separate bag, away from your wallet. So, in the unfortunate event that you lose your wallet, you have a backup card that can be used for expenses.

5.     Organize and count your medications before leaving.

 

This is an important hack that will save you time and help ensure that you don’t forget to pack your medications. For me, this involves counting out each pill prescribed and placing them in a daily pill organizer marked for each day.

Counting and organizing your pills will reinforce your need to ensure they are packed. This hack will also save you time when you need to take your meds because each day will be pre-counted and separated by day.

Counting and organizing your pills also allows you to quickly check that you have all your medications for the day.

Conclusion:

ADHD and Traveling can be a challenge, but it can be made easier with these hacks. ADHD affects individuals differently, so what works for one person might not work for another. However, these are general tips that can be helpful.

As always, be sure to consult with a physician if you have any questions regarding ADHD medication and travel. You’ll want to be prepared in the unfortunate case that you arrive at your destination without your medication.

Traveling with ADHD can be daunting, but these hacks have helped me immensely. By being prepared and organized, I can relax and enjoy my travels without worry.