Travel Tips: A recent reminder from Asia

After my recent travels to Thailand and Hong Kong (and recent misadventure - see my last post), I
was reminded of the little important things when it comes to travelling better with diabetes. And maybe that over the years I've become a little too relaxed at times! Having a travel buddy is a very welcome asset when it comes to traveling with diabetes but it is still important to be independent, self sufficient and aware of your surroundings.


Here's the biggest points from my recent trip:
- Never under estimate how little people know about diabetes or how entirely unaware of the condition they are. Compared to my past travel in America and some parts of Europe, Diabetes seemed to be a very unknown condition in Thailand: a country that is also known as an Aussie playground for partying and drugs - definitely not somewhere where you want be unprepared, or wind up passing out.

- When day tripping away from your accommodation, always pack enough supplies for at least two lows. Sometimes you just can't pick when the blood sugar rollercoaster will hit and you don't want to be caught out the middle of nowhere, having just eaten all you've got, and still ages from any supplies. A few extra jellybeans, a muesli bar or some crackers will not take up much room in your bag.

- Dehydration can happen a lot easier when travelling, even if you're used to working out, or hot climates. When travelling you're often in usual situations, like walking aaaaalllllllllll day. Your mindset is also often different, and so you can have more energy than normal. All these sorts of factors require more hydration!

- When being questioned about your medication, food and general supplies always remain calm and confident. When explaining, remember to speak clearly and be straight forward & pleasant, especially when there is a language barrier. We had our carry-on luggage fully searched at Bangkok. I'm talking everything spread out on the table, EVERYTHING, and then being questioned about it all piece by piece. They even asked why I'd spread my insulin into two cases inside the same carry on bag (because I put the two insulin pens I'm currently using in the seat pocket on the plane. That way I don't disturb other people too much nor the temperature of my other stored insulin). Then they put the few things that weren't already in  bags (inside my bag), in more zip lock bags. It can be frustrating, but just remember 99% of the time these people are just trying to do their job and are there to keep everyone safe, including you.

- Plastic ziplock bags are your friend. It's easier to group supplies in your luggage together in large ziplock bags. To someone searching your bag it also looks like you're being open with nothing to hide. And quite simply it keeps your supplies clean and tidy.

- Really stop and look at your medical alerts and IDs. If you didn't know you, knew nothing about diabetes, and were used to a medical condition free life, would you see and be alerted to the ID you're wearing. Would you notice it on someone if  you came across them passed out or injured? If the answer is no, or probably not, then get a different one, even if its just a special, slightly over-the-top or garish one just for travelling.

- If you can, try to learn the local words for 'Diabetic', 'Diabetes', & 'Medical Condition'. If you're a rock star, you could try learning a whole sentence or phrase of course too.

- And don't forget that doctor's letter! You might travel far and wide and never need it. But the one time someone asks for it you will be VERY happy its there!

There's more I'm sure, and each country, each person will be a little different.

Some other things I do (that are just personal preferences):

- Take a box of Australian muesli bars in case I get sick or don't like the foreign food. This also helps if I don't like the plane food, and at least I know exactly what's in them.
- Pack triple the supplies I need and ensure I pack some of it in my checked-through luggage. I always put the majority though in my carry-on.
- When going to a hot climate I take three small ice packs and instant ice. This way if I don't have a freezer in may room, I can rotate them at the hotel reception and ensure there is always one frozen.
-When travelling to Asia in particular, I always pack nurofen, electrolytes, gastro-stop and nausea pills. This past time I also took 'air-borne' too which I think really worked. I tend to pick up a flu every tip over there - So anything to avoid it!
- I put medical ID in all my bags
- hand-sanitizer and band aids are a must


Let me know if you're got any big tips for travelling better with diabetes that I should know!