alaska ho!

Trains, planes, and automobiles (oh, and a cruise ship) . . . we are Alaska bound!

Or, as my good friend Ceesa puts it "I am taking a business trip" meaning; taking the horse and pony show (daily life and care of the kids) on the road. 

The best part?  T1D (type 1 diabetes) is coming along, too!!!  Yep.  Our uninvited house guest got himself a boarding pass and is jumping into our luggage. 

This is where you all (Midwest way of saying y'all) come in.

How do you travel with T1D?

Here are the details:

What:  Land tour by train and bus (including Denali National Park) followed by a southbound cruise along the shoreline of Alaska: 13 day Alaskan CruiseTour

When:  June 11th-26th, 2011

Who:  Our family of 5, Grandma & Grandpa (gracious hosts) and Sister-in-law's family of 5

~ 4 travel days; 2 to get there and 2 to get back

~ time zone changes

~ buffet style eating, restaurant, room service


Here is what I know:

Ellie is currently on a MDI (multiple daily injection) regimen.  We use a refillable cartridge Humalog pen that dispenses in .5 unit increments.  She takes Lantus at night by injection.  Her carb rations vary throughout the day and activity level.  We use a One Touch Meter and strips for blood glucose testing (8-10 times a day) and a Precision blood ketone meter/strips.   

We have contacted the cruise line and they know we will be traveling with T1D.  The cruise line will provide us with a Sharp's container as well as a travel fridge.  In addition, they will have a 24-hour on board medical doctor.  The pre-travel land tour will involve trains, buses and hotel stays, all of which will accommodate special medical requests.

I have our Endocrinologist's letter of medical need and list of approved medications and supplies.  I will also have access to and will travel with 2x as many meds and supplies we will be needing for a 15 day absence from home.

I am aware of TCA guidelines for flying with medical equipment and how to best pack medical supplies to get through screenings safely.

This will be the first MAJOR travel we have embarked on with T1D.


Here is what I don't know:

~  What are your tips and tricks for traveling with T1D?

~  We have never been on a cruise.  Do you have any advice specific to cruising?  (packing, sleeping, activities, etc)

~  What is your best advice about dealing with time zone changes?

~  Do you have a suggestion for a travel bag that will hold both medical supplies AND mom gear?

~  What type of simple sugars travel best?  I have a feeling with the excitement and extra physical activity she will be having her fair share of lows.

~  What am I missing???

* disclaimer . . . I pinkie swear promise to take any and all advice as just that:  Professional Pancreas Opinion not to be used in place or argued against medical advice.

** another disclaimer . . . . This is a trip of a lifetime.  We are not wealthy, nor are our extended family members.  The opportunity to travel like this was made possible by a generous amount of money left by a Great-Aunt.  I am saying this so you take that into consideration when you leave advice about additional purchases!!

*** one last disclaimer . . . . I love the DOC! (diabetic online community)  How cool is it that I knew I could come here and ask for such specifics!  I thank you in advance for helping me be prepared to have a great time with my family and not have to worry (so much) about T1D.