Most people need a break from time to time. Kidney patients, and their caregivers, are no exception.

One of the ways in which kidney patients can enjoy full and productive lives is by taking a holiday or business trip. Travel can also provide your caregiver and family members with a welcome break.

There are few limitations on where you can take a holiday or on what sort of holiday you can take. Most kidney patients can travel anywhere in the world.

Because special arrangements will need to be made in advance, it is essential that you check with your renal unit before planning or booking any trip.

For all kidney patients, travel requires more careful advance planning than it does for healthy people. Last-minute bookings are not a realistic option. There is plenty of help available with the planning process, beginning with your renal unit. The staff can help you decide if you are ready to travel. They can advise you as to suitable destinations given the type of therapy you will need while away. They can help you make appointments in other renal units so you can be monitored or treated while traveling.

Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition will need a letter from a doctor confirming that they are fit to travel in order to get travel insurance. This includes transplant patients. Your doctor or renal care team can also provide you with information on any immunizations required.

Short trips away are possible for patients on dialysis. Those on Haemodialysis can plan a short trip away in-between dialysis sessions. Peritoneal dialysis patients on the other hand are free to travel anytime. Make sure that you check with you renal unit first and take plenty of dialysis supplies with you.