One of the perks of GLP-1 drops is that they’re more convenient for travel than injectables. They’re portable, discreet, and don’t require refrigeration, making it much easier to stay consistent with important health routines while you’re away from home.
That being said, you’ll still need to be diligent about how you store your medication and, most importantly, when you take it. Whether you’re flying overseas, taking off for a weekend getaway, or mapping out a cross-country road trip, here’s your complete guide on how to travel with GLP-1 drops.
Why GLP-1 drops are ideal for travel
Repeat after us: no cold storage needed. GLP-1 drops do just fine at room temperature, but that’s not the only reason they’re great for travel:
- Easy to pack. The bottles are compact and lightweight, a huge plus when space and weight are a concern!
- Discreet dosing. You can take GLP-1 drops quickly and privately, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
- No refrigeration needed. One less thing for your packing list! Leave the ice packs and mini fridges at home.
GLP-1 drops travel tips: Staying consistent on the go
With the most annoying inconveniences eliminated, the most difficult part of traveling while taking GLP-1 drops is maintaining consistency. But by following these tips, you can rock that part too.
Stick to your dosing schedule
Take your drops at the same time each day. (If you’re in a different time zone, take them at the same time you would in your home time zone.) This may be easy enough to do while you’re at home going about your normal routine, but travel distractions make it easy to forget the normal things. If you haven’t already, set up alarm reminders so you won’t forget a dose.
Pack extra
Anything can happen while you’re traveling: lost luggage, unexpected delays, storms, accidents—the list goes on and on. Medication is one area where it’s best not to pack light. Take an extra bottle with you just in case plans shift abruptly, but keep the bottle sealed and labeled until your current bottle runs out (or if it gets lost in transit). Keep the extra bottle in a different bag so you'll have it in case something happens to the other one.
Plan ahead with air travel
Flying with GLP-1 drops is simple, but here are a few things you should know before you board:
- Carry-on only: Keep your medication with you, not in checked luggage.
- Airport security: GLP-1 drops are TSA-compliant, but keep the bottle in its original labeled container. Be ready to show the label at security if asked.
- Prescription: Bring a copy of your prescription or a short provider letter that confirms personal use, especially if you are traveling internationally.
- In-flight dosing: If your dose time takes place during your flight, simply take your drops as you normally would. If your doctor has instructed you to take drops with water or food, make sure you have snacks on hand, or ask the flight attendants for a cup of water.
Store drops in the right place
While GLP-1 drops are easy to travel with, they still should be treated with care. Follow these storage tips while you’re traveling:
- Store at room temperature as directed on the label and avoid heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not leave in a car, on a windowsill, or in checked baggage.
- If you are going somewhere hot or spending a lot of time in the car, use a small insulated pouch with a cool pack (just be careful to not let the pack touch the bottle). Never store drops in the glove compartment or trunk, as these areas can get very hot.
- Don’t freeze drops.
What to eat on vacation while taking a GLP-1
Now that you’ve got the logistics of traveling with GLP-1 drops down, let’s address the other side of the equation: what you eat while traveling.
Vacations often mean indulgent meals and weird eating times, which don’t always mix well with GLP-1 treatment. These tips can help you feel your best while you’re traveling:
- Listen to your body. If you feel full, stop eating. If an appetizer or side dish doesn’t sound appealing, leave it be. This likely means you’ll have a lot of leftovers, so plan your food needs accordingly!
- Prioritize protein. You may have bigger gaps between meals and snacks than you’re used to, so make sure your meals include plenty of protein, which will help you stay full for longer.
- Limit high-fat meals, especially if you’re near a dose. High-fat foods can make some people nauseous during GLP-1 treatment. If you’re near a dose, it’s best to avoid fatty foods for a bit.
- Pack healthy snacks. Nuts, fruits, and low-sugar protein bars travel well and are great snacks if you have an emergency hanger situation.
- Stay hydrated. Keep a refillable water bottle with you and drink throughout the day. There’s a good chance you’ll be moving around a lot, so drink more water than you normally would.
- Plan your indulgences. One of the best things about traveling is trying out the local cuisine, so enjoy the food while you can! If you know you’ll be eating a fancy dinner, plan on a lighter, well-balanced lunch. If a must-have dessert is on the menu, consider eating a salad for dinner so you’ll still have room for dessert.
- Be careful with alcohol. GLP-1s and alcohol aren’t the best pairing, so drink in moderation to minimize the effects, and don’t forget to drink lots of water!
Remember, being mindful about what you eat on vacation isn’t just about staying on track with your health goals. It helps you feel better and stay energized through the duration of your travels too, so you’ll be at your best while you’re out making memories
Your to-do list when you get home
The vacation’s not really over until you’ve been home long enough to transition out of vacation mode, which can take a while if you’ve been on a long trip. But before you fall into bed to start catching up on sleep, there are a few things you should take care of first:
- Unpack your GLP-1 drops and store them in their regular spot (which should be somewhere dry and cool).
- Reset your reminder timers (if needed) to their regular times.
- Each a protein-rich meal if you haven’t eaten in a while.
Once you’ve checked off the basics, it’s all about easing back into normal life—and continuing to take your medication as prescribed.
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FAQs: Traveling with GLP-1 drops
Can I bring GLP-1 drops on a plane?
Yes, GLP-1 drops are TSA-compliant. Always keep them in your carry-on for safety and temperature control.
What should I do if I miss a GLP-1 dose while traveling?
Take your normal dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next one. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule (don’t double up).
How do I handle GLP-1 drops when crossing time zones?
Try to take your medication at your local time each day. If that adjustment is too tricky, gradually shift to the time zone you’re traveling in over a few days.
Are GLP-1 drops better for travel than injections?
Yes. Since drops don’t require refrigeration or needles, they’re more convenient and lower-maintenance for trips. Important note: You should only take GLP-1 drops if they have been prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider.
This content is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.