Are you going on holiday soon? More and more people are choosing to travel closer to home. And why not? The Netherlands and the surrounding countries have so much beauty to offer! With good preparation, you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest, even with PKU. In this guide, you'll find helpful tips to help you get out and about without worry.

Useful travel tips for the road

Whether you travel by car, train or plane: good preparation makes your trip a lot easier. Here are a few best practices:

• Plan ahead: take into account your means of transport and the expected travel time. Prepare plenty of meals and snacks so that you don't have to rely on what's available for sale along the way. This way you will not be faced with surprises!
• Always take extra food with you: delays and traffic jams can throw a spanner in the works. Make sure you have enough stock, just in case. 
• Use sturdy, tightly sealable containers to keep your meals fresh. Also, don't forget to pack cutlery and napkins. 
• Keep your protein substitute within reach: take enough with you for the entire trip and make sure you can easily access it on the go. 
• Bring a cup, spoon and bottle of water: ideal for mixing your powdered protein substitute or supplements on the go. 
• Plan your first meal at the destination: research in advance which restaurants and supermarkets are nearby and check whether your accommodation offers facilities for storing and preparing your food.

Holidays close to home: what you need to know

Domestic travel has advantages: no language barriers, trusted supermarkets and no long-haul flights. But there are a few things to keep in mind.

Hotels and PKU

Staying in a hotel? Please contact the property prior to departure to ask about options for special dietary requirements. Many hotels are happy to think along with you and can help with:

• Storing low-protein products in the refrigerator or freezer 
• Heating up meals brought along
• Preparing simple low-protein dishes, such as pasta or rice 
• Customizing dishes on the menu. You can even forward a few simple recipes if they're open to suggestions 
• Buffets are often a good choice, as they offer many different options
• Vegan meals are sometimes a godsend, but pay attention to protein-rich ingredients such as nuts, beans and grains. Ask if these can be replaced
• Don't be afraid to inquire about the possibilities in advance. Most hotels are happy to help. And if they go the extra mile, a small thank you or a card is always a nice token of appreciation!

Self-catering accommodations

Are you staying in an apartment or holiday home? Then you can cook for yourself and control your diet even better. Check in advance which facilities are available and adjust your packing list accordingly.

Make sure you have enough stock 

• One of the most important things when travelling with PKU is to take enough protein substitutes, supplements and low-protein products with you. 
• Contact your dietitian six weeks before departure to discuss your travel plans. 
• Check whether a home delivery service can arrange a delivery to your holiday address. 
• If you bring your own products, talk to your doctor or dietician about whether an extra prescription is needed to cover your holiday period. 
• Consider temporarily switching to a powder formula if you want to save space in your luggage.

Be prepared for emergencies

If you need an emergency regimen in case of illness, make sure you know where the nearest hospital is with the right treatment options. Always bring your emergency regime documentation and necessary products with you. If something happens, contact your specialist team immediately for advice. 

With good preparation, you can relax on your trip and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. Have fun!