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Destination: Adventure
Getting ready to take an adventure to some far off destination? When traveling with CF, staying in good health requires solid planning. There are steps you can take before you go that can help you get the most out of your adventure. Here’s a list of things to consider when preparing for your trip.
Be flexible
If you work with a travel agent or are considering a group travel package check the itinerary. Make sure there is time in the itinerary available for you to complete your treatments without feeling pressured or inconvenienced. Also, take into account the time of year for travel. For instance, when it’s summer in the U.S., it’s winter in Australia.
Touch base with your team
Before you get too far with your planning, check in with your CF care team about your travel plans. Ask for advice and discuss any concerns. Ask your clinic team to provide a list of local health providers available at your destination.
Also, you may want to get a signed letter from your doctor explaining CF, and listing your medications and equipment. You can even get the letter translated into the predominant language of your destination country. The letter may make getting through customs with your equipment easier.
Do your homework
The Travelers’ Health page at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has a wealth of travelers’ health information to help you plan your trip. Get current, reliable information about vaccines, medications, and other measures for you and your CF care team to consider before you depart.
Also, when you travel overseas, you will need a passport and, depending on where you are headed, possibly a visa to enter the country. Check the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov for more information.
Consider travel insurance
In case your adventure doesn’t go as smoothly as planned, travel insurance may help cover a range of unexpected events like missed flights, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. Some travel insurance plans will also cover you if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute for health reasons or if you have to cut your trip short and return home.
If you choose to get travel insurance, make sure the plan includes medical coverage for existing conditions. The cost of a plan can vary, but it may be worth the price to ensure your peace of mind.
Have a backup plan
When the time comes to go, it can be easy to downplay little warning signs your body is giving you about your health. Don’t ignore what your body is telling you. Delay or cancel you trip if you feel like you’re getting sick. If it’s time for a tune up, it’s time for a tune up. Traveling can wait till you’re ready.
Handy Travel Checklist
Keeping track of the details can make your head spin. Here are some items you may want to remember when packing for your trip.
- Passport and visa(s)
- Doctor’s letter (or more durable, laminated card)
- Immunizations record
- Air Compressor
- Nebulizer
- Medications (in your carry-on bag, according to manufacturer’s guidelines. Consult your prescribing information for guidelines and instructions.)
- Salt tablets
- Insulated thermal bag (for some medications. Consult your prescribing information for guidelines and instructions.)
- Extra bottled water (you’ll likely need to purchase this in the terminal after you pass through security)
- Dust or surgical mask for traveling by airplane
- Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
- Electrical plug adapters (most U.S. appliances use 120-volt direct current (DC). Most overseas locations use 220 volts alternating current (AC) electricity. You don’t want to get stuck with an air compressor that doesn’t work.)
- Phone number & address reference list (hotels, local destinations, health clinic, etc.)
Visit the Travelers' Health page at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/.
