Just had my final itinerary for the 2nd Sept Charms of Luxembourg, all looks ok. This week I have been advised that my diabetes has progressed to the stage that I now require Insulin treatment. Insulin has to be kept in a refrigerated state to keep it usable.

From the website for the hotel, NH Luxembourg, they state that there is an in-room mini-bar. Please can you confirm that there will be one in my room. Refrigeration whilst travelling looks to be not a problem, I have ordered an Insulin Cool Pouch designed for holding my medication from Diabetes UK.

From previous experience I realise that to get access to the mini-bar I may have to allow the hotel to take an impression of my credit card. This isn't a problem.

I know that if I was travelling by air I would need a doctors letter to pass through security with my insulin pens and needles. Do I need to get one for this trip?

Peter

I wasn't able to get on to the hotel website when I checked but you will be able to find details about what is in each room here: www.nh-hotels.com/

In my experience, European hotels usually have minibars. If for some reason they do not, you can always ask the hotel to keep your insulin chilled for you. I would also suggest that you give us a ring on 0844 567 8844 and make a request for a room with a minibar, explaining also why you need it. This will also mean that your tour manager knows about your condition.

Many hotels do ask to swipe your credit card so it's probably worth taking it, just in case.

I think a doctor's letter would be a good idea. As you say, it's particularly important when flying but would probably be a sensible precaution for a coach holiday too.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

You should take a letter with you from your GP/Hospital explaining that you are carrying needles for treatment for diabetes. When my wife was alive the security needed to know what type of insulin you had. Animal or Human. Remember you are taking sharps on to the plane and security will need to see them, so after check in put them in a plastic bag before you go through security along with the insulin and any tablets such as Metformin that you may have. I remember a situation we had at at Birmingham where the scanners picked up a trace of Glycerine in one of her tablets and because we had the GP letter we were allowed through to Departures.

Best of luck to you and enjoy your holiday.

Peter

Thanks for the info, when it's from first hand experience it's always the best. This holiday is by cross-channel ferry and as far as I know the security re-sharps and medicine is slightly different. However, I'm going to the US late in Sept so this will be a "dry-run" so to speak. I have already arranged for a covering letter from the diabetes clinic and I always take my prescription repeat forms with me. I'll pack my medicines in a plastic bag with my sharps in my hand baggage as if I was flying. I have ordered an Insulin Cool Pouch from Diabetes UK, and have rung JY to try and ensure there is a fridge/mini-bar in my room. When the Cool Pouch arrives I will try using old injection pens to see if it does away the need for a fridge.

Peter

My name is Gordon and I am your tour manager on 2nd September. I am now aware of your situation so will be able to assist you should you have any problems on tour. I have checked the NH website and can confirm that it states that there are mini bars in the rooms. I look forward to meeting you

Kind regards

Gordon

Thanks for the note. See you on the 2nd.

Regards

Peter

Its me again. I do not know how long you will be travelling for on your coach trip but when you receive your Cool Pouch check to see if it contains an ice pack. You will need to put unused cartridges in the pouch with the ice pack. The Ice Pack lasts for about 12 hours before you need to refreeze it. If you need to buy one they are readily available in major supermarkets or chemiists.

Cheers

Peter :thumbup: