Medical Questions > Conditions and Diseases > Hypoglycemia Forum

Long Trip Tips

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Well, everyone, again i'm not gloating so please don't think that this is for your own information, I just returned from a short, but long and stressful trip far away from the safety of my hypoglycemic kitchen! Here are some tips that you can use to survive a vacation or a short trip away from home.

1. Get a large cooler, one that you'd see people using for tailgating.

2. Depending on how many days you are going to be gone, cook all of your food the day before. Place everything in separate containers, tupperware is great for this but there are many different kinds of plastic containers now. Put meat by itself and vegetables by themselves. Put them in the refrigerator the day before.

3. Take one or two gallon jugs of water and put them in the freezer two nights before your trip. Only do this if it's going to be a long trip, if it's only a few hours to where you're going, don't worry about it. Put the jug or jugs in the cooler.

4. Put all of the food you are brining and all of your supplies, including water if you can, into the cooler. I stored my water in large water containers you use for refills at stores, so they don't have to be in the cooler and it's better if they're not so you have more space.

5. That's it, you're ready to go! Make sure you have the portions all figured out ahead of time. This means, cut all the meat into ready portions so you don't have to do anything that involves cooking on your trip.

6. If possible, make sure you can get a hotel room or what have you with a refrigerator. If not, then you'll need to make sure you can get a hold of ice on your trip so you can keep the cooler cold. It won't be hard to do, though.

7. Bring a bookbag with you. When you go on walks on the beach, trips to amusement parks, or whatever you decide to do, pack the day's foodstuffs into the pack and carry it with your everywhere. Bring an entire day's supply in there. It sounds ridiculous at first, but all of it will fit in the bag without looking bulkly. Carry one to two 1 liter water bottles in there as well and you're ready to go.

8. That's it and you can go wherever you want. Pull out your food at restaurants and eat when you have to. If you're waiting to go on a ride, eat before if possible, even if it means eating a little before you normally would. Otherwise, wait and enjoy yourself. When you go on rides, give you bag to the attendant and inform them that there's "medicine" in the bag and they'll take good care of it for you.

Hope this helps. I was only gone for two days but I must admit I was worried at first because it was my first trip far away from home without having access to my kitchen and such. I was surprised how easy it was to bring everything with me.
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replied May 15th, 2006
Those are great practical tips, stan. I have taken several trips since I got diagnosed, and just like you said, I brought meat, boiled eggs, cut-up vegitables, cheese, nuts and water. I made sure the hotel room has an empty refrigerator, or I can rent one for a minimal fee. Once i've done it, I wasn't scared anymore. One more thing, I usually order room-service in a hotel room, and a lot of time, they will accomadate your diet needs. That was helpful.


Do you have any tips on trips that involve long flights? I want to fly to japan sometime, and that's about 24 hour journey from door to door. I'm afraid that i'm not allowed to carry in a huge cooler onto the flight(s). I would ask the airlines once the plans have once been set, but any advice or tips would be appreciated.
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replied May 15th, 2006
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That's one thing I haven't figured out yet. I'm pretty much hoping that for a plane flight in the forseeable future I won't have to eat as often! Well, all I could say would be, if possible, bring about 1-2 days worth of food with you on the plane. You'll have to buy the rest wherever you're going, but when you get there make it a priority and then store and cook everything you need, unless you don't mind cooking it whenever.
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replied May 15th, 2006
Thanks again, stan!

I might skip the trip to japan this summer just so that I can take time to get even better. Once I get there, I will stay at my folks' so cooking shouldn't be a problem. But I guess the safest thing is to carry as much food as you possibly can whenever you go. I will do that.

I've been back to the gym for two weeks now, and I only do 30 minute cardio, but I feel great afterward. Amazing!
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replied May 15th, 2006
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Excellent sounds like you're getting better! I'm so happy to see that tips i've been giving on here seem to help people. I'm starting to think we should all band together and write our own book on this, something more concise than what's currently out there. Most of it is out of date and contradictory, not to mention stupid.
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replied May 15th, 2006
Yes, i've gotten so much better, and it's just incredible how much more energy I have now, compared to only a couple months ago.

I think i'm very lucky in that my doctor was quick enough to find what was wrong with me only 4 months after I started feeling extremely tired. And also, that i've found this forum with you and others, especially you with so much knowledge on hypoglycemia and dedication to help fellow hypoglycemics. Thank you so much!

You should definitely write a book! I would be happy to write at leat a testimonial for you.
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replied May 15th, 2006
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I agree with yukja. You should definitely write a book. All the tips and information is far better than anything i've ever read on the subject.
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replied May 15th, 2006
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Thanks! My parents have been suggesting this too.
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replied May 22nd, 2006
You're awesome stan! Thanks!
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