Travelling with a Low Protein Diet

Whether you are travelling by car, train or plane preparation is the key to a successful journey. Here are some useful tips:

• Think about which mode of transport you are taking and how long it is likely to take. Prepare enough meals and snacks for the journey before you leave so that you don’t have to rely on purchasing food from shops and service stations whilst you travel
• Always take extra! You may experience bad traffic or flight delays
• Ensure that you have sturdy containers with a good seal to store meals and snacks, and any cutlery you need to eat them
• Have your protein substitute/supplement/medicines within easy access and make sure you take plenty for the journey 
• If you take a powder protein substitute or supplement, remember to pack a small covered beaker, spoon and bottle of water to make it up
• It is a good idea to have a plan for the first meal when you arrive at your destination. Doing some research before you leave can make all the difference. Have a look into what your hotel provides and which restaurants and supermarkets are nearby. 

Going to another destination in the UK or Ireland means that you won’t have a long haul flight to contend with, the language is the same and you will have a good idea about the types of food available in the local shops and supermarkets. However, there are some key points to think about when heading off for a domestic trip:

If you are staying in a hotel, you may want to contact them or your holiday provider in advance to find out information about the meals provided on site. They might also be able to help out with:

• Storing low protein milk/protein substitute/supplements in a fridge
• Storing frozen low protein prepared meals and reheating when needed
• Cooking low protein foods e.g. pasta, rice
• Modifying existing menu options in the restaurant. If they seem accommodating perhaps offer to provide some simple recipe ideas
• Hotels which provide buffet style meals are a good option as they usually offer a wide selection of food options. 

Many hotels and guest houses can be very accommodating; don’t be afraid to ask in advance. They can only say no!

Many families find self-catering accommodation convenient as they have the option to prepare their own meals. Make sure that you call ahead to check what facilities are available for preparing, cooking and storing food.

Making sure that you have enough protein substitute/supplements and low protein manufactured foods to take away with you is a very important part of travelling with a low protein diet.

Home delivery provider – If you use a home delivery service such as Nutricia Homeward, they should be able to arrange for a delivery to another address in the UK. Contact your dietitian to arrange six weeks in advance.

GP – If you plan to take the products yourself, your GP may need to prescribe additional products to cover the duration of your holiday. You may need to ask for the next month’s prescription earlier than planned. If your child takes a protein substitute, you could speak to your dietitian about temporarily prescribing a powdered product to save you from carrying a suitcase full of liquids.

For conditions that require an Emergency Regimen in times of illness, ensure that you know where the closest hospital is to your holiday destination that can provide the treatment that you might need. Make sure that you have all of your Emergency Regimen documentation with you, and all products needed for making up the recipe. If you need to use this on holiday, contact your specialist team immediately for advice.

Taking a trip abroad is a special and exciting time for the family. Make sure you prepare with plenty of time to spare. At least eight weeks before you travel, contact:

Your dietitian – Ask your dietitian for a letter on headed paper listing all the products you are taking and why you need them. You will need this for customs or for any emergency treatment. It is advisable to make a couple of copies of this letter as you may be asked to send a copy to your airline or your travel insurance company. You should also carry the letter with you in your hand luggage in case you need to show customs to explain why you are carrying medical food or products in your hand luggage. If your child takes a protein substitute, you could speak to your dietitian about temporarily prescribing a powdered product to save you from carrying too many liquids.

Home delivery provider – If you use a home delivery service such as Nutricia Homeward, they may be able to arrange delivery for protein substitute or supplements to your destination. Contact them to discuss if this is an option.

GP – Your GP may need to prescribe additional products to cover the duration of your holiday. You may need to ask for the next month’s prescription earlier than planned.

Airline – If you are not using a delivery service, then you must contact the airline to enquire about extra baggage allowances (see ‘Advice for flying’ below). Think about how much low protein food, protein substitute or other products you will need to carry on board the flight, and calculate the weight of the full amount that you will need to check-in.

Hotel– Just like when you are holidaying closer to home, make sure that your contact your hotel or accommodation to find out about meals provided and/or facilities available. Many hotels offer all-inclusive packages providing plenty of fruit and vegetable options for meal times. Hotels which provide buffet style meals are a good option as they usually offer a wide selection of options. 

There are restrictions on what items you can take in your hand luggage and hold luggage when boarding a plane in the UK.

Check with your airline about how many and what size bags you can take on the plane with you. 

There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your checked luggage. However, it is likely that you will need to take some liquids in your hand luggage – especially if you are taking a longer flight.

Remember that:

• Containers must hold no more than 100ml and must be placed in a clear plastic bag 
• For information on infant formula please see the Babies and Infants section below
• Essential medicines including liquid protein substitutes over 100ml can be taken through security but you must have the following:-
  • Approval from the airline
  • Supporting documentation from a relevant medical professional
• Remember to divide your protein substitute between bags just in case of any lost luggage
• If packed meals have a high liquid content, bear in mind that your airline may impose volume restrictions