Travelling with diabetes can be a challenge, but it is absolutely achievable. The key here is proper planning.
A lot of people opt for local agencies to organize the entirety of their trip. That would save you planning time, but would cost more. On the other hand, there are those who opt to DIY their own itinerary by looking at how other travelers planned their trips. That would save you money that you can instead divert to your travelling funds. However, it would definitely take a lot of time to research.
If you are one who would rather organize your own trip, it’s best to know where to look. Here are five blogs dedicated to diabetics who crave to satiate their wanderlust:
1. The 70-130 Project
Jeremy, the author of the blog, has been diagnosed of Type 1 Diabetes since 1982. But that did not stop him from seeing the world.
One of his goals is to keep his blood sugar level between 70 and 130mg/dL, effectively giving birth to the name of his website.
According to him, this project began with one philosophy in mind. That is: to make his readers realize that diabetes is and will not be a hindrance to do anything.
And that he did spectacularly. Jeremy writes about tips and itineraries for his travels across world. He has visited Europe, China, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and many other places.
Also, he provides destination guides focusing on what diabetics need to do to enjoy their trip, if they do decide to travel to the countries he previously visited. Utilizing the multimedia approach to his website, he fills it with blogs, photos, and videos.
2. Dream Big, Travel Far Blog
Authored by Bradley Williams and Cazzy Magennis, the Dream Big, Travel Far Blog focuses on providing information for Type 1 Diabetics who are in the young adult age bracket.
The Diabetes Zone section compiles everything that is travel-related for diabetics. It includes an article on insulin pumps, surfing for diabetics, travelling with a diabetic child, what to do in cases of emergencies, and many more.
More than providing a huge diabetic information hub, the authors also write about itineraries and tips for specific countries via their Travel Blog section.
And it’s not just their readers that they help. Bradly and Cazzy also work with companies and charity groups that help diabetics around the world (e.g. Diabetes UK, JDRF UK, etc).
3. The Wanderlust Days
Carly left her comfortable life in Australia back in 2014 to jump to a traveler lifestyle. She hasn’t looked back since.
Although The Wanderlust Days is not solely written for diabetics, Carly has Type 1 Diabetes and continues to write about making travel easier for those with her same condition.
She moves from country to country, stays in different places for months at a time, and meets a lot of different people along the way.
So far, she has been to numerous countries in Asia, Europe, North and South America, as well as Dubai, Mexico, and the UK. She provides reviews of hostels and travelling products, and does not stop chronicling her life on the road.
4. Six Until Me
Kerri Morrone Sparling has had it with online articles on diabetes that do nothing but detail the complications and everything scary that comes with the condition. In 2005, she discovered the power of blogs and being able to share stories from those who experienced it firsthand.
Diagnosed of Type 1 Diabetes since 1986, Six Until Me is the story of Kerri’s diagnosis at the age of six until today.
Although her website does not focus on travelling, she does have numerous articles on the topic, including life hacks and itineraries.
5. The Diabetic Traveler
The Diabetic Traveler is written by Laura who, together with her husband, quit her job and went on a year-long trip around the world.
It sounds crazy for a lot of people and she knows it. The risks of backpacking would entail not having her medications and supplies shipped in time, her insulin pump breaking down, having low glucose levels in a town with no supplies, etc. But that did not stop her.
From 2015 to 2016, the duo travelled to various countries in South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Zealandia. They have articles and photos to help those who would need guidance in DIY-ing their trips.
They eventually stopped updating the website in 2016 when they finally settled down in Philadelphia. However, their blog posts are still up for old and new readers to see.
A Blog of Your Own
If you feel inspired to travel after going through the blogs we included, then you might also be inspired to start a travel blog of your own. Traveling worry-free is easy if you always plan ahead and remember to pack all of your things, medications, and the herbal supplements you always keep in tow in a timely and organized manner.
Diabetes does not have to be a hindrance to your dreams. If anything, these blogs will show you that your diagnosis does not define who you are. You can still pave the way to your own life. If the world calls out to you, follow it.
