Looking for adventure? While a relaxing beach holiday is always nice, it can also be rewarding to challenge yourself with new experiences that help you see the world differently. We spoke to 28-year-old Timo, a German PKU advocate, 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 it changed me forever. I learned to be independent in a foreign country. I discovered my limits, freedoms and possibilities, and I grew by meeting people from many different cultures. Travelling opened my eyes to new low-protein eating habits and foods I’d 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 protein substitutes. But remember — you can’t bring fruit into New Zealand! If you’re caught, you’ll have to pay a large fine. I wasn’t even allowed to take an opened bag of gummy bears! They’re very strict there — I speak from experience. I strongly advise you to do your homework before travelling, especially about what you can and can’t take into the country.”
The second flight
“As part of my travel planning, I informed the airline about my PKU and explained that I needed to eat medically prescribed, low-protein foods during the flight. I took my PKU protein substitute and some Loprofin bread with me for the journey. You should also ask whether the airline can cater for you with low-protein or vegan meals to complement the snacks you bring.”
Timo's travel checklist:
- Take translated versions of all your medical certificates, product descriptions and prescriptions to show to customs if required.
- Order enough (plus a little extra) low-protein foods and protein substitutes to take with you. Depending on your prescription, register this as special medical baggage if travelling by plane.
- Bring some low-protein snacks for the flight to keep you going until you can find suitable food at your destination.
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 traveller 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 easily lose yourself among its excellent restaurants, galleries and exhibitions. If you like culture and nightlife, Auckland is great!”
Then I went WWOOFing!
“After my stay in Auckland, I went to Hamilton to live with a lovely family while I did WWOOFing — and no, that doesn’t mean barking like a dog!
WWOOF stands for ‘We’re Welcome on Organic Farms’, a programme that connects travellers with host families who offer hands-on and cultural experiences on farms, estates and in organic gardens. The host families provide free food and accommodation while travellers help with daily farm activities such as planting, composting and collecting eggs.
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 yoghurt, which we didn’t have in Germany at the time. It was a lifesaver, helping me boost my calorie intake and regain muscle after long days on the farm.”
Becoming more independent
“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 — there’s always something happening, plus it’s close to beautiful beach resorts where you can relax by the sea.In Tauranga, I discovered that I could tolerate gluten-free bread, so I no longer needed to bake my own. I also tried vegan chocolate cake, Japanese sweets like mochi, and other vegetarian dishes.
Every person with PKU is different, so this is just my personal experience — always talk to your doctor before adding 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 or protein substitutes. My advice? If you’re staying for an extended period, plan your quantities and delivery times carefully. Always have a backup — shipping can be unpredictable and may 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 gave me a whole new perspective on the world. Seeing things through the eyes of other cultures helped me challenge my own assumptions and think differently. I’ve become more empathetic, independent and confident. I was amazed at how self-reliant I’d become. If you can let go of your fears and dare to go on an adventure, you’ll never regret it.”
