Navigating Travel with a Child with Type 1 Diabetes: Lessons from Our Journey

When our son was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), our world shifted in an instant. As a family that loves to travel, my immediate thought was: How do we continue doing what we love while keeping him safe?

My Type A brain went into overdrive—what does packing look like now? How do I ensure I have everything we could possibly need? What if we run out of supplies in a foreign country? My mind spun with all the ways this diagnosis might change our adventures.

But here’s what I’ve learned: T1D doesn’t mean we have to stop traveling. It just means we travel differently—more prepared, more thoughtful, but just as excited to explore the world.

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A Learning Process: Practicing Before the Big Adventure

When my son was first diagnosed, the idea of hopping on a plane to another state—or even another country—felt overwhelming. I needed to ease into it, to figure out what travel with T1D actually looked like before diving into a full-blown adventure.

So instead of booking flights, we started small—a weekend staycation at a local hotel with a waterpark.

We packed as if we were flying across the country, bringing every supply we might need. But as I kept realizing I’d forgotten something—another juice box, an extra CGM sensor, a thermometer—I simply tossed it in the 10th bag that was already overflowing in the back of the car. It was a lot easier to adjust on the fly in a road trip scenario than if I had been standing in the TSA security line, realizing I was missing something crucial.

The added bonus of choosing a waterpark hotel? It gave us a chance to practice managing diabetes during activity—something we’d have to master for future adventures. Running up slides, swimming, and playing non-stop meant we had to figure out how to treat symptoms on the go—an invaluable lesson for when we eventually take on bigger challenges, like an epic hike through Volcanoes National Park.

And the best part? Peace of mind. If we really had forgotten something critical, home was just 30 minutes away.

All the while, I was taking notes—what worked, what I’d do differently, what supplies I reached for the most. It was the best way to prepare for our first real trip, and by the time we were ready to pack for a bigger adventure, I felt more confident.

If you're new to traveling with T1D, I highly recommend doing a trial run—whether it's a weekend getaway or even just a day trip. It takes away some of the fear and gives you the confidence to take on bigger journeys.

The New Packing List: More Than Just the Basics

Even before diabetes, I was always extremely organized when it came to packing for a trip. But I know that for many people, packing can feel like a last-minute scramble. When traveling with T1D, though, planning ahead is essential. Now, it feels like I’m preparing for a small medical expedition. But overpacking is key when it comes to diabetes supplies—because running out isn’t an option.

Here’s what’s always in our bag:

✔ More insulin than we think we’ll need (because lost luggage or delays happen)

✔ Backups for everything – insulin pens, pump supplies, CGM sensors, test strips, batteries/chargers

✔ Fast-acting carbs for lows (glucose tablets, juice, candy)

✔ Protein-packed snacks to keep blood sugar steady

✔ A Glucagon emergency kit – something I hope we never need but always carry

✔ Ketone strips in case of high blood sugar

✔ Doctor’s note & prescriptions in case we need supplies on the go

All diabetes supplies always go in a carry-on—never checked luggage. We opt for a dedicated bag just for his diabetes supplies, making it easy to access at all times. We’ve loved using this bag from Amazon—it transitions seamlessly into a great day bag while on vacation, with the bottom section functioning as a cooler to keep beverages and temperature-controlled snacks handy. And an important tip: the bag you use for medical supplies does not count toward the airline's 1 rolling bag + 1 personal item rule—you are allowed an additional personal item specifically for medical necessities. Knowing this can make a big difference when flying.

Airport Security and Travel Days: Navigating the Unknown

I used to be the person who knew exactly how long I needed to get through security and didn’t allow for any wiggle room. I was not the mom who liked to get to the airport extra early—my goal was to arrive, get through security, and get on the plane with no waiting around. That changes with diabetes.

TSA checks are more involved now. They have to inspect our supplies, and depending on the agent, the level of thoroughness can vary, making a difference of 30 minutes or more. Some insulin pumps and CGMs can’t go through the metal detector or imaging device, which means requesting a hand inspection and allowing time for a manual pat-down of my child instead.

All of it suddenly felt more stressful. Would they question the insulin? The pump? The juice boxes? I quickly learned to:

• Tell TSA upfront that my child has T1D and is carrying medical supplies.

  
  

• Ask for a hand inspection if we don’t want his CGM or insulin pump to go through scanners.

  
  

• Keep snacks easily accessible because delays happen, and lows don’t wait, even if you are in the middle of the TSA line.

  
  

• When traveling with insulin that needs to be kept cool, we travel with this special cooler. If using something different just make sure that the ice pack is TSA-approved and completely frozen solid before going through security. Pro tip: If your hotel room doesn’t have a freezer (or one that doesn’t work well), ask the hotel staff—they will often store the ice pack in a freezer for you so it's ready for your travels home.

The silver lining? If we get through quickly and have time to spare before our flight boards, we make the most of it. With United Club access, the kids get to enjoy some (diabetes friendly) snacks, and mom and dad get a well-earned glass of wine for successfully navigating TSA. It’s a small reward for the extra effort that now comes with air travel, and honestly, I’ll take it!

Road Trips and Long Travel Days: Managing Diabetes on the Road

While air travel comes with its own set of challenges, long car rides require just as much planning. Sitting for extended periods, varying meal times, and different activity levels all impact blood sugar, making preparation key for a successful road trip.

Things to Consider for Road Trips:

• Plan for frequent stops – Stopping every couple of hours allows for movement, which helps regulate blood sugar and reduces the risk of spikes from being sedentary. This was a difficult one for me. I’m someone who likes to thoughtfully plan out our stops to minimize the total length of our trip—figuring out exactly when we’ll need gas and strategically combining that stop with a bathroom break, a quick stretch, and a meal or snack to avoid making multiple separate stops.

But with diabetes, health and safety come first. Even though our road trips might take a bit longer now, I’ve found ways to make those extra stops more engaging. Instead of seeing them as disruptions, I now look for ways to turn them into part of the adventure. Finding a scenic overlook, a quirky roadside attraction, or even a short walking trail along the route can make the stop feel like an experience rather than just another break. Sometimes, it even leads us to places we would have otherwise overlooked.

• Have supplies easily accessible – Unlike a plane, you can carry as much as you need, but keep essential items within arm’s reach. We pack a small cooler with insulin, snacks, and drinks for quick access.

  
  

• Prepare for meal flexibility – Fast food or gas station stops can be unpredictable. Some stretches of road might have no amenities for miles, meaning you need to be prepared with food and snacks in case there are no accessible options when you need them. We bring a mix of pre-packed meals and snacks to plan for this, and to avoid unexpected carb-heavy choices.

  
  

• Monitor more frequently – Travel excitement, stress, or long stretches of inactivity can all impact blood sugar, so we check levels more often and adjust as needed.

  
  

• Temperature control – If driving in hot weather, ensure insulin stays cool. We use a travel-friendly insulin cooler to keep it at the right temperature.

We’ve learned that having a plan (and backup plans) helps road trips run more smoothly, giving us the confidence to take on new adventures while keeping diabetes management in check.

Adjusting to the Unpredictability of Travel

Routine keeps blood sugar stable, but travel disrupts everything—time zones, activity levels, new foods. I’ve learned to:

• Check blood sugar more often on travel days.

  
  

• Keep hydration in mind (dehydration can mess with levels).

  
  

• Insulin needs might look different – some days we’ll need more insulin, some days less, and that’s okay.

  
  

• Allow for flexibility in your day – If my son is having a low, we might have to stop what we’re doing, pause our activity, and focus on regulating his blood sugar before continuing our adventure. Allowing extra time for each activity and not overpacking the itinerary ensures that we can still have fun without the stress of worrying about missing something because we had to stop and treat a low. Instead of feeling like an interruption, these pauses become part of the journey, making room for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

  
  

• Consider switching to pens for certain trips – Sometimes, we choose to go back to insulin pens instead of using the pump for a vacation. This specifically comes into play with beach vacations, where constantly being in the water and dealing with sand can be easier without a pump attached. Since we use a tubed pump, sand can get into the tubing and cause clogs or other issues. Using pens for a trip like this removes that concern and allows for a more carefree beach experience.

  
  

• Talk with your care team about major disruptions – A nine-hour time zone change, uncertainty about whether our son will eat new foreign foods and how to dose insulin in those situations, and understanding timing changes for when to dose long acting insulin are all things we discuss ahead of time. Having a plan in place for these challenges helps us feel more prepared and confident when traveling.

Finding Food That Works for Us

Gone are the days of just winging meals while traveling. Now, I research restaurants ahead of time to find diabetes-friendly options and pack backup snacks just in case. In between meals we find it easier to pack our own free and uncovered snacks. But of course we are always prepared for that special vacation treat and will dose insulin for that mid afternoon ice cream stop. 

Many chain restaurants provide a nutrition sheet for every menu item, making it easier to calculate carbs and dose insulin appropriately. While we love trying local gems when we travel, it's okay to make it easier on yourself—especially in the beginning—by sticking to familiar chain restaurants for the first few trips while you get the hang of it. Even on an ongoing basis, mixing in a few meals at chain restaurants can provide a mental break from constant carb guessing, helping to make trips feel more manageable.

We’ve also found that restaurant staff are almost always more than accommodating when we explain our situation. Many will go the extra mile—providing brand names, ingredient labels, and even using a scale in the kitchen to weigh out the exact portion size we’ve dosed for. This kind of support can make a big difference in managing meals with confidence.

If we’re traveling internationally, I learn a few key phrases in the local language, like “Does this have sugar?” or “What is the carb content in this item?” Additionally, you can find and order diabetes translation cards on Amazon, which help communicate critical information about diabetes in the local language. These cards can be especially useful in restaurants or emergency situations where clear communication is essential.

What About the Insulin?

Storing unopened insulin on your travels is another consideration, as it can't sit out at room temperature until you are actively using it. Once opened, you have a 30-day timer before it must be used up. We always travel with an extra pen or vial of insulin just in case. Just like with the ice pack, if you don't have a refrigerator in your hotel room, you can ask hotel staff to store it for you in their refrigerator.

That said, I don’t like medical supplies being out of my hands. Instead, we opt for bringing this travel cooler which can be plugged in via USB to keep it cool all day long—a mini refrigerator in a sense! This gives us peace of mind knowing that insulin is stored safely without relying on hotel accommodations.

It's also important to consider how weather affects the insulin you're using and carrying each day. Even opened insulin must stay within a specific temperature range to remain effective. If you're traveling to a tropical destination with high outdoor temperatures, spending a day at the beach, or visiting an indoor waterpark with humid, muggy air, you’ll need to plan accordingly. On the other hand, extreme cold—such as exploring the Arctic—can also impact insulin. We use an insulin temperature shield to protect it in these scenarios.

The Fear of “What If” – And Why We Keep Going Anyway

Even with all the planning, I still worry. What if he has a bad low in a new place? What if we forget something critical? What if something goes wrong?

But then I remember: We don’t have to stop living because of T1D. My son deserves to see the world, to experience new places, to know that diabetes is part of his life—but it doesn’t define it.

So we travel. We learn as we go. We have moments of fear, but we also have incredible moments of joy. And we keep going.

If you’re in this same boat—figuring out how to navigate travel with a child with T1D—know that it’s possible. It takes extra planning, but the memories you create together will always be worth it. You’ve got this!

Have you traveled with a child with Type 1 Diabetes? What’s helped you feel more confident on the road? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences!