Given my current flare level, should I travel, modify the trip, or postpone?

Fast answer

Decide with objective flare markers, not panic or hope. Your trip should be flare-tolerant by design.

Decide in 60 seconds
  1. Ask: “If I felt like this on Day 2 there, what would I do?”
  2. If answer = “stay in bed miserable,” modify or postpone.
  3. If you can downshift and still enjoy core goals, go.
  4. Use a 3-tier plan: Green (normal), Yellow (reduced), Red (rest-only).
PPRR fit
  • Pre-Trip Ramp-Up: Build your 3-tier plan now.
  • Outbound Day + On-Trip Days: Switch tiers early, not late.

TBL tools

Explorer includes the 3-Tier Flare Plan + cancellation decision worksheet.

FAQs

What if I feel guilty postponing? Guilt doesn’t heal nerves. Pacing is care.

Is postponing failure? No. It’s long-game travel.

How late can I decide? As late as your cancellation rules allow — check them now.

Evidence & safety
  • Pacing science supports modifying activity rather than all-or-nothing shutdown.
  • Travel medicine emphasizes safety triage and seeking care for red-flag symptoms.
  • Micro-anchor (migraine): If you’re in a multi-day attack, modify hard (short sits, dark rest blocks) or postpone.
  • Micro-anchor (OA/back pain): If walking is collapsing, go only with assistance + simplified itineraries.