TRAVELLING & HOTELS

Planes, Trains & Automobiles 

If you are flying or going by Eurostar as a couple, you’ll probably go twice each. That’s 4 trips to pay for.

The first flight you can probably plan in advance around a weekend at a reduced rate, but your flight for the main procedure needs to be exactly when you need to go. Regardless if that is an expensive day to fly. The prices can be very high on some days and this can’t be planned. Allow for this. (Hopefully you have some airmiles instead!)

How many visits did you make?

The first visit one is as important as the last. Most IVF clinics don’t charge for the first consultation (and that’s with the actual consultant – not a nurse). Make sure you take the list of questions in with you. You need all your medical notes, I.D, HIV statements and a payment plan organised. Most clinics do not need payment up front, if they do.. Why?

Where do I stay?

Some clinics provide discounted hotel rooms if you book through them. Otherwise it’s normal hotel room hunting. Do you have family there?  But make sure you actually want to stay with them when you are a bit tired throughout the treatment. You need rest, not never ending gossip from your Auntie Maria. This is not the trip to see your European family for a 20 year reunion!

What should I consider at the hotel?

Look for a good hotel that you feel comfortable in. Can you be there for 5-7 days in one go? You can’t race around the city like you are on holiday this time. You need to be there and chill out. For example...

• Does it have green space to stroll around, or is it on a busy road with a tiny garden that everyone smokes in?
• If you are hoping to bring a laptop, what is the price of internet access per day,
• Where can you eat 3 times a day and at what expense? Is their a kitchenette so you can eat your own food?
• Do they only have local TV channels? or can you bring your own DVD’s or CD’s?
• Is there a club under your floor that goes on until 6am every night?
• Or are the builders next door to the hotel going to be working day and night on scaffolding outside your window?

How far is the clinic from the Airport?

Most clinics aren’t too far from an airport, so make sure you get the transfers organised before you get there through your hotel or by taxi. Choose a hotel near to the clinic (and not just the airport).

Flying after transfer – how long after?

Take professional advice on this as always. There is a lot of debate about this. The advice is that on the day of transfer, stay put for at least 24 hours. If you have to go back home then that’s up to you and your clinic to decide. I know your bed is better than any hotel bed, but give your body a chance to do its stuff. 48 hours later should be enough. 

Traveling with drugs and syringes - can I?

Make sure you have a prescription or covering letter for all drugs you are carrying onboard. Syringes have to go in the hold of a plane. As always, keep expensive things keep with you! Unless they are banned from the airline. Check with the airline before you fly.