The Ultimate Guide to Traveling With GLP-1 Medications

For a high-protein shake that tastes more like a milkshake than a protein shake, I recommend Nurri Ultra-Filtered Protein Shakes. Each can has just 150 calories, but it packs in 30 grams (g) of protein from ultra-filtered skim milk. I’ve tried all five flavors (Chocolate, Coffee, Vanilla, Strawberry, and Mocha), and they all taste fantastic.

In addition to being a great option for people who aren’t fans of traditional protein shakes, they contain just 1 g of sugar and are lactose-free, making them easy to digest. They are slightly sweeter than some of the other protein shakes on the market, so keep that in mind if you prefer a less-sweet protein drink. Additionally, know that they’re sweetened with sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and monk fruit extract, which some people may prefer to avoid.

While many dairy-free protein shakes have a chalky texture, that isn’t the case with Kate Farms High Protein Nutrition Shakes. I’ve tried both flavors (Chocolate and Strawberry) and enjoyed that they have a smooth texture and aren’t too sweet. The protein in these shakes comes from pea protein, but unlike many pea protein-based powders, they don’t have an earthy flavor.

Each bottle contains 25 g of protein and 160 calories, so they’re a perfect on-the-go snack. Plus, there are 6 g of fiber per serving, which is particularly beneficial if you’re trying to prevent constipation while you’re on vacation (in my experience, most people eat even less fiber on vacation than they normally do, which can quickly lead to getting backed up).

For those traveling by plane and unable to take a ready-to-drink protein shake through security, I recommend single-serve protein powder. I’ve tried two flavors of Clean Simple Eats Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder, and I’ve been consistently impressed by the flavor and texture. The flavors I’ve tried (Simply Vanilla and Cake Batter) were delicious, without being overly sweet, and the texture is very smooth, even when mixed by hand in a shaker bottle.

Each single-serve packet contains 20 g of protein, with no added sugar (it’s sweetened with stevia extract). For those concerned with quality, all Clean Simple Eats products are third-party tested, so you can be sure you’re getting exactly what’s listed on the label. 

Any snack that provides a healthy dose of both protein and fiber is a winner in my book, which is why I love Three Farmers Snacks to Go. This variety pack contains roasted fava beans and chickpeas. While they’re not as high in protein as a protein shake (they contain 8 g of protein per 1-ounce serving), their 6 g of fiber gives them staying power.

With three flavors — Sweet Chili, Dill Pickle, and BBQ — there are options for different taste preferences, and the single-serve packages are a perfect size for throwing into a purse or travel backpack. Unlike many packaged savory snacks, they’re also relatively low in sodium and fat.

I recently got to try Supergut’s Foundational Daily Fiber and was surprised by how easily it mixes with water (almost no clumps!). The on-the-go variety pack comes with three flavors: Pomegranate Berry, Peach Mango, and Unflavored. The unflavored version is okay, but I was seriously impressed with how good the other two flavors tasted. They don’t taste like fiber supplements at all, which is a nice change for people used to traditional fiber supplements that aren’t that appealing to take.

I also appreciate that these gummies contain only 1 g of added sugar per serving. Plus, they’re made with pectin instead of gelatin, making them vegetarian-friendly. Since they don’t need to be refrigerated, like some probiotic supplements do, you can easily pack them without worrying about the potency deteriorating.

If you prefer unflavored fiber supplements, LOAM is my top choice. It contains six different prebiotics to help promote a diverse gut microbiota. The single-serve sachets are convenient for traveling, and the product dissolves well in water, with no taste or gritty texture.

One thing to keep in mind is that each stick pack contains 10 g of fiber, which can be a lot if your fiber intake is currently low. If that’s the case, start by taking half a stick pack for a few days to help your digestive system adjust to the increased fiber.

First things first: Yes, this water bottle is an investment. But if you’re traveling to a place with an uncertain water supply, it’s worth the price. This all-in-one water bottle uses two-stage purification to filter out contaminants and up to 99.99 percent of bacteria (including E. coli and salmonella). It’s also self-cleaning, which is especially useful when you’re traveling and may not have access to cleaning supplies. 

Another feature of this water bottle that I love is its automatic hydration tracking. Sensors in the bottle automatically track each sip and sync this information to the LARQ app, which can send you hydration reminders at intervals you set (the top of the bottle lights up when it’s time to take a sip). I find that many people don’t drink enough water when they’re traveling, so this is a great feature. 

It also has double-wall insulation to keep your water cold for up to 24 hours. I’ve found that mine lives up to the hype, keeping my water cold overnight and well into the next day. Finally, it has a built-in, detachable handle. I attached a carabiner to mine, so that I could loop it onto the handle on my backpack, but the bottle is quite slim (I have the larger, one-liter bottle), so it should fit into most backpack side pockets. 

While Create is known for its high-quality creatine monohydrate gummies, it recently launched its Creatine + Electrolytes Mix. These stick packs, which come in three flavors (Watermelon, Passionfruit, and Lemon Lime), combine the strength and muscle-building effects of 5 g of creatine monohydrate with 800 mg of electrolytes (including 500 mg of sodium, 250 mg of potassium, 230 mg of chloride, and 50 mg of magnesium).

Something I love about all Create products is that they are third-party tested and NSF Certified for Sport. That means they’ve undergone extensive content verification and safety testing, so you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality product.

For a more budget-friendly water bottle that still keeps your water cold for an entire day of travel, we love the Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. At around $30, it won’t break the bank, yet during testing, we found that it excelled at temperature retention. It’s leakproof and has a carry handle, which is a perk when you’re traveling, and its slim design makes it easy to fit into a backpack’s side pockets.

While it receives mixed reviews on its ease of cleaning (the opening is a bit narrow, requiring a bottle brush), for the price, we feel this is a great option. It comes in a wide variety of colors and four sizes (16-, 24-, 32-, or 40-oz), so you’re sure to find something that will meet your needs.

People taking injectable GLP-1s or using lancets to check their blood glucose levels need a safe place to dispose of used needles and lancets when they’re traveling, which is why we love the MirTouch PocketSharps Pocket-Size Travel Sharps Container. These compact containers have a built-in needle-removal port, and they’re small enough to fit in one of the travel pouches listed below. They’re made of durable, leakproof acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and are properly labeled for biohazard disposal. While the capacity is smaller than that of a traditional sharps disposal container, most reviewers appreciated the compact size, noting that it’s perfect for travel.

If you’re taking an oral GLP-1 medication (such as Rybelsus or the Wegovy pill), it’s important to stay on top of your daily dosing. And for those taking multiple supplements or medications, having a pillbox that accommodates a large number of pills is key to staying on track while you travel. Hands down, my favorite pillbox for traveling is the Mimi Medcessories Pretty Pill Box. While it’s slim and compact, it holds a surprising number of pills for its size, and I was able to use it to store all of my daily meds and supplements (though keep in mind that you’ll need two pillboxes if you take medications in the morning and the evening).

Another thing I love about these pillboxes is how securely they close. I have other pillboxes that I can’t travel with because they don’t stay shut. These pillboxes open and close with a sliding mechanism, so there’s very little chance that they’ll accidentally open in your bag.

For a more budget-friendly pillbox, it’s hard to beat the SE7EN-DAY Weekly Pill Organizer, which has three compartments in each daily container and costs less than $10. Editor Ally Hirschlag tested this pillbox and appreciates that each compartment is big enough for four large fish oil pills — perfect for those who take multiple medications or supplements. Another nice feature is that you can remove each daily container, which is ideal for shorter trips, as the whole case is quite bulky. She also likes that the color-coded containers help her stay on top of what needs to be taken on each day.

The Suzamed Insulin Cooler Travel Case is a budget-friendly option available in seven colorways. It has room for several medication pens, a blood glucose monitor, and other medication supplies. The 150-g reusable ice packs meet TSA requirements, provided that you freeze them for six to eight hours before passing through security.

The case features an ethylene vinyl acetate outer layer and an aluminized-film inner layer to keep your medication cold for extended periods of time. Our research found that reviews of this medication travel case are overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers citing the temperature retention, spaciousness, and durability. However, this case lacks a temperature display, making it difficult to determine the exact temperature of your meds.

While a temperature display isn’t required, some people may prefer to know the exact temperature of their medications while they’re traveling. The Youshares Insulin Cooler Travel Case is a TSA-approved medication case with an external temperature display, so you can be certain your medications are at the correct temperature. While it offers fewer color options, its spacious design means there’s plenty of room for all your medication supplies.

Most reviews of this medication case are positive, with people noting its effective temperature retention and accurate temperature reading. Since the ice packs are quite small (90 g), some reviewers have suggested purchasing extra packs to rotate while traveling.