Traveling is a magical thing that can easily become a hassle for those who have to deal with daily medications or medical needs due to a chronic illness. If you have type 1 diabetes, you’re plagued with managing life essential insulin injections and blood sugar checks, and if you have asthma, you’ll want to be prepared, especially if constantly on the go. But don’t let these setbacks keep you from living life. We’ve gathered some first-person tips that make a trip a little easier, even if a chronic disease is in tow.
Get a Check Up
It’s all in the planning—before ever leaving on your vacation, make a trip to the doctor. Be sure vaccines aren’t required, have some blood work done to detect any abnormalities or deficiencies and ask for prescriptions of everything you might be low on.
Bring a Doctor's Note
You may never need it, but carrying a doctor’s note that details why you have certain supplies and medications in your luggage could save a lot of hassle. Maybe you have devices that can’t go through an airport scanner—a note could be handy while preventing a lengthy stint standing to the side while they thoroughly sort through your things.
Manage Prescriptions Correctly
Always keep prescription medication in their original bottles, even though this isn’t ideal when it comes to space usage. Take everything you think possibly could be needed, like antibiotics, or anything else the doctor has prescribed. Obtaining even simple meds, on say, a cruise ship, can be costly. Also, remember that some medications and devices are temperature sensitive, and if exposed to extreme heat or cold, it could be problematic. FRIO Packs keep meds cold and are activated when simply saturated with water.
Have a Plan B
Keeping prescriptions in your carry on bag will save major heartache if, for some reason, checked items don’t arrive. Replacing clothing and cosmetics is fairly simple, and airlines will reimburse for this as long as the receipts are kept, but obtaining prescriptions could be challenging. This also takes time away from exploring, and if you’re in another country, it might be impossible to get certain meds. Reaching out to destination pharmacies and clinics in advance to set up a “plan b“, is never a bad idea.
Check Luggage for Free
Medical bags fly free with airlines like Delta, therefore you can check luggage containing supplies necessary for your condition, without paying a dime. Be certain anything essential stays in your carry on of course. And mark the checked bag with a medical tag, which can be found on Amazon for various conditions. For example, it could say “Medical Supplies—Insulin Inside”.
Opt for a Backpack
Backpacks are a tactical choice for any traveler, especially those carrying medical supplies. Pockets and zippers allow for quick access to an EpiPen perhaps, or an inhaler. Without dragging a purse or regular bag around, you’re hands-free as well. Store snacks, an extra pair of gloves, bandages—anything you might need. Waterproof packs with front buckles are good for skiing or rugged activities that normally make it challenging to bring along supplies.
Eat Well, Exercise, Rest
Eating healthy is something everyone should do because traveling does put some stress on the body, even if jetting off to relax. Eating a diet full of veggies, fruits, and other vitamin-rich plant-based goodness will keep the digestive and immune system at its best. Opt for tomato juice on the plane for a boost. Bring along a refillable water bottle. Scope out healthy restaurants before arriving. Falling in the same category, allow yourself time to get movement in, but make it enjoyable. Walk on the beach, hike to a scenic overlook, bike a mountain trail, swim. And most importantly, rest.
Pack Only Approved Items
Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are traveling to and see if there are any special rules for types of medications you’ll have to bring. Ensure that you haven’t packed anything in your suitcase that may not be approved by customs. Ask for any other relevant info that may make your trip easier.
Carry a Medical ID
Carrying a medical ID will allow first responders or medical staff to quickly identify potential issues if you happen to have a problem when traveling alone. Bracelets, wallet cards, luggage tags and sometime even tattoos identifying your condition could keep you a bit safer.
Explore Gadets and Accessories
Never underestimate the value of a great gadget. Folks are getting more creative these days when it comes to making life with a chronic disease a bit easier. For example, if you have autoimmune type 1 diabetes, a blood sugar monitoring system that sends data from a sensor in your arm, to your phone, can be invaluable. This lets you know when your sugar is too high, or critically low, whether sleeping or on an intense hike. Glucose Revival has developed a hollow necklace that holds a sweet gel to be consumed in situations where it may be difficult to access a juice box or snack— a metal charm with the iconic blue circle representing awareness adds an informative accent.
Check Out Airline Assistance
Call the airline ahead of your flight to let them know if you need special assistance. No need to detail your disability—airlines will work to accommodate those that may need a little extra help due to a medical need. Perhaps staying with your travel partner is important, since they know what to do in an emergency—some airlines will ensure your seats are together without an extra fee. Try to disconnect after you have everything planned to the best of your ability, and just have fun.
