Summer is fast-approaching and many of us are thinking of fun family getaways and relaxing vacations (I know I am!). Although you can go anywhere and do almost anything, it's not always easy for someone with diabetes to be on a plane or in a car for long periods of time; planning matters.

How do you plan for long plane or car trips?

What is your packing strategy?

How do you keep track of meals and medications through changing time zones?

My most important planning tip for travel is to expect the unexpected. I always pack more food than I think I'll need, double the number of strips I usually use, and even bring along extra medication - just in case. You never know when your plane will be delayed, or you'll be stuck in traffic, or even take a wrong turn and spend an hour figuring out how to get back on track.

I try to spread the stuff I have to check across several bags and to pack extra of everything. This way , if the airline loses one of my bags, I'm not totally out of luck.

That's a good plan. I know what the nightmare of lost luggage is like! Will you do anything differently now that the airlines are going to charge $$ per checked bag?

No -- I'll keep my strategy. $15 is a cheap price to pay for peace of mind.

You're right about that! What do you do for long car trips? I personally take less and less of these each year.