Ahh the joys of travel! Whether it be backpacking through a national park or splashing in a pool, traveling is such a gift. As a family, we love being exposed to different cultures, unplugging from the daily demands and creating amazing memories together. But as any type 1 diabetes family knows, traveling involves many moving pieces.

When traveling in the past, our family has had instances where creativity and quick thinking were needed. There was the time my husband’s insulin pump completely malfunctioned on a remote beach. Luckily, we worked as a team and found a solution asap.

The more we’ve traveled, the more we’ve learned how to best prepare for the trip ahead. When we’re able to get organized and strategic from the start, we’re in a much better position to ensure no diabetes supplies are forgotten. The entire family can then relax and enjoy the adventures together!

In today’s post, I’ll share our family’s top tips when it comes to traveling as a type 1 diabetes family.

Diabetes Travel Tip #1: Make a list

I can’t begin to stress the importance of proactively making a list before you try and assemble any diabetes supplies. In fact, I always recommend physically writing your list versus typing in your phone or trying to remember in your head.

Research also supports the power in writing things down. In fact, scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology evaluated brain activity in students who hand-wrote their notes versus students who simply typed them.

The results of their study found higher levels of electrical activity across the brain when writing versus typing. Additional research has demonstrated that physically writing things down on paper helps boost memory because greater focus is needed.

When packing for a trip, can you find five minutes of quiet, uninterrupted time to write down the diabetes supplies that are needed? A list ensures nothing is left behind or forgotten. Plus, I always feel a sense of satisfaction when checking supplies off.

Diabetes Travel Tip #2: Visibly lay out your diabetes supplies

Once your diabetes list is created, it’s time to start assembling your supplies. Within our family, we designate a central location within our home to lay out supplies. This typically is the end of our dining room table. Clearly laying out diabetes supplies helps us take inventory of what we really need.

Additionally, we ask ourselves if we’re packing the appropriate supplies for the specific trip we’re taking. For example, on hiking trips, we take a small backpack and always pack extra snacks for low blood sugar. With lots of physical activity, we may need more snacks.

Having an ample supply ensures we’re in the best position possible to maintain stable glucose levels. If blood glucose levels begin to fall while on a hike, my husband can easily reach for a snack and maintain his sense of control.

For low blood sugar snacks that are easy to take on the go, we turn to organic raisins, organic dried apricots, Simple Mills almond flour snack bars or glucose tablets.

Hiking in Arizona with our family’s diabetes backpack close at hand!

Diabetes Travel Tip #3: Ask for a second pair of eyes

As a type 1 diabetes caregiver of seven years, I’ve learned it’s really important to lean on the support of others. There are a lot of moving parts when planning travel! You’re working to coordinate your trip. But you’re also responsible for packing clothes for yourself and your other children.

When it comes to diabetes supplies, ask for help by using the buddy system. Before packing away any supplies, I ask my husband to take a second look. He’s always willing to double check the diabetes list that we created together and ensure everything is accounted for.

I relax knowing there is a second pair of eyes. When approached as a team, packing becomes less of a chore. Who in your family can you ask to double check supplies?

Diabetes Travel Tip #4: Assign ownership

For much of our travel, we ensure all required diabetes supplies are packed in a small backpack. We’re then super mindful to keep the backpack close at hand wherever we go. For example, when flying, the backpack is always part of our carry-on luggage. That way we can quickly access it if needed. Or say we’re taking a long road trip, we ensure supplies aren’t buried in the trunk.

Additionally, we play a fun game where someone in the family is assigned ownership of the backpack when we travel. For every trip the ownership rotates. This is a creative way to involve the entire family along the type one diabetes journey.

It’s amazing to see the care and responsibility that are taken when children are given important tasks. Assigning ownership of the backpack is also a great way for siblings to help. Just be sure either mom or dad have a watchful eye!

Diabetes Travel Tip #5: Remain calm and be willing to pivot

Author, entrepreneur and business leader, Marie Forleo, says it best – “everything is figureoutable”. Over the years, there have been many times where the best planning still leads our family to forget an essential diabetes supply.

These moments can come with many emotions – fear, panic, frustration and exhaustion. As a type one diabetes caregiver, we can help set the tone for our entire family based on the attitudes and perspectives we hold.

During these critical moments, I remember Marie’s quote. I take a deep breath and tell myself that everything will be okay and we can figure it out together. There have been many trips where we’ve had to pivot and call the insurance company or stop at a pharmacy for more miscellaneous supplies.

Remaining calm helps us move from a place of stress to a place of power.

Plus, when we’re encouraging to our T1D warrior, we’re serving as a great role model for our entire family. So next time something is misplaced or forgotten, can you approach the situation with a great attitude? Our family also looks to always find the humor, which you can read more about in this previous blog post.

There you have it! My top five travel tips as a type one diabetes family. I hope you found these ideas helpful, and please feel free to share your family’s go-to tips in the comments below!

Or if you’re looking for additional support along your type 1 diabetes journey, I encourage you to consider embarking on a transformative coaching partnership. To learn more, please visit the following link or email me at hello@typewoncoaching.com for further details!

Until next time, sending you and your family so much love,

Allee

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed healthcare provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.