How I travel the world with PKU
Every family has its own passions. Some families are sporty, others love nature. For my family, travelling was second nature. Thankfully, my PKU has never stopped us from exploring the world.
How did your love for travel start?
Elea: My parents gave me the travel bug. They decided early on that my PKU wouldn’t be a barrier to our adventures. And so, I grew up with a suitcase within reach and a curiosity about new destinations.
What was your first PKU travel experience?
Elea: My first trip was to the Caribbean when I was only six months old. Of course, I don’t remember anything about it, but my parents love to tell the story. My next big trip was to Kenya when I was two years old. I was playing on the hotel lawn and burst out laughing when a cheeky monkey stole one of my toys!
Because my father often travelled to Kenya for work, we went there regularly. That meant my mother always had to prepare everything down to the last detail — especially when it came to my diet.
Have you ever had a challenging moment with PKU during a trip?
Elea: Absolutely! I’ll never forget one trip to Kenya. I was six years old, and we were just about to leave when my mother suddenly shouted, “The bag! The bag with the food!”
We had a beautiful leather bag that contained all my PKU products — my medical nutrition, low-protein noodles, and even a small scale to weigh my food — and it was still at home!
It was too late to get off the plane, so we had to spend the start of our holiday without my usual food. My parents immediately called for help, and a few days later the bag was brought to our hotel. However, I soon became tired and sluggish because I was missing my medical nutrition. Once my products finally arrived, I felt better in no time. Since then, I have never forgotten my PKU products!
What was it like to study in Bangkok?
Elea: In 2014, I made one of the most special trips of my life. For my studies in Cologne, I had to spend a semester abroad. After much thought, I chose Bangkok, Thailand.
When I looked out of the window during my layover in Dubai, I thought, “Have I gone mad? What am I actually doing here?” My whole life had been in Cologne, and now I was about to spend four months alone in a foreign country. But looking back, it was the best decision ever. The first week took some getting used to — Bangkok is loud, lively, busy, and completely different from Germany. But surprisingly, food was the least difficult part of my stay.
How did you arrange your low-protein diet in Thailand?
Elea: Many Thai dishes are naturally PKU-friendly. Everywhere I went, I found fried rice with vegetables and delicious fruit juices or smoothies. Of course, everyone’s tolerance to phenylalanine is different, but I found that many Asian cuisines can cater well to a PKU diet.
What does Bangkok mean to you?
Elea: One day I decided to explore the centre of Bangkok, and I instantly fell in love with the city. I knew this was a place I would return to again and again. Just as my father had a special connection to Kenya, Bangkok felt like my spiritual home.
In 2016, I even moved to Thailand for an indefinite period. I took 14 kilos of protein substitutes with me in my suitcase and had family and friends send extra supplies. With a little planning, it turned out to be perfectly possible to live abroad and follow my PKU diet.
Next year, I’ll take my daughter to Thailand for the first time — I can’t wait to let her discover this special country.
What is your advice for other PKU people who want to travel?
Elea: A little preparation goes a long way. Be flexible, open to new experiences, and enjoy every adventure. Yes, travelling with PKU requires a bit of extra organisation, but it’s absolutely possible. Don’t let your diet stop you from exploring the world!
