Last Updated on March 24, 2024 by PowersToTravel
I’ve written an all-inclusive Diabetic Travel Tips for International Travel, which I highly recommend you read, and on this page, I apply the pertinent tips from that page to the country of Norway.
Norway was one of the first foreign countries I visited, beginning my excursions to Norway back in 2001 continuing up until 2016. I’ve spent five vacations there, from Stavanger and the Hardangerfjord in the south all the way up to Tromso and to Longyearbyen in Svalbard in the north.
One of the reasons for my “early” visit in 2001 and the subsequent frequent returns is its ease of diabetic travel. So much is so comfortable in Norway. You can focus more easily on the enjoyment of the vacation than on the management of your diabetes.
Vaccines, Malaria and the Travel Clinic
I never even knew such a thing existed as a Travel Clinic while I was zipping around Norway! I only needed the standard vaccines managed by my Primary Care physician. Malaria? Not on your life in Norway! Note: Some people don’t make sure they are up to date on their tetanus shot and you really should be, if you intend to hike around – I’ve scratched myself on rusty barbed wire in the past in Norway and Scotland trying to hop stone walls in the countryside!
Motion Sickness and Medications
Carsickness could be a problem for you as a passenger in Norway. The roads can be a little windy, to say the least.
There are many medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, for motion sickness and you should be aware of any contra-indications for these medications. For example, quite a number of years ago my doctor prescribed the Transderm Scop patch for sea-sickness, which I have brought along with me on all trips involving serious mountain roads. But suddenly I wonder, now with my aging kidneys, should I be using it abroad without a doctor’s supervision? I don’t know, but you can be sure I’ll be asking my nephrologist at our next visit before using it!
In the meantime, I use my Sea-Bands bracelets (not a sponsor). I rely on them to prevent short-term motion sickness. You do need to put them on before the suspect activity or it will be too late to prevent motion sickness.
Flying with Diabetes
The trip across to Norway is not a quick one. You often have to fly to mainland Europe or Iceland before transferring to a flight to Oslo, Bergen or Stavanger. Be sure to read my articles Diabetic Travel Tips for International Travel and How to keep insulin cold while traveling for more than 28 days and more than 24 hours for my tips and tricks. The good news is that depending on where you are coming from, you probably do not need to travel more than 24 hours to get to Norway. In fact, for all my trips to Norway, which also didn’t last more than 3 weeks, I did nothing special to protect my insulin while en route. I just put the bottles in an ordinary insulin daypack with a single chilly bar and put it in my purse. If you don’t carry a purse? Your carry-on will do just as well!
So Much More Activity Than Usual
Norway is a very large and out-and-about country. You will probably spend the majority of your time either on the road driving from location to location, or hiking about from waterfall to mountain view. You will need to make sure you always have plenty of water and snacks and juice in your car or on your person. There is a lot of empty space between the many small towns. The very pleasant crisp climate does not make you feel exhausted, rather more invigorated, but your glucose levels will trick you easily! You’ll need to closely monitor your carb intake and insulin levels the first several days as you may find the added exercise unexpected.
Avoiding the Water
On the contrary, the water is wonderful in Norway! Of course I only drink it from the tap and not in the wild.
Protecting My Insulin and Supplies from Theft
Other than locking the car doors, which one does everywhere one goes, I give no second thought to theft in Norway.
Avoiding the Mosquitos, Malaria and Dengue Fever
One out of three isn’t bad! Yes, indeed there are mosquitos and flies in Norway. One should always carry and wear repellent – they can drive you mad! But, you don’t have to worry about Malaria and Dengue Fever.
Pack a Hat
What? A hat? I’m not bald, my hair is not thinning! I never considered packing a hat until after one vacation in which we spent several glorious sun-filled days near Lustrafjorden. In the summertime in Norway the sun can get very intense, not only hot, but BRIGHT and for a very long time each day. On that third day of bee-bopping around in the sunshine, I suddenly found my eyes just burning out from the constant brightness of the sun. Even my polarizing sunglasses didn’t protect me because the sun came down from above and penetrated my eyes from above my forehead.
We were out and about, hiking and photographing, and not near any towns or gas stations No hat in sight for me! I ended up hiding in the car with a shirt over my head to stop the penetrating sun!
I bought a hat with a dark brim that night, and pack one now, just in case.
Travel Insurance or Not, that is the question
Much of Norway is remote and hospitals are not close at hand. On the other hand, healthcare is of high quality. So, really my decision depends on my itinerary. Will I be spending a great deal of the time in southern Norway, doing the Flamsbanna, and the Fjords, or will I be heading north of Trondheim? Once we flew all the way to Longyearbyen in the Arctic Sea to see a polar bear, and we did see one. That’s a trip one wants to strongly consider travel insurance for!
Summary
I just can’t get enough of Norway! Check out my Two Weeks in Norway with a Svalbard Add-On to read all about our comprehensive trip to Norway.
