Medical Travel Planning: How to Travel Safely with Health Conditions

Travel with chronic health conditions or medical needs requires careful planning, but it's absolutely possible and rewarding. Whether you manage diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory issues, or other ongoing health concerns, this comprehensive guide will help you travel safely and confidently.

Understanding the Challenges of Medical Travel

Let's acknowledge the legitimate concerns:

Common Medical Travel Worries

• Medication access: What if I run out? What if it's lost?
• Medical emergencies: What if I need urgent care abroad?
• Documentation: What medical records do I need?
• Insurance: Will my insurance cover me internationally?
• Equipment: How do I travel with medical devices?
• Routine disruption: How do I maintain health routines while traveling?
• Language barriers: Can I explain my condition in another language?

Each of these concerns has practical solutions. Let's address them systematically.

Pre-Trip Planning: The Foundation of Safe Medical Travel

Success starts weeks or months before departure.

Step 1: Consult Your Healthcare Team (6-8 Weeks Before)

Primary Care Doctor:

• Schedule a check-up 6-8 weeks before travel
• Discuss your travel plans and destination
• Get health clearance for travel
• Update vaccinations if needed
• Request medical documentation (see below)

Specialists:

• Consult any specialists managing your conditions
• Cardiologist, endocrinologist, pulmonologist, etc.
• Get specific travel advice for your condition
• Request specialist letters if needed

What to Discuss:

1. Any health concerns about your destination
2. Altitude, climate, or environmental considerations
3. Timing of travel relative to treatment schedules
4. Activity limitations or precautions
5. What to do if emergency arises
6. Medication adjustments (time zones, dosing schedules)

Step 2: Get Proper Medical Documentation

Essential Documents:

1. Doctor's Letter (Most Important)

Your doctor should write a letter on official letterhead including:

• Your name and date of birth
• Medical conditions and diagnoses
• Current medications (generic names, dosages)
• Medical equipment or supplies needed
• Syringes, oxygen, medical devices, etc.
• Statement that equipment is medically necessary
• Doctor's contact information
• Doctor's signature and stamp/seal

Sample Letter Format:

To Whom It May Concern:

[Patient Name], DOB [Date], is under my medical care for [conditions].

Current diagnoses include:
- [Diagnosis 1]
- [Diagnosis 2]

Current medications include:
- [Medication 1] (generic name): [dosage] [frequency]
- [Medication 2] (generic name): [dosage] [frequency]

[Patient Name] requires the following medical equipment/supplies for medical necessity:
- [Equipment 1]
- [Equipment 2]

This patient is medically cleared to travel. Please provide any necessary assistance.

If questions arise, I can be reached at [phone] or [email].

Sincerely,
[Doctor Name, MD]
[Medical License Number]
[Date]

Why You Need This:

• TSA/airport security (for medications, syringes, medical supplies)
• Airlines (for oxygen, medical equipment)
• Hotels (explaining need for refrigeration, special accommodations)
• Foreign medical providers (if you need care abroad)
• Insurance claims

Pro Tip: Get multiple copies and translate if traveling internationally.

2. Prescription Copies

• Printed prescriptions for all medications
• Generic drug names (brand names vary by country)
• Dosage and frequency
• Prescribing doctor's information
• Useful for refills if needed or lost medications

3. Medical Summary

One-page summary including:

• Conditions/diagnoses
• Current medications and dosages
• Allergies (medications, foods, latex, etc.)
• Previous surgeries or major medical events
• Emergency contacts
• Blood type (if known)

Tip: Keep this in your phone (photo), wallet, and with travel documents.

4. Insurance Cards and Information

• Health insurance card (front and back photo in phone)
• Travel insurance card and policy number
• Insurance company's international assistance number
• Pre-authorization procedures for foreign care

5. Advance Directives (If Applicable)

• Healthcare proxy
• Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders
• Living will

Keep copies with travel documents and give copy to travel companion.

Step 3: Medication Planning (4-6 Weeks Before)

Calculate Your Medication Needs:

The Formula:
(Daily doses × number of days × 1.5) + 1 week extra

Why 1.5x + 1 week?

• Account for flight delays
• Lost luggage backup
• Spillage or damage
• Unexpected trip extensions
• Having extra removes anxiety

Example:

• 10-day trip
• Medication taken twice daily
• Calculation: (2 doses × 10 days × 1.5) + 14 doses = 44 doses
• Bring 45 doses (round up)

Request Prescriptions Early:

• Insurance may limit early refills
• Explain to doctor and pharmacy you need extra for travel
• Some insurance companies will override limits for travel (call and ask)
• Pay out-of-pocket if necessary for extra supply

Organize Medications:

Option 1: Keep in Original Containers

• Pros: No questions at security, clear labels
• Cons: Bulky, multiple bottles

Option 2: Pill Organizer for Daily Use

• Pros: Easy to manage, see what you've taken
• Cons: Security may question unlabeled pills

Best Practice: Combination

• Keep originals in checked luggage (photographed)
• Keep 3-4 days in original bottles in carry-on
• Use pill organizer for daily convenience (but have originals accessible)
• Label organizer with your name and "prescription medications"

Step 4: Research Medical Facilities at Destination (4 Weeks Before)

Identify Medical Resources:

In Your Accommodation Area:

• Nearest hospital with emergency department
• Address and phone number
• Distance and how to get there (taxi, ambulance)
• English-speaking staff availability

Specialty Care (If Needed):

• If you have specific condition, identify specialists
• Example: Dialysis centers for kidney disease patients, diabetes clinics

Pharmacies:

• Identify 24-hour pharmacies
• Understand if your prescriptions are recognized (may need local doctor visit)

How to Research:

• International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT): iamat.org
• Embassy/consulate websites (list of English-speaking doctors)
• Expat forums and groups (real experiences)
• Hotels (ask concierge for recommendations before arrival)

Create Medical Resource Card:

Emergency Medical Resources - [Destination City]

Hospital: [Name]
Address: [Full address in local language]
Phone: [Number with country code]
English-speaking: Yes/No

24-Hour Pharmacy: [Name]
Address: [Address]
Phone: [Number]

Embassy/Consulate: [Country]
Phone: [Number]

Insurance Assistance: [Number]

My Emergency Contact: [Name, Phone]

Keep in wallet and on phone.

Step 5: Travel Insurance (Book With Trip)

Why You Need Medical Travel Insurance:

Regular health insurance often doesn't cover:

• Medical care abroad (or has limited coverage)
• Medical evacuation
• Repatriation of remains
• Trip interruption for medical reasons

What to Look For:

Must-Have Coverage:

1. Emergency medical care abroad

   • Minimum $100,000 coverage
   • Prefer $250,000+ for comprehensive coverage

2. Medical evacuation

   • Minimum $250,000
   • Covers transport to adequate medical facility or home

3. Pre-existing condition coverage

   • CRITICAL for travelers with chronic conditions
   • Must be purchased within 14-21 days of initial trip payment
   • Read fine print carefully

4. Trip interruption for medical reasons

   • Covers non-refundable costs if you must return home
   • Includes family member emergency requiring your return

5. Lost/stolen medication coverage

   • Some policies cover replacement

6. 24/7 Assistance Hotline

   • English-speaking support
   • Helps locate medical care, arranges payments, etc.

Good Travel Insurance Companies for Pre-Existing Conditions:

• Allianz Global Assistance
• Travel Guard (AIG)
• InsureMyTrip (comparison site)
• Squaremouth (comparison site)

Cost: Typically 4-8% of trip cost. For medical travelers, it's essential.

When to Skip: Very short domestic trips where your health insurance provides coverage.

Packing: Medical Edition

What to pack and how to pack it for medical travel.

Carry-On Bag (NEVER Check These)

All Medications:

• Entire supply of all medications
• Keep in original labeled bottles + pill organizer
• Doctor's letter explaining medications
• Prescription copies

Why Carry-On Only:
Lost checked luggage = lost medications = serious health risk

Medical Equipment:

• Glucose monitors, insulin pumps
• Inhalers, nebulizers
• EpiPens
• CPAP machines
• Blood pressure monitors
• Any equipment needed daily

Medical Supplies:

• Syringes and needles (with doctor's letter)
• Alcohol wipes
• Band-aids and gauze
• Glucose tablets (for diabetics)
• Thermometer
• Extra batteries for devices
• Chargers for electronic medical devices

Documentation:

• Doctor's letter (2 copies)
• Prescriptions
• Medical summary
• Insurance cards
• Emergency contact information

Comfort Items:

• Motion sickness medication
• Pain relievers (as prescribed)
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Any OTC medications you use regularly

Checked Luggage (Backup Supplies)

Backup Medications:

• 3-5 days backup supply (in case carry-on is lost)
• Keep in original bottles
• Photograph bottle labels

Additional Medical Supplies:

• Extra syringes, test strips, etc.
• Extra batteries
• Backup chargers

Why Backups Matter:
If carry-on is lost or stolen, you have a few days' supply while you sort things out.

Special Packing Considerations

Temperature-Sensitive Medications:

Refrigerated Medications (Insulin, Some Biologics):

• Keep in insulated bag with ice packs for travel day
• Hotels: Request mini-fridge in room (mention medical necessity, often free)
• Airbnb/vacation rentals: Confirm refrigerator availability
• Long flights: Ask flight attendants to refrigerate (some airlines allow)
• Consider Frio cooling pouches (no ice needed, evaporative cooling)

Heat-Sensitive Medications:

• Never leave in hot cars
• Keep in carry-on (climate-controlled cabin)
• Hotel room: Don't place near windows or heating units

Liquid Medications:

TSA Rules (US) and International Equivalents:

• Medically necessary liquids EXEMPT from 3.4oz rule
• Includes liquid medications, gel ice packs for cooling
• Must declare at security checkpoint
• Keep separate from regular toiletries
• Have doctor's letter ready

Procedure:

1. Place liquid medications in separate bin
2. Inform TSA officer: "I have medically necessary liquids"
3. They may test liquids (non-invasive)
4. Keep them in sight

Injection Devices:

Syringes and Needles:

• Pack in carry-on (checked bags sometimes searched/delayed)
• Must be accompanied by medication with prescription label
• Doctor's letter essential
• Keep in original packaging if possible

Insulin Pens/Injectors:

• Carry-on only
• Temperature-sensitive (see above)
• Bring backups if possible

EpiPens:

• At least two (in case one is faulty)
• Check expiration dates before trip
• Keep in climate-controlled carry-on

Managing Medications While Traveling

Time Zones and Medication Timing

The Challenge:
Crossing time zones disrupts medication schedules, especially for time-sensitive medications (insulin, heart medications, etc.).

General Strategies:

Short Trips (1-3 days):

• Stay on home time zone for medications
• Set phone alarm for home time zone
• Easier than adjusting and re-adjusting

Longer Trips (4+ days):

• Gradually shift medication times to new time zone

Specific Medication Types:

Twice Daily Medications (Every 12 hours):

• Relatively easy to adjust
• Shift by 1-2 hours per day until on local time

Three Times Daily:

• Take with meals in new time zone
• Usually flexible within a few hours

Once Daily:

• Take at same time each day (set alarm for home time zone OR adjust gradually)

Time-Critical Medications (Insulin, Heart Meds):

• Consult doctor before trip for specific plan
• May need to temporarily adjust doses during travel days
• Use phone alarm set to home time

Birth Control Pills:

• Continue on home time zone schedule (effectiveness maintained)

Example Plan: Traveling from New York to Paris (6-hour difference):

Medication taken at 8 AM and 8 PM home time:

• Day 1 (Travel): Take morning dose before leaving. Take evening dose at 8 PM NY time (2 AM Paris time on arrival).
• Day 2: Take at 10 AM and 10 PM Paris time (shift by 2 hours)
• Day 3: Take at 12 PM and 12 AM Paris time (shift another 2 hours)
• Day 4: Take at 2 PM and 2 AM Paris time (final shift to equivalent of home schedule)

OR stay on NY time if easier for short trip.

Always consult your doctor for time zone medication plans.

Maintaining Routines

Medical Routines to Maintain:

• Medication schedules (see above)
• Blood sugar testing (diabetics)
• Blood pressure monitoring
• Wound care
• Physical therapy exercises
• Dietary requirements

Strategies:

1. Set Phone Alarms: For every medication dose and testing time
2. Visual Reminders: Post-it notes in hotel room
3. Travel Buddy: If traveling with someone, ask them to remind you
4. Routine Anchors: Tie medical tasks to travel routines (test blood sugar before breakfast, take evening meds after dinner)

Dealing with Meal Timing Challenges

For Medications Taken With Food:

Problem: Sightseeing disrupts normal meal times.

Solutions:

• Bring snacks (protein bars, nuts) to have small "meal" for medication
• Plan meal breaks into itinerary
• Choose destinations with frequent food options
• Set alarms for meal + medication times

For Medications Taken on Empty Stomach:

Problem: Hotel breakfasts at set times may not match your schedule.

Solutions:

• Bring shelf-stable breakfast items (oatmeal packets, breakfast bars) to control timing
• Request early/late breakfast from hotel
• Take medication, wait required time, then eat

Managing Dietary Requirements

Many health conditions require specific diets (diabetes, celiac, renal diet, low-sodium, etc.).

Research Food Options in Advance

Before You Go:

1. Learn key phrases in local language:

   • "I have diabetes"
   • "I cannot eat gluten"
   • "I have a food allergy to [allergen]"
   • "No sugar"
   • "Low salt"

2. Research restaurants:

   • Find restaurants accommodating your dietary needs
   • Chain restaurants (more consistent)
   • Review menus online in advance

3. Download translation apps:

   • Google Translate (take photos of menus)
   • Apps specific to your dietary need (gluten-free restaurant finders)

Bring Suitable Snacks

Especially Important For:

• Diabetics (need quick sugar sources and protein)
• Celiac/gluten-free (safe snacks)
• Food allergies (safe options)
• Renal patients (low-potassium snacks)

Snack Ideas:

• Protein bars (check ingredients)
• Nuts and seeds
• Dried fruit (diabetics: limit portions)
• Rice cakes or gluten-free crackers
• Individual nut butter packets
• Shelf-stable protein drinks

Accommodation with Kitchens

Benefits:

• Control over ingredients
• Prepare safe meals
• Save money while eating according to needs

What to Cook:

• Simple breakfasts (oatmeal, eggs, fruit)
• Sandwiches or salads for lunch
• Easy dinners (pasta with sauce, stir-fry)

Communication Cards

Create cards in local language:

ALLERGY CARD

I have a serious medical condition.

I CANNOT eat:
- [Allergen 1]
- [Allergen 2]

Even small amounts can make me very sick.

Please confirm my meal contains NONE of these ingredients.

Thank you for your help.

Print in local language. Show to waitstaff.

Airline Meals

Request Special Meals:

• Most airlines offer diabetic, gluten-free, low-sodium, vegetarian, etc.
• Request at time of booking or at least 24-48 hours before flight
• Bring backup snacks (airline meals aren't always reliable)

Medical Emergencies Abroad

Hope for the best, plan for the worst.

Recognizing When to Seek Care

Seek Immediate Care If:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe allergic reaction
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• High fever (>103°F/39.4°C)
• Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Confusion or loss of consciousness
• Any symptom that would make you go to ER at home

When in Doubt, Seek Care:
Better safe than sorry, especially abroad.

How to Access Emergency Care

1. Call for Help:

• Europe: 112 (universal emergency number)
• US/Canada: 911
• UK: 999 or 112
• Australia: 000
• Other countries: Research in advance

2. Contact Travel Insurance:

• Call 24/7 assistance hotline
• They can guide you to appropriate facility
• May pre-authorize payment
• Can arrange translation services

3. Go to Hospital:

• Take your medical summary and documentation
• Bring passport and insurance information
• Bring medications (in original bottles)
• Have hotel concierge call ahead if possible (language help)

Language Barriers

Strategies:

• Translation apps (Google Translate has conversation mode)
• Medical translation cards (available online)
• Embassy/consulate assistance (can help find English-speaking doctors)
• Travel insurance assistance line (may provide translation)

Key Phrases to Learn:

• "I need a doctor"
• "I have [condition]"
• "I take [medication]"
• "I'm allergic to [substance]"
• "Call my insurance company"

Payment for Medical Care

How It Works:

Countries with Universal Healthcare:

• May still charge tourists
• Costs often lower than US
• Travel insurance reimburses you

Private Hospitals:

• May require payment upfront or credit card hold
• Contact travel insurance for direct billing if possible
• Keep ALL receipts and medical records for insurance claims

Insurance Claims Process:

1. Pay for care (or insurance company may direct-bill)
2. Get itemized bills and medical records
3. Submit claim to travel insurance
4. Typically reimbursed within 2-4 weeks

Getting Medications Abroad

If You Run Out or Lose Medications:

1. Contact Your Doctor at Home:

• May be able to call in prescription to pharmacy abroad
• Works best in countries with reciprocal agreements

2. Visit Local Doctor:

• Bring prescription copies and doctor's letter
• Local doctor can write new prescription
• May need to pay out-of-pocket for visit

3. Pharmacy:

• Some medications available over-the-counter abroad (that aren't in US)
• Bring generic names (brand names vary)

4. Travel Insurance:

• Some policies cover lost/stolen medication replacement

5. US Embassy (if US citizen abroad):

• Can help locate pharmacies and doctors
• Cannot provide medications

Note: Getting medications abroad can be complex. This is why bringing 1.5x + extra is crucial.

Condition-Specific Travel Tips

Diabetes

Before Travel:

• Endocrinologist clearance and time zone medication plan
• Extra supplies (test strips, lancets, batteries, syringes/pump supplies)
• Fast-acting sugar (glucose tablets)
• Glucagon emergency kit
• Medical ID bracelet

During Travel:

• Check blood sugar frequently (travel stress affects levels)
• Keep snacks accessible always
• Inform travel companions about signs of low blood sugar
• Adjust insulin for activity level (more walking = less insulin needed)

Special Considerations:

• Temperature control for insulin (see packing section)
• TSA allows unlimited juice boxes for diabetics
• Alert flight crew you have diabetes

Heart Conditions

Before Travel:

• Cardiologist clearance (especially for altitude or strenuous activities)
• Recent EKG (bring copy)
• Know your condition and medications thoroughly
• List of implanted devices (pacemaker, ICD)

During Travel:

• Avoid overexertion
• Stay hydrated
• Recognize warning signs (chest pain, shortness of breath)
• Take rest breaks
• Avoid extreme temperatures

Special Considerations:

• Pacemaker/ICD: Inform TSA, carry card, request hand-wanding instead of metal detector
• Altitude: Consult doctor if traveling above 5,000 feet
• Long flights: Risk of blood clots (compression socks, walk frequently)

Respiratory Conditions (Asthma, COPD)

Before Travel:

• Pulmonologist clearance
• Updated action plan
• Extra inhalers (rescue and maintenance)
• Peak flow meter
• Nebulizer if needed (with doctor's letter for TSA)

During Travel:

• Carry rescue inhaler at all times
• Avoid triggers (smoke, pollution, allergens)
• Monitor breathing carefully
• Humidifier in hotel room if air is dry
• Rest when needed

Special Considerations:

• Altitude can exacerbate symptoms
• Airplane air is dry (stay hydrated)
• Research air quality at destination
• Portable oxygen: Requires airline pre-approval (weeks in advance)

Kidney Disease/Dialysis

Before Travel:

• Nephrologist clearance
• Strict dietary planning
• If on dialysis: Arrange dialysis at destination (dialysis centers can coordinate)

During Travel:

• Adhere to dietary restrictions (low potassium, low sodium, fluid restrictions)
• Bring all medications
• Monitor fluid intake/output
• Avoid nephrotoxic substances (NSAIDs like ibuprofen)

Special Considerations:

• Dialysis patients: Schedule dialysis before leaving and upon return
• Guest dialysis requires advance arrangements (2-3 months)
• Carry dialysis records

Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders

Before Travel:

• Neurologist clearance
• Extra medication (seizures may increase with travel stress/disruption)
• Medical ID bracelet
• Seizure action plan for travel companions

During Travel:

• Maintain strict medication schedule
• Get adequate sleep (sleep deprivation triggers seizures)
• Avoid alcohol
• Stay hydrated
• Manage stress

Special Considerations:

• Inform travel companions what to do during a seizure
• Flashing lights (photography, attractions) can be triggers
• Altitude can lower seizure threshold
• Carry seizure diary

Country-Specific Considerations

Traveling to Developing Countries

Additional Precautions:

• Research water safety (medications with tap water?)
• Food safety (avoid raw foods if immunocompromised)
• Vaccinations (consult travel medicine doctor)
• Malaria prophylaxis if needed (interactions with your medications?)
• Medical facilities may be limited (more critical to avoid emergencies)

Travel Within US

Advantages:

• Familiar healthcare system
• English-speaking providers
• Health insurance likely covers
• Easier to get prescription refills

Don't Forget:

• Research medical facilities even domestically
• Bring all medications and documentation
• Out-of-network care may still be expensive

Europe

Advantages:

• High-quality healthcare
• Many English-speaking doctors (especially in tourist areas)
• EU reciprocal healthcare (if you have European Health Insurance Card)

Considerations:

• Payment structures vary by country
• Prescription medications: May need local doctor to prescribe
• Travel insurance still recommended

Asia

Advantages:

• Excellent medical facilities in major cities (Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, etc.)
• Often less expensive than US

Considerations:

• Language barriers (bring translation apps and medical documentation)
• Medication names may differ significantly
• Traditional medicine common (ensure you receive familiar treatments)

Return Home: Post-Trip Medical Care

Schedule Follow-Up

Within 1 Week of Return:

• See primary care doctor if you had any health issues during trip
• Report any new symptoms
• Ensure chronic conditions remain stable

Within 2 Weeks:

• Specialist follow-up if needed

Immediate Care if:

• Fever develops after returning (especially from tropical destinations)
• Any concerning symptoms

Medication Refills

• Resume normal prescription refills
• Don't wait until you run out (plan ahead)

Document Issues

• If you had medical problems, document for future travel planning
• What worked, what didn't
• Adjustments for next trip

Special Programs and Resources

Medical Travel Assistance Programs

MedjetAssist:

• Medical evacuation/transport membership
• Returns you to hospital of choice if hospitalized abroad
• Good for people with chronic conditions

International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT):

• Lists English-speaking doctors worldwide
• Free membership
• Fixed, affordable rates for members

Global Rescue:

• Evacuation and rescue services
• 24/7 support

Apps and Technology

Medical Travel Apps:

• Universal Doctor Speaker: Medical translation app
• TravelSafe: Medical facilities finder
• MyMedSchedule: Medication reminder with time zone adjustment

Health Tracking Apps:

• Continue using your regular health apps while traveling
• Apple Health, MyFitnessPal, glucose tracking apps, etc.

Emergency Apps:

• ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact app
• Medical ID in phone (iPhone has built-in medical ID in Health app)

Meera's Medical Travel Support

Planning medical travel involves coordinating accommodations with medical needs—finding properties with refrigerators, proximity to medical facilities, and reliable accessibility features.

Meera helps medical travelers by:

Finding Appropriate Accommodations:

• Filter for mini-fridges (medication storage)
• Identify properties near medical facilities
• Verify reliable elevator access (if mobility affected by condition)

Destination Health Resources:

• Information about medical facilities at destinations
• Pharmacy locations
• Emergency contact information

Peace of Mind:

• Verified accessible accommodations (if you need accessibility)
• Reliable booking (last-minute changes can be medically problematic)
• Customer support to help resolve issues quickly

Plan Your Medically Safe Trip →

Conclusion

Traveling with chronic health conditions or medical needs requires more planning than typical travel, but it's absolutely achievable. With proper preparation, documentation, medication management, and knowledge of emergency resources, you can explore the world safely.

Key Takeaways:

1. Consult your healthcare team early and get medical clearance
2. Document everything: Doctor's letters, prescriptions, medical summaries
3. Pack smart: Medications in carry-on, backups in checked luggage, 1.5x + extra supply
4. Research medical facilities at your destination before you go
5. Get travel insurance with pre-existing condition coverage
6. Maintain routines as much as possible
7. Know emergency procedures and key medical phrases in local language
8. Don't let medical conditions limit your dreams—plan thoughtfully and travel confidently

Your health condition is part of who you are, but it doesn't define what you can do. With the right preparation, you can create amazing travel memories while keeping yourself safe and healthy.

Safe travels!

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Ready to plan your medically safe journey? Meera helps you find accommodations suited to medical needs, with verified information about accessibility and amenities. Start planning →

Travelers with chronic conditions: What are your best medical travel tips? Share in the comments!