Looking for adventure? While a relaxing beach holiday is always nice, it's also good to challenge ourselves with new experiences that help us see the world differently. We spoke to 28-year-old Timo, a German PKU officer, about his amazing trip to New Zealand. Hello dear readers, I'm Timo Cramer, here to share my experiences and tips for travelling with PKU. My 15-month journey through New Zealand was truly inspiring. I can honestly say that it changed me forever. I learned to be independent in a foreign country. I discovered my limits, freedoms and possibilities. I grew by meeting new people from different cultures. Traveling has opened my eyes to new low-protein eating habits and foods that I would never have tried at home.
The first part of my journey... The last flight:
I had no issues with German or New Zealand customs regarding my PKU formula and amino acid blends. But remember, you can't bring fruit to New Zealand! If you are caught, you have to pay a fine of $400: I was not even allowed to take an opened bag of gummy bears. They are very strict there. I speak from experience! I strongly advise you to do your homework, especially about what you can and cannot take with you when visiting a new country.
The second flight
As part of my travel planning, I informed the airline about my PKU and that I need to eat medically prescribed special low-protein foods during the flight. So I took my PKU amino acids and Loprofin bread* with me to eat during the trip. You should also ask if the airline can cater for your needs with low-protein, vegan meals to complement the snacks you brought.
Timo's travel checklist:
- Take translated versions of all your medical certificates, product descriptions and recipes with you on your trip to show to customs.
- Order enough (+ a little extra) low-protein food and amino acid preparations to take with you. Depending on your prescription, register this with the airline for special medical baggage if you are traveling by plane.
- Be sure to bring some low-protein foods with you on the flight to help you, until you can find other foods to eat when you get there.
My arrival – let the exploration begin.
I spent my first week in Auckland, a large city on the North Island of New Zealand. I met another German who showed me the nearest supermarket, where I stocked up on all my supplies. The city is known for its culture, music, art, food, and wine. You can get lost in all the excellent restaurants, galleries and exhibitions. If you like culture and nightlife, Auckland is great!
Then I went WWOOF!
After my stay in Auckland, I went to Hamilton to live with a lovely family while I went WWOOF. And I don't mean barking like a dog! WWOOF stands for "We're Welcome on Organic Farms," a program that connects travelers with host families who provide hands-on and cultural work experiences on farms, estates, and in organic gardens. The host families provide free food and shelter while adventurous, eco-conscious travelers participate in daily farming activities such as planting, composting, egg collection, etc. It was fantastic! During my month-long visit, I ate mostly fruits, vegetables, and homemade PKU bread. Unfortunately, I lost quite a bit of weight because of this. So I tried some new foods, like plant-based coconut yogurt. Something we didn't have in Germany at the time. It was a lifesaver, boosting my calories and helping me regain my muscles after a sweaty few days on the farm.
I was proud of how independent and brave I had become.
After my incredible experience in Hamilton, I bought a car and drove to my first job in Tauranga, a vibrant port city on the North Island. It's a great place to explore spontaneously, because there's always something happening. Plus, you'll be close to popular beach resorts where you can chill out on the beach. In Tauranga, I discovered that I can tolerate gluten-free bread, so I didn't have to bake myself.
I've also tried vegan chocolate, cake, Japanese sweets like mochi, and other vegetarian dishes. Every PKU person is different, so here's my personal experience: Always talk to your doctor if you're going to add new foods to your diet.
How I made sure I had enough protein substitutes and low protein foods.
My brother Phil sent me packages from Germany to make sure I didn't run out of PKU food and amino acid blends. My advice? If you're staying for an extended period of time, be sure to plan your quantities and delivery times in advance. Make sure you always have a backup, as shipping can be unpredictable and take a little longer than expected.
I want to inspire other PKU people to see and experience the world!
Although travelling with PKU is a little more difficult, it's not impossible! Preparation and planning are essential for us PKU staff so that we can experience everything we want. Don't think about it too much, just do it!
Why should every PKU person have at least one adventure?
The trip has given me a whole new perspective on the world. Through the eyes of other cultures, I have shown my prejudices the door and started to think differently. I have more empathy now. I have also found myself and my independence again. I was amazed at how self-reliant and confident I had become. If you can let go of your fears and dare to go on an adventure, you will never regret it.
