Hi everyone we are being very brave and going to Egypt in 6 weeks time- half looking to it forward and half dreading it and already stockpiling supplies. any tips..... thinking 2 separate packs of supplies, what food can I take on the plane its a 5 hour flight, can i take bottled water and snacks off the plane in case we are a long time in the airport and on transfer? appreciate any advise for traveling abroad meg was diagnosed at the end of october.
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Any top tips for travelling abroad
- Thread starter jayne15
- Start Date
cleo82
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 61
- Location
- Scotland
- Type of diabetes
- Type 1
- Treatment type
- Insulin
- Dislikes
- Not being able to control effects of stress on blood sugars
Hi Jayne,
Each airline and airport will have its own rules but, generally speaking, they tend to advise you to carry extra carbs in case of delays so you shouldn't have any problems. (Give them a call or check their websites for specific rules/advice). Dry snacks will keep better in the heat but pack in between clothes to prevent them being a pile of crumbs at other end! Haven't been to eygpt so will let someone else advise on specific foods allowed/not allowed...
You can't take water/juice into airport but can buy it in airport. We also bought water on plane and no-one stopped us taking it into arrivals. You can buy snacks on plane but a friend swears by the 'meal deals' in the airport - tastier than the airline's offerings and a fraction of price!
My tips...
- get a letter from doctor confirming your daughter's diabetes (and any other medical conditions) and stating she will be carrying insulin / snacks etc. (No-one asked about my insulin etc going through security, or asked for this letter but it was one less worry knowing I had it if they did ask)
- you can never pack enough glucose tablets! put them in your hold luggage / hand luggage / her luggage... that way if any bags do go astray you won't be stuck. They don't weigh much or take up much room. Likewise, pack some snacks in each case.
- take plenty test strips and check her sugars regularly. I found the heat cut down my insulin requirements quite dramatically - I ended up skipping lunch time jags completely some days, despite eating my normal carbs.
- consider getting a frio pouch to keep insulin cool - I got one a fews years ago and its brilliant. you just stick it in water for a couple of minutes to recharge it. Had a bad experience with insulin "going off" in heat once - was taking double quantities, no carbs and sugars continued to escalate... never been without my frio since.
- also consider getting a picnic rucksack for one of you to take on as hand luggage - again, to keep insulin cool. Airplane was freezing one minute and roasting the next, and they advise against putting insulin in hold in case it freezes. Was handy on holiday to keep lunch/snacks/drinks cool when we were out and about. Take out the knives etc before you go though!
- check your travel insurance, you might need to declare / pay a surcharge for your daughter's diabetes. We have free travel insurance but they only offered an annual price to add diabetes - about £70 I think. Hardly ever go away so had a quick phone round and got a one off policy for about £20.
Hope you all have a brilliant holiday!
Each airline and airport will have its own rules but, generally speaking, they tend to advise you to carry extra carbs in case of delays so you shouldn't have any problems. (Give them a call or check their websites for specific rules/advice). Dry snacks will keep better in the heat but pack in between clothes to prevent them being a pile of crumbs at other end! Haven't been to eygpt so will let someone else advise on specific foods allowed/not allowed...
You can't take water/juice into airport but can buy it in airport. We also bought water on plane and no-one stopped us taking it into arrivals. You can buy snacks on plane but a friend swears by the 'meal deals' in the airport - tastier than the airline's offerings and a fraction of price!
My tips...
- get a letter from doctor confirming your daughter's diabetes (and any other medical conditions) and stating she will be carrying insulin / snacks etc. (No-one asked about my insulin etc going through security, or asked for this letter but it was one less worry knowing I had it if they did ask)
- you can never pack enough glucose tablets! put them in your hold luggage / hand luggage / her luggage... that way if any bags do go astray you won't be stuck. They don't weigh much or take up much room. Likewise, pack some snacks in each case.
- take plenty test strips and check her sugars regularly. I found the heat cut down my insulin requirements quite dramatically - I ended up skipping lunch time jags completely some days, despite eating my normal carbs.
- consider getting a frio pouch to keep insulin cool - I got one a fews years ago and its brilliant. you just stick it in water for a couple of minutes to recharge it. Had a bad experience with insulin "going off" in heat once - was taking double quantities, no carbs and sugars continued to escalate... never been without my frio since.
- also consider getting a picnic rucksack for one of you to take on as hand luggage - again, to keep insulin cool. Airplane was freezing one minute and roasting the next, and they advise against putting insulin in hold in case it freezes. Was handy on holiday to keep lunch/snacks/drinks cool when we were out and about. Take out the knives etc before you go though!
- check your travel insurance, you might need to declare / pay a surcharge for your daughter's diabetes. We have free travel insurance but they only offered an annual price to add diabetes - about £70 I think. Hardly ever go away so had a quick phone round and got a one off policy for about £20.
Hope you all have a brilliant holiday!
CambridgeLass
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 148
Brilliant advice above from Cleo!!! I've read you should take at least double the amount of supplies you normally take. Keep it in hand luggage.You won't need it, but I was advised to take glucagon on long trips. Definately get a frio pouch as insulin needs to be kept out if the sun/heat. Watermelon is apparently one of the higher carb fruits. Swimsuits, sunglasses 
most importantly enjoy yourselves, you are going to have a fantastic time!! I'm sure you can buy snacks you need also- if you go on a day sightseeing. Your routine will be out of synch, foods and weather will be different so numbers may be a bit varied but don't worry - as long as you are all enjoying yourselves! Take lots of photos. You'll come back having managed it all and ready to book the next trip. x
Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
most importantly enjoy yourselves, you are going to have a fantastic time!! I'm sure you can buy snacks you need also- if you go on a day sightseeing. Your routine will be out of synch, foods and weather will be different so numbers may be a bit varied but don't worry - as long as you are all enjoying yourselves! Take lots of photos. You'll come back having managed it all and ready to book the next trip. xSent from the Diabetes Forum App
