For many Chronic Kidney Disease patients who have chosen to conduct Dialysis, it feels like every aspect of their life is disrupted including fun annual (yearly) family trips, anniversary getaways, summer vacations, important family gatherings (weddings, child births, funerals, graduations) and other necessary departures. Traveling is important because it allows patients to remain in contact with loved ones (in person rather than just via the phone or social media), it is fun and adds value to living rather than giving up on life, and traveling also offers an opportunity for those with Chronic Kidney Disease to take a break from the stresses of daily life - unplugging from the anxieties of day-to-day living as a Dialysis patient. Unfortunately as Dialysis starts, traveling often comes to a screeching halt. However, comfortable travel with limited stress may be able to continue for many patients who try to incorporate the following strategies into their next getaway.

Do you like to travel? Well according to Mindbodygreen.com, there are many very good reasons and health benefits to seeing more of the world by traveling which include:

1. Connecting with loved ones for further support and a morale boost.

2. Giving Dialysis patients a break from their fast-paced and stressful lifestyle.

3. Helping Chronic Kidney Disease patients achieve mental, physical, and emotional breakthroughs which contribute to a better and healthier outlook on life.

4. Providing patients the time to heal, recuperate, reduce stress, and help regain enthusiasm for living.

5. Promoting patience by releasing heavy expectations of the “one normal way to live life” mentality thereby allowing life to flow more organically.

6. Inviting the opportunity to get lost and face one’s fears of the unknown.

7. Helping Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients rediscover themselves to improve their sense of identity and inner strength in order to continue to fight for a higher quality of life.

Recommended Reading: Steps to a Stress-free Vacation While on Dialysis

The National Kidney Foundation said, "Traveling can give a big boost to a patient's morale and sense of well-being." Contrary to common belief, most Nephrologists encourage travel if a patient is stable. This is not just for Home Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis patients. If you are an In-Center Hemodialysis patient do not restrict your travel. If you are not getting the results that you desire in order to schedule treatment at another facility, consider corresponding with your Dialysis Organization's Guest Services Contact Center:

DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.: 1-800-244-0680

Fresenius Medical Care: 1-866-434-2597 They ask that patients please give 2-weeks’ notice for domestic travel and 4-weeks' notice for international travel. They noted, "We’re also happy to help with last-minute trips."

Find A Dialysis Center Online: Click here to locate a highly rated Dialysis facility near the area you plan on traveling and contact them directly to attempt to schedule a treatment during a domestic trip.

Find An International Dialysis Center: Globaldialysis.com brags that it has the "world's most comprehensive database of Dialysis Facilities." While it allows patients to search the database for free, it does require that they register and login (click here). Since it is a resource mentioned by DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., patients may consider browsing if they are planning an international trip.

Although international travel can be a bit of a headache and very expensive, many Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients likely wonder, "Where can I travel that will best accommodate me, and my specific needs." The following are the best cities in the United States for Dialysis patients to travel based upon easy access to Dialysis centers as well as walkability and the number of attractions for Chronic Kidney Disease patients:

Las Vegas, Nevada
Orlando/Celebration, Florida
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Houston, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Atlanta, Georgia
Chicago, Illinois
San Diego, California
Los Angeles, California
New Orleans, Louisiana

Before you go, try to accomplish the following tasks:

1. Get routine care and make sure your immunizations are up-to-date, including your yearly flu shot.

2. Refill your eligible prescriptions to have enough while you’re away. Be sure to refill at least 1 week before your trip so there’s time to process your request.

3. Take along extra medication in case you get delayed while traveling.

4. Consult your doctor if you need to manage a condition during your trip.

5. Print a summary of your online medical record in case you don’t have internet access while you are traveling.

6. Call your insurance carrier to find out what expenses are covered. Usually, insurance consultations are available at no charge from your Dialysis Insurance Specialist.

It is important for patients to know that whether they dialyze In-Center or at home (Home Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis), they should locate a Dialysis Center in the city that they are visiting. It is very important to know where to go in case a patient needs help or forgets something. Chronic Kidney Disease patients should seriously consider carrying the name, address and phone number of the Dialysis Center in the city that they are visiting during the trip.

Do you travel? Why or why not? If you are a Dialysis patient, then feel free to share what cities are best to visit in your opinion. Share your answer at the KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page (nearly 40,000 Friends). Also, be sure to Like KidneyBuzz.com while you are there, and consider following the over 115,000 monthly visitors to KidneyBuzz.com for your Number One (#1) source of Daily News, Information, Impact Meals, Inspirational Quotes, and tailored Products and Services which teach Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure patients how to better manage and improve their lives.

Travel Does Not Have To End For Chronic Kidney Disease Patients When Dialysis Begins

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