Travelling - North Africa region

[Icantsleep]

Hello i have type 1 & travelling to North Africa, ive been trying to draw up a list of things i need to take and do, and am a tad lost.
I use Novopens, Dexcom one (a whole lot of other meds, including controlled )
Any advice greatly appreciated

 

[Fairygodmother]

What a wonderful opportunity!
If it were me, I’d check up on all the immunisations I need and make sure I get them in time.
I’d also pack a reusable water bottle that kept water cool so I could decant bought water into it.
As far as Type One is concerned: frios for the Novopens and insulin plus an insulated bag to carry temperature-affected Type one stuff, and spare dexcom - spares of everything type one!
I’d also have a good supply of jellybabies, chargers for all electrics that need them, multi-plugs for the systems in visited countries, a list of phrases asking where to find essentials in the local languages, cool clothing and a shade provider (umbrella?) and hand held fan plus a pullover and long trousers for cooler nights, a bug spray/moonflower/plug-in bug deterrent, suncream, strong shoes and sandals.
The list could expand . .
I’d also visit a bank or building society to see if I could get a pre charged card that could be used in the different places I’m visiting.
Have a really great time! Wish I was coming too

 

[Fairygodmother]

Oh, and another thing, a travel kettle and tea bags. Lots of the local cafe tea, such as mint tea, usually has sugar added in the brewing. Same with coffee. The words for ‘without sugar’ are useful.

 

[Icantsleep]

Thank-you
Any recommendations insulated bag - too many choices

 

[Deleted member 527103]

Thank-you
Any recommendations insulated bag - too many choices

If you re looking for something to keep your insulin cool, I suggest Frio wallet instead of insulated bag as @Fairygodmother suggests above. I have taken mine on many holidays in hit places with no air conditioning or fridge in sight. For example, camping in Morocco where charges were no use.

 

[Jaylee]

Hi,

Frio wallet would be my choice to keep insulin cool in the heat.

I’ve got something this size for just a day out in the heat, but there are other sizes too..

FRIO Individual Wallet - Many Colours Available

FRIO the world’s first patented cooling wallet. It keeps temperature sensitive medicines cool and safe, within safe temperatures of 18-26°C (64.4-78.8°F) for a minimum of 45 hours, even in a constant environmental temperature of 37.8°C (100°F). – Simply activate with cold water! – Light and...

www.diabeticsupply.co.uk

It works by soaking the inner wallet in water for about 20 minutes to charge it up?
Patting dry’ish with a towel.
Slip inside the outer wallet.
Put contents in the wallet…

It works by the water turning the crystals into a gel.
As the water evaporates the insulin is kept cooler that the extreme temperatures, protecting the insulin.

I would recommend putting the wallet into a webbing style bag pocket to allow the Frio to breath as it does what it does..

Have a great time..

 

[Fairygodmother]

In hot places I place the frios in an insulated lunch bag

 

[Deleted member 527103]

In hot places I place the frios in an insulated lunch bag

I have never needed to do so and been to some very hot places with my Frios.
I always make sure they are sufficiently “charged” and keep them in something breathable.

 

[Antje77]

In hot places I place the frios in an insulated lunch bag

This doesn't work.

Frio cools because the pouch evaporates the water, same principle as terracotta water jugs to keep the water cool, or pulling wet socks over beer bottles to cool the beer. (Beer will keep much cooler in a wet sock in the wind and even the sun than it will submerged in a lake.)
Close the Frio from air to let the moisture evaporate and it doesn't work.

 

[Jaylee]

In hot places I place the frios in an insulated lunch bag

Hi @Fairygodmother , Hope you’re well?

Ideally the Frio needs to have a breathable pocket.

To highlight what I mean regarding a webbing pocket. I’ve inserted a white coaster too, incase it doesn’t photograph?.

This is my work bag. But it’s been around the world a bit on band tours too..
I’ve not always needed a Frio.

 

[Fairygodmother]

I’ve successfully used my method in Jordan and included a cooling pack - the interior of a frio can get warm when the air that evaporates the water is above 35C