Dialysis travel safety is often the first concern patients have when thinking about leaving home.
Travelling on dialysis can feel like a big step, especially when there is some uncertainty around what lies ahead. In a world where geopolitical changes and global uncertainty can affect how we feel about travelling, these concerns can feel even stronger.
At bookdialysis.com, we understand that feeling safe is not just about planning. It is about confidence, clarity, and knowing you are supported.
Why Travel Safety Feels More Important on Dialysis
When you rely on regular treatment, your routine becomes a source of comfort. Naturally, the idea of travelling can make things feel uncertain. Ongoing changes, shifting travel guidelines, and uncertainty around healthcare systems abroad can make planning feel more complicated than it used to.
This is where concerns about dialysis travel safety begin.
You might be wondering:
Will the dialysis clinic be reliable?
What happens if plans change?
Will I feel secure in a different healthcare system?
These thoughts are not only common, they are important. Understanding them is the first step towards feeling more in control.
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What Dialysis Travel Safety Really Means
Once these concerns are acknowledged, it becomes easier to look at what dialysis travel safety actually involves.
In reality, dialysis travel today is far more supported and structured than many patients expect. Clinics around the world regularly treat visiting patients, following clear processes designed to keep you safe.
This means you are not navigating something unknown. You are stepping into a system that is already prepared for you.
With this in mind, travel safety becomes less about uncertainty and more about preparation. Even during times of global change, dialysis care continues to operate within structured and reliable systems designed to support patients safely.
How to Strengthen Your Travel Security Step by Step
Understanding the process is helpful, but confidence grows when you take practical steps. This is where travel security becomes something you can actively build.
Plan Your Dialysis in Advance
When your sessions are booked early, you remove a large part of the unknown. You know where you are going and what to expect.
Choose Trusted Clinics
Selecting a clinic with experience in dialysis travel helps you feel reassured from the start. Trust plays a big role in feeling safe.
Stay Close to Your Treatment Location
Keeping your accommodation near your clinic reduces stress and helps you maintain a sense of routine.
Keep Important Information With You
Having your treatment details and medical information accessible adds another layer of security and peace of mind.
Each of these steps connects back to one goal: helping you feel safe, not just organised.
Building Confidence Through Small Steps
In times where the world can feel unpredictable, taking small and steady steps becomes even more important. Once your travel safety is in place, confidence begins to grow naturally.
You do not need to take a big leap straight away. Many patients begin with shorter trips or familiar destinations. Each positive experience helps build trust in dialysis travel.
Over time, what once felt uncertain can start to feel manageable.
You Are Not Alone in This
Feeling cautious about dialysis travel safety is completely understandable.
It is completely natural to feel that way when the world around you feels uncertain. But with the right preparation and support, dialysis travel can remain safe and manageable.
Whenever you need a little reassurance, the bookdialysis.com team is here to support you and help you feel confident every step of the way. With the right preparation and guidance, dialysis travel can feel safe again.
And when safety is in place, confidence can follow.
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Dialysis in India can be planned around some of the countryโs most compelling cities when treatment is arranged first and the itinerary is built around the confirmed clinic location, session times, transport and the travellerโs usual pace. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Agra each offer a distinct view of India, from Mughal monuments and colonial architecture to gardens, waterfronts, temples, markets and contemporary city life.
Key takeaway. Start with your renal team and treatment request, then choose accommodation and sightseeing that work with the confirmed schedule. Avoid committing to non-refundable travel arrangements until the receiving clinic has accepted the request. If this is your first international trip while receiving dialysis, begin with the step-by-step guide to travelling abroad on dialysis.
Why choose India for a dialysis holiday?
India is not one single travel experience. Its major cities differ in language, food, climate, architecture and daily rhythm. A traveller could explore Delhiโs imperial history, Mumbaiโs Arabian Sea waterfront, Kolkataโs cultural institutions, Bengaluruโs gardens, Chennaiโs Tamil heritage or Hyderabadโs Deccan monuments. That variety makes it possible to choose a city that matches the kind of holiday you want, while keeping practical treatment planning at the centre of the decision.
The current bookdialysis India page lists clinic options across the country. Use the city pages below for current locations, facilities, prices, treatment types, requirements and availability rather than relying on a fixed list in an evergreen article.
Which eight Indian cities should dialysis travellers consider?
The eight cities below were selected because they combine major urban centres with some of Indiaโs most important cultural destinations. โBestโ is personal: the most practical choice is the city where a suitable treatment request can be accepted and where accommodation, clinic journeys and the activities you value can fit together.
1. Delhi: monumental history and many distinct neighbourhoods
Delhi is a natural starting point for travellers who want major historical landmarks. The Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayunโs Tomb are among the cityโs best-known heritage sites, while India Gate, the National Museum, Lodhi Garden and Dilli Haat offer different ways to experience the capital. The city is extensive, and Old Delhi, central New Delhi and southern districts can involve very different journey times.
Plan it around treatment. Compare the clinic address with the area where you plan to stay before choosing a hotel. Cluster sights by district instead of crossing the city repeatedly, and leave generous time for traffic, security checks and walking at large monuments.
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2. Mumbai: waterfront views, architecture and cinema
Mumbai is Indiaโs great west-coast metropolis. The Gateway of India and the nearby heritage district make a strong first outing; Marine Drive offers a simpler waterfront experience; and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus anchors an extraordinary concentration of historic architecture. The Elephanta Caves are another celebrated attraction, but the boat journey and time on foot make them a more demanding excursion.
Plan it around treatment. Mumbai stretches along a narrow peninsula and travel times can be substantial. Decide whether South Mumbai, the central districts or the western suburbs best fit the accepted clinic location and the places you most want to see. Keep treatment days geographically simple.
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3. Kolkata: art, literature and the Hooghly waterfront
Kolkata rewards travellers who enjoy museums, architecture and street-level culture. The white-marble Victoria Memorial is the cityโs signature landmark; the Howrah Bridge and riverside ghats frame daily life along the Hooghly; and the Indian Museum offers a substantial indoor visit. Kumartuliโs artisan quarter and Park Street reveal different sides of the city, but both are best approached with time rather than as quick stops.
Plan it around treatment. Kolkata can be humid and busy, and river crossings or longer journeys across the metropolitan area may add time. Choose one area or a small group of nearby sights per outing and map the return journey in advance.
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4. Bengaluru: green spaces and a contemporary city
Bengaluru, also widely known as Bangalore, combines a major technology economy with some of the most appealing green spaces among Indiaโs large cities. Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden are good choices for a flexible outdoor visit, while Bangalore Palace and the area around Vidhana Soudha add architectural interest. Cafรฉs, galleries and neighbourhood dining can fill shorter, lower-intensity outings.
Plan it around treatment. Road traffic can turn a short map distance into a long journey. Treat the accepted clinic location as the anchor for accommodation and group attractions by side of the city.
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5. Chennai: Tamil heritage beside the Bay of Bengal
Chennai offers a strong introduction to Tamil culture. Marina Beach is the cityโs defining open space, while Kapaleeshwarar Temple brings colour and religious architecture to the Mylapore district. Fort St George and the Government Museum add historical and indoor options. At places of worship, follow posted guidance, dress respectfully and remove footwear where required.
Plan it around treatment. Heat and humidity can shape the pace of a day, particularly around large outdoor sites. Early or later outings may feel more manageable, but personal activity, fluid and diet decisions should follow the travellerโs renal team guidance.
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6. Hyderabad: Deccan history and a modern technology hub
Hyderabadโs best-known sights tell the story of the Deccan and the Nizams. The four minarets of Charminar rise above the lanes of the Old City; Golconda Fort offers dramatic architecture over a large, stepped site; and the Salar Jung Museum provides an extensive indoor collection. Hussain Sagar and the palaces around the city add further options for a longer stay.
Plan it around treatment. Charminar and Golconda sit in different parts of the city and should not be treated as quick neighbouring stops. Golconda also involves uneven ground and climbing, so decide with your renal team whether it fits your circumstances and choose an alternative if it does not.
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7. Pune: Maratha history and a lively cultural scene
Pune combines historical landmarks with universities, museums, gardens and a contemporary food and arts scene. The remains of Shaniwar Wada introduce the cityโs Maratha history; the Aga Khan Palace is closely connected with Indiaโs independence movement; and the rock-cut Pataleshwar Cave Temple offers a more compact heritage visit. Koregaon Park, Saras Baug and the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum provide alternatives for different interests and energy levels.
Plan it around treatment. Puneโs attractions are spread across the city, and road traffic can lengthen journeys. Keep the clinic, accommodation and one main sightseeing area on the same side of the city when possible. Hill forts such as Sinhagad require a more demanding excursion, so discuss suitability with your renal team rather than treating them as a routine city outing.
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8. Agra: the Taj Mahal and the legacy of the Mughal Empire
Agra is essential for travellers whose India wish list includes the Taj Mahal. The white-marble mausoleum and its formal gardens are the cityโs defining sight, but Agraโs Mughal heritage extends further. The red-sandstone Agra Fort is another major monument, while Mehtab Bagh offers views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River. Itimad-ud-Daulahโs Tomb and Fatehpur Sikri can add depth when time and travel plans allow.
Plan it around treatment. The Taj Mahal complex and Agra Fort both involve security procedures, walking and time outdoors. Avoid squeezing both into a rushed treatment-day schedule. Check current opening information and ticket rules through official sources, then build the visit around the accepted clinic schedule and the travellerโs usual pace.
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How should you plan dialysis in India before booking the trip?
Planning dialysis in India becomes clearer when treatment and travel decisions are made in the right order. The wider process is explained in Booking Dialysis Abroad: What Patients Should Know, including the important difference between submitting a request and receiving final acceptance from the clinic.
Speak with your renal team. Discuss fitness to travel, treatment requirements, medication, food and fluid guidance, and contingency planning for your individual circumstances.
Choose a city and provisional dates. Look at the cityโs scale, climate, transport and the kind of sightseeing you want, then search using the dates when treatment is needed.
Submit a treatment request through bookdialysis.com. Clinic requirements vary. Provide the information requested through the guided process and allow time for review.
Wait for treatment acceptance. A request is not a confirmed booking. Make non-refundable flight, hotel and tour commitments only after the receiving clinic has accepted the requested sessions.
Map the three anchors. Place the confirmed clinic, accommodation and priority attractions on one map. Check realistic journey times at the hours you expect to travel.
Build in alternatives. Keep a nearby indoor or shorter activity available for days when weather, traffic or energy changes the plan.
If unfamiliar surroundings or global travel uncertainty are a concern, the guide to dialysis travel safety can help you separate practical preparation from general anxiety. Travellers who are new to holiday dialysis may also find reassurance in what people often learn after their first dialysis holiday.
What practical details matter in India?
Entry requirements: Visa eligibility and entry procedures depend on nationality, passport and purpose of travel. Check the official Indian Visa Online portal for current information and use only official government channels.
Currency: The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Ask the bookdialysis team about the payment information shown for the selected clinic and check card or cash arrangements as the booking progresses.
Language: English is commonly used in many travel settings, but local languages vary: Hindi in Delhi and Agra, Marathi in Mumbai and Pune, Bengali in Kolkata, Kannada in Bengaluru, Tamil in Chennai and Telugu or Urdu in Hyderabad. Clear written details can help when names and addresses have multiple spellings.
Transport: Metro systems, suburban rail, app-based cars, taxis and auto-rickshaws vary by city. Accessibility also varies by station, vehicle and attraction, so check the specific route rather than assuming one mode will suit every journey.
Climate: Indiaโs seasons differ by region. Check the local forecast, heat, humidity and monsoon conditions for the city and dates of travel, then discuss any personal precautions with your renal team.
Culture and etiquette: Ask before photographing people, follow local security and photography rules, dress respectfully at religious sites and remove shoes where requested. Use general cultural advice as context, not as a rule about every person you meet.
A note for caregivers and travel companions
A caregiver or companion can help keep the trip organised without taking control away from the traveller. With the travellerโs knowledge and consent, agree who will keep the treatment confirmation accessible, follow booking updates, hold transport and accommodation details, and carry important contact information. It is also worth deciding which attractions are priorities and where both people can rest.
The simple guide for carers travelling with someone on dialysis covers treatment-day logistics, shared planning and the caregiverโs own need for time and support.
Frequently asked questions
-Can people receiving dialysis travel to India?
Many people receiving dialysis travel internationally, but individual suitability cannot be determined by a general article. Speak with your renal team and arrange appropriate treatment before departure. The receiving clinic must review and accept the request.
-How early should holiday dialysis in India be arranged?
Start as early as reasonably possible. The time needed depends on clinic availability, requested dates, treatment requirements and how quickly the necessary information can be reviewed. Early planning also makes accommodation and transport decisions easier.
-Should flights and hotels be booked before dialysis is accepted?
Avoid non-refundable commitments until the receiving clinic has accepted the treatment request. A submitted request, search result or visible clinic profile is not the same as confirmed sessions.
-Can a caregiver help with the booking?
Yes. A caregiver or family member can help organise dates, documents and travel details with the travellerโs consent. Medical decisions remain between the traveller, their renal team and the receiving healthcare provider.
-How can sightseeing fit around treatment days?
Use the accepted treatment schedule and clinic address as the starting point. Keep travel distances modest, choose one area at a time and maintain an easier alternative. How someone feels after treatment varies, so personal activity decisions should follow their own experience and renal team guidance.
Start with treatment, then shape the journey
Dialysis in India does not need to reduce the trip to appointments and transport. Once treatment is accepted, each of these eight cities offers a clear travel identity and enough variety to build meaningful days at a manageable pace. The most useful plan is not the busiest one; it is the plan that connects the confirmed clinic, a practical place to stay and the experiences that matter most to the traveller.
bookdialysis.com helps travellers explore destinations and clinic options, submit treatment requests, and follow the progress of their booking. We provide updates at each stage, and the contact center supports the traveller while coordinating with the receiving clinic. When you are ready, and begin with your preferred city and travel dates.
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Yes, many people receiving dialysis appear open to using an online service to arrange treatment while travelling. In bookdialysis research, 74% of respondents said they would feel comfortable or very comfortable using such a service.
This finding comes from the Travel Dialysis Confidence Report 2026, based on research conducted between March and May 2026. The study combined a focus group involving 11 people receiving dialysis with a questionnaire completed by 1,380 valid participants in the UK and US.
The result measures willingness and comfort, rather than verified booking behaviour. Even so, it offers an important insight for dialysis clinics: digital booking is not necessarily the barrier some providers may assume it to be.
The research suggests that people are more likely to feel ready to move forward when the process provides clarity, reassurance, visibility and access to human support. Our fuller analysis of what helps people build confidence in dialysis travel explores these findings in more detail.
Why Would Someone Choose an Online Dialysis Booking Platform?
People arranging dialysis away from home are not simply booking an appointment. They are trying to coordinate treatment dates, clinic availability, travel, accommodation, documents and personal support.
A well-designed online dialysis booking platform can bring these connected decisions into a clearer process.
1. The Freedom to Start Planning at Any Time
People do not always begin planning a trip during clinic administration hours. They may explore destinations in the evening, at the weekend or whenever they feel ready to consider travelling.
An online platform allows them to search for dialysis clinics, compare available information and begin a treatment request at a time that suits them.
For clinics, this creates an additional route through which international dialysis travellers can discover their services. It also means that the first stage of an enquiry does not depend entirely on phone calls, email exchanges or matching office hours across different countries.
People who are unfamiliar with the overall process can also use the step-by-step guide to travelling abroad on dialysis to understand how treatment planning fits into the wider journey.
2. Visibility of Clinic Availability
Treatment availability is central to dialysis travel planning. A travellerโs flights, accommodation, transport and itinerary may all depend on whether suitable dialysis sessions can be arranged for the intended dates.
On bookdialysis, travellers can search using their destination and travel dates and view clinic options with current availability information. Availability still needs to be considered alongside the personโs treatment requirements and the clinicโs review of the request.
Clinics listed on the platform are asked to confirm or decline reservation enquiries within 72 hours. A submitted request therefore should not be described as a confirmed booking until it has been accepted by the receiving clinic.
Our guide to booking dialysis abroad explains the distinction between requesting treatment and receiving final confirmation.
For clinics, keeping availability information current can support capacity planning while giving prospective international patients a clearer starting point.
3. A More Private and Manageable Planning Experience
Dialysis treatment is personal and arranging care away from home may involve treatment information, medical documentation and several different contacts.
Some travellers may prefer to begin the process online instead of repeatedly explaining their requirements through calls or separate email conversations. A connected booking journey can make the status of the request and the next required action easier to follow.
Privacy should never be treated as an implied promise. People need clear information about what data is collected, why it is needed, who may receive it and how their rights can be exercised. These details should be checked against the current bookdialysis Privacy Policy.
Clear communication matters just as much as the technology itself. This is particularly important when the traveller, home renal team and receiving clinic may use different languages or communication channels. Our article about communication barriers in dialysis travel examines this part of the experience.
What Does the Research Actually Tell Dialysis Clinics?
The research does not suggest that every person receiving dialysis wants a completely digital or self-service experience.
It shows that many respondents are comfortable with online support when it helps make a complicated journey more understandable. Across the wider study, trust, clear planning and appropriate support appeared repeatedly as factors connected with travel confidence.
For someone considering a first trip, uncertainty may be as important as the practical workload. Reading about what patients often learn after their first dialysis holiday can help explain why familiarity and experience matter.
Caregivers may also participate in planning dates, documents, transport and appointments, with the travellerโs consent. Clinics designing a digital booking journey should therefore consider the needs of both the patient and the person supporting them. The guide for carers travelling with someone on dialysis provides further context.
Does Technology Replace Human Support?
No. Digital tools can make information easier to access and booking steps easier to follow, but they do not replace the relationship between a person receiving dialysis and the healthcare professionals responsible for their care.
Clinical decisions, fitness to travel and individual treatment needs remain matters for the patientโs renal team and the receiving healthcare provider.
The role of bookdialysis is to support the administrative journey: helping travellers explore destinations and clinics, submit a treatment request, follow its progress and access assistance when something is unclear.
Technology can simplify the arrangements. Human support helps make the experience feel understandable and manageable.
For dialysis clinics, the opportunity is not to choose between digital access and personal care. It is to bring them together in a way that gives international patients greater clarity without removing the people they rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions
-Are dialysis patients comfortable booking treatment online?
In the Travel Dialysis Confidence Report 2026, 74% of the 1,380 respondents said they would feel comfortable or very comfortable using an online service to help arrange dialysis while travelling. This reflects stated comfort, not confirmed platform usage.
-What do patients need from an online dialysis booking service?
The research points to trust, clear information, visibility over the process and accessible support. Travellers also need to understand when a request is pending and when treatment has been confirmed.
-Does an online booking request confirm dialysis treatment?
No. A booking request may still require availability checks and review by the receiving clinic. Treatment should be regarded as confirmed only after the clinic has accepted the request.
-Should online services replace communication with healthcare professionals?
No. Online services can assist with planning and administration, but personal medical decisions should remain between the patient, their renal team and the receiving healthcare provider.
-Can caregivers help with an online dialysis booking?
Yes, caregivers or family members may help organise information and travel arrangements with the travellerโs knowledge and consent.
Bring Digital Access and Personal Care Together
Clinics interested in reaching more international dialysis travellers can list their facility on bookdialysis and provide current information about services, availability and booking requirements.
Travellers and caregivers can explore dialysis clinics and destinations or read the Travel Dialysis Confidence Report 2026 before taking the next step.
Explore your options
โTravel, unwind and enjoy yourself! Life is meant to be lived beautifully!โ
Traveling with dialysis may seem challenging, but it doesn't have to mean giving up the freedom to explore the world. This is the inspiring story of Gheorghe from Romania who turned a life-changing kidney failure diagnosis into a new way of discovering the world. From exploring Europe on group tours to planning independent holidays in Greece, Italy, and beyond, his journey shows that dialysis and travel can go hand in hand. With thoughtful planning, access to holiday dialysis clinics, and the support of bookdialysis.com, he continues to embrace new destinations, cultures, and experiences alongside his wife. His story is a powerful reminder that life on dialysis can still be filled with adventure, independence, and unforgettable travel memories.
"For as long as I can remember, I have loved traveling to discover, experience, and feel new things: cultures, traditions, religions, architecture, museums and historical sites, gastronomy, and dreamlike landscapes.
Until 2019, I traveled primarily within Romania, once or twice a year, during my vacation. In 2020, I was diagnosed with renal failure and had to adopt a rather strict diet to keep my creatinine levels and other medical parameters within an acceptable range. From that point on, I began traveling more frequently, as I needed to experience beautiful things and find a way to disconnect from my serious medical issues. These little getaways served as well-deserved, blessed rewards that helped me maintain my mental balance. In October 2021, I began my first dialysis sessions. Up until then, I had been on numerous 7โ12 day coach tours across Europe. Since I was not allowed to eat processed foods or too much animal-based protein, I brought food from home for at least a week. Traveling this way was more difficult, but the places I visited and the experiences I had made the effort worthwhile. My travels to Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and the Balkan countries were truly wonderful and engaging. Once I began hemodialysisโrequiring three sessions per weekโtrips lasting longer than a single day became a challenge. Furthermore, the typical group coach tours I used to take became difficult to organize. It was quite a complex task to plan and book dialysis sessions in the cities I visited, ensuring they aligned with the itinerary of the group I was traveling with. Even so, I managed to visit major cities and tourist attractions across the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary. Since I faced far fewer dietary restrictions after starting dialysis, I was able to fully enjoy the flavors and tastes of the local cuisine in the cities and countries I visited. To overcome the challenges of coordinating dialysis sessions with the activities of the groups I used to travel with, I decided in 2022 to start traveling independently to specific destinations, staying in each place for a week or two. Organizing these trips and booking hemodialysis sessions became much easier. I chose hotels as close as possible to the dialysis centers, which allowed me more time to explore the cities and regions I was visiting. My first trip was to Corfu, followed by Rhodes, Crete, Sardinia, and Sicily. Over the years, I have visited Corfu twice and Crete three times. It was a wonderful experience, and Iโve always wanted to return. In 2027, I will be heading back to Chania, Crete! To gain more independence and mobility, I got my driver's license in 2023. Since then, Iโve been using rental cars during my vacations. The difference is immense! Iโm able to visit many more tourist attractionsโeven on the days I have a hemodialysis session. I always travel with my wife, and it works out great. The bookdialysis platform has been a huge help in planning and booking my hemodialysis sessions. Itโs well-structured and thoughtfully designed; itโs intuitive and easy to use, and thereโs also a fantastic app. To save time, I stopped traveling by coach to my vacation destinations. I started flying, even though I was initially afraid to fly. I had to adapt to these new circumstances, especially since I also lose time on the days when I undergo dialysis.
I have also experienced hesitation when it comes to planning and going on vacations. Much of this stems from cumbersome and restrictive booking procedures. For instance, within the network of clinics where I receive dialysis in Romania, scheduling sessions in other countries is only possible within that same network. Furthermore, to check for availability, one must submit documentation that includes numerous medical test results. Many of these laboratory tests entail additional costs, which are not covered by the clinic where I undergo dialysis. During my first few dialysis sessions while traveling, I had concerns regarding differences in dialyzers and medical supplies, the technical proficiency and empathy of the medical staff, and the situation in non-EU countries. After a year, I have come to realize that these fears were unfounded. In every instance, the dialysis sessions went excellentlyโeven in Istanbul. At the moment, I feel hesitant about going to dialysis clinics where no doctor is present. I hope to overcome this soon!
I felt wonderful and safe in all the dialysis clinics I visited. The medical staff demonstrated professionalism, empathy, and understanding. The dialyzers and the clinics' equipment were top-notch and functioned perfectly. After my dialysis sessions and throughout the rest of my vacation I fully savored the joy of traveling through dreamlike destinations.
To all dialysis patients whose health status allows for travel, I recommend trying "holiday dialysis." Don't let the comfort of familiar staff and your regular clinic or concerns about different types of dialyzers and new medical personnel, stop you from taking a vacation. These fears are unfounded, especially when it comes to countries in the European Community, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, and others. In fact, many clinics in Turkey also meet European standards. Travel, unwind, and enjoy yourself! Life is meant to be lived beautifully!
You donโt always have to choose a dialysis center close to the hotel where you are staying. For example, last year when I was in Sicily, I stayed at a hotel in Palermo but chose to have my dialysis at a center in Alcamo, located 65 km away. I did this to make it easier to travel to the western part of the island after my dialysis session. It saved me an hour of driving. Also, in 2027, to ensure I can get around the entire island efficiently, in addition to the dialysis center in Alcamo, I have booked a few dialysis sessions at a center near Catania. For those who follow a low-salt or salt-free diet, please note that most restaurants can provide dishes prepared without added salt. Furthermore, you can purchase and consume various salt-free food products at supermarkets.
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โDonโt let your diagnosis make your world smaller than it has to be.โ
After living with kidney failure, she refused to let her diagnosis take away her dream of exploring the world. Three years after promising herself that she would travel abroad, she finally experienced her first international trip in September 2026. From overcoming the uncertainty of travelling with kidney disease to discovering new places and creating unforgettable memories, her story is a reminder that while kidney failure may require extra planning, it doesnโt have to mean giving up on your dreams.
"There is something surreal about seeing the world from 30,000 feet above the ground and knowing that you are finally living something you once only imagined.As I looked out of the airplane window I found myself thinking about how many times I had dreamed about travelling internationally, meeting new people, experiencing different cultures and simply living a peaceful and beautiful life.And there I was.Actually doing it.What makes it even more meaningful is that bookdialysis came into my life at exactly the right time- just as I was preparing for my very first international trip.For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to experience life. I have dreamed about having financial freedom, travelling, meeting new people, seeing different places and creating a life that feels peaceful and fulfilling.Those dreams didnโt disappear when kidney failure became part of my life.If anything, kidney failure made me even more determined to keep dreaming.I have always believed that life happens in seasons. Some seasons are difficult. Some are seasons of waiting, learning and simply trying to get through the day. And then there are seasons when you suddenly find yourself living something you once thought might only ever remain a dream.
But this trip was also connected to a conversation I had three years earlier, in 2023, with another person living with kidney failure.We were talking about travelling, and he said, โYoh, I will never travel abroad because I have kidney failure.โI immediately responded, โNope! I will travel. God will provide for me!โ At the time, I didnโt know when I would travel or exactly how it would happen. I didnโt have all the answers. But I knew one thing: I didnโt want kidney failure to convince me that the world was suddenly off-limits to me.Three years later, in September 2026, I made it!Of course, travelling internationally while living with kidney failure required planning and preparation. I had to make sure that everything would be in place while I was away, and that was one of the biggest sources of anxiety for me before the trip. Once I knew I was sorted, I could finally breathe and allow myself to look forward to the experience.And what an experience it was.Travelling gave me the opportunity to explore, learn, attend workshops, meet new people, experience a different culture and simply enjoy being somewhere new.For a moment, I wasnโt thinking about what kidney failure had taken from me.I was thinking about what life was still allowing me to experience.Then I came home.And guess who I saw? The same person I had that conversation with in 2023.I told him, โI travelled!โHe was genuinely shocked. I reminded him about our conversation from years ago and told him that I had actually travelled.What made the moment even more special - and funny - is that we share the same doctor. When I told him that my doctor had approved my travel, he was like, โOhhh!โ I couldnโt help but laugh.But underneath the laughter was something much deeper.I remembered the girl who had confidently said, โI will travel. God will provide for me.โAt that time, it was simply a belief.In 2026, it had become a memory.Travelling wasnโt about proving that kidney disease doesnโt affect my life. It does. Living with kidney failure comes with real challenges, and travelling requires additional planning and preparation.But I have also learned that a diagnosis does not have to become the boundary of your entire life.Kidney failure changed my life, but it didnโt take away my ability to dream.It didnโt take away my curiosity about the world.It didnโt take away my desire to meet people, experience new places or create beautiful memories.And it certainly didnโt take away my hope.In 2023, I said I would travel.In 2026, I came back from my trip.Sometimes the dreams we speak about before we know how they will happen are the very dreams that remind us to keep hoping.If there is one thing I would love another person living with kidney disease to take from my story, it is this:Donโt let your diagnosis make your world smaller than it has to be.Your journey may require more planning. Your path may look different. Your seasons may change. But there can still be travel, new experiences, friendships, laughter, dreams and beautiful moments ahead.You may have to do things differently, but different does not mean impossible.Keep dreaming.Keep hoping.Keep living.And yes, I still believe:God will provide."
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"I was amazed when a few months earlier I found out that there was a site for all the patients requiring holiday hemodialysis. What a great idea!"
This is Elaineโs story, a dialysis traveller from the USA, shared with us in her own words.
After discovering bookdialysis.com, Elaine decided to turn the possibility of travelling into a real trip and chose Dubai as her destination. Here is her experience, just as she shared it with us.
"I was amazed when a few months earlier I found out that there was a site for all the patients requiring holiday hemodialysis. What a great idea! How convenient that was!
So easy, with only a few clicks, you can choose a city all over the world, communicate with a clinic through email or phone and book your holidays! I immediately booked mine so easy in... Dubai! I couldnโt believe it but it was true!
The site overall, is well designed and easy to use. I just hope and wish in the near future, more cities and countries will be included! Of course, I have already recommend it to my clinic here in Greece, and to forums with other patients in social media.
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โEvery trip reminds me that life is still full of possibilities. Letโs continue exploring and living our dreams to the fullest.โ
This is Estherโs story, shared with us in her own words.
After kidney failure and starting dialysis changed the way she travelled, Esther gradually found her way back to something she had always loved: exploring the world. From shorter trips close to home to travelling to Japan, Hong Kong and China, her story is a reminder that dialysis may require more planning, but it doesnโt have to mean giving up on travel.
"I used to travel extensively after retirement until the fateful day I was told that I would need dialysis due to kidney failure. My world came crashing down when I received the diagnosis. Over time, however, I gradually came to accept my condition through faith, as well as the support of my family, friends, and doctors.After settling into HDF dialysis (three times a week) for the first nine months, I began exploring travel again. I started with short trips of four to five days to nearby countries. However, each trip required extensive advance planning and coordination to ensure I could continue receiving dialysis treatments while overseas. It was certainly a daunting and time-consuming process.
Since discovering Bookdialysis.com, I have expanded my travels to Japan, Hong Kong, and China, with a few more destinations on my bucket list for next year. The support provided by Bookdialysisโ team of friendly coordinators has been invaluable. Their assistance in locating suitable and reputable dialysis clinics overseas has made travel planning much more convenient and stress-free.
Although I spend four to five hours at a dialysis clinic three times a week while travelling, I am grateful that I can still enjoy the rest of my trip with family and friends. Whether it is shopping, dining, sightseeing, trekking, or even mountain climbing, travelling remains very much possible.
As the saying goes, โWhen life gives you lemons, make lemonade.โ Every trip reminds me that life is still full of possibilities. Letโs continue exploring and living our dreams to the fullest.
Travelling on dialysis is definitely achievable with proper planning and coordination of dialysis treatments."
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โBookdialysis.com makes our business life easier!โ
This is Joannaโs story from Poland, shared with us in her own words.
Working in the holiday dialysis field means managing bookings, patient information and reservations every day. For Joanna, having everything organised in one place has helped make that process simpler. She shares her experience of using Bookdialysis.com and working with our team.
"Bookdialysis.com โ highly recommended platform particularly for the companies who are active on the holiday dialysis field. The platform is very clear and easy to manage.
The great advantage is the booking from your account and keeping all information about your reservations in one place. The staff is very professional, kind and supportive.
Bookdialysis.com makes our business life easier!"
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โIf I can make plans to go on holidays and feel confident in dialysing abroad, it will be great not only for me, but for my family.โ
This is Johannaโs story from the UK, shared with us in her own words.
Johanna has lived with kidney disease for almost her entire life. From starting dialysis at just three years old to going through three kidney transplants, dialysis has shaped many chapters of her life, but it has never defined all of who she is.
She is a nurse, a wife and a mum to her daughter, Ramona. Now back on dialysis, Johanna is taking things one day at a time, returning to work and finding small things to look forward to.
Travelling with her family is one of them. A return to Crete, a place filled with special memories for Johanna and her family, is a reminder that even during the hardest chapters, there can still be plans to make and moments to look forward to.
"ย My kidneys failed when i was 3yrs old, as a child, i knew i was slightly different from my peers but i was able to run around and play, attend school and was given extra tuition so i did not fall behind and i was never academically or socially stunted. I had a strange sense of self as i entered my pre-teen years, i had some negative physical side effects from immunosuppression drugs. I spent 4 years on dialysis from age 3-7.5yrs old
My first transplant in 1995 was from a deceased donor, this started to fail when i was 18 and completely failed whenย i was 20.
I received my mums kidney in 2008. We knew my first transplant was failing and we tried to avoid me going back on dialysis so started the work up to transplant in around 2007. There was no indication the kidney would not work, all tests where fine. I became very unwell the evening of the operation and the next morning the surgeon took me down to ultrasound to check the perfusion of the kidney and this is where they realised there was no blood perfusion to the transplant. I was immediately wheeled back to theatre (by the surgeon and her colleague as they had no time to wait for a porter) and when i woke up, I was told they had to remove the transplant. It was utterly devastating for myself and my family, especially my mum. I ended up back on dialysis a week later and they never found the true cause of why the kidney failed.ย
Dialysis again was never really considered as i had all my family ready to donate and of course was about to get my mums kidney so when i started dialysis again in 2008, i dint think it sunk in for a long while. My dad went for testing at this time, and we got a date for transplantation but a week before the scheduled operation i started making antibodies towards him and the transplant surgery was of course cancelled. Another massive blow to me, I completely emotionally shut down at this point in order to cope. Friends abandoned me, boyfriend at the time broke up with me and I had nobody except my mum and dad. I had no sense of identity, did not know who I was, I felt like an entity being kept alive. I was incredibly volatile and angry, blowing up at people for the slightest thing. i wanted to die but did not want to end my life in a way that would hurt my mum. I had no job, no prospects, no hope, I felt pathetic, unattractive because of access for dialysis and worthless. When my brother offered (aged 22) to get tested I didn't actually think he would be a match so didn't think much of it. As testing continued it seemed apparent, he was a good match and by December 2012 we had a date for surgery (28.12.12). We were told he was almost a perfect match as given i had around 93% antibody level at this time it was incredible. When I was leaving my last dialysis session before the surgery, there was someone who i had known from childhood also on dialysis and I was too upset to tell her I was leaving to get a kidney as I felt some sense of guilt she was not as fortunate as me. This transplant saved me in so many ways, I was able to go to college then university where I got my nursing degree, I had my daughter Ramona and eventually met my husband Mark.ย
As I am back on dialysis after 12 years with a wonderful 3rd transplant, I am aware that getting another kidney may never happen for me as i am sitting around 99% antibody level. I fear I won't see my daughter grow up and achieve all her goals, I worry I may no longer be able to cope one day with the impact dialysis has on all aspects of life.ย
I am currently trying to go back to work on a part time basis as this is so important for me to try and not live the same way i did in my 20s. My vascular access is poor in my upper limbs from years of having central lines in immature veins which has left me with stenosis and blockages. I nowย I have to dialyse throughย a fistula created in my left leg, this in itself was a large and complex operation which also left me with not only a fistula but a large scar running down the inside of my thigh. My legs were untouched and now they are another part of my body which has felt like it had been butchered in order for me to survive.ย
I am looking forward to watching my daughter grow and thrive but I take each day at a time and try to make small plans to look forward to. I am also looking forward to making plans with my family to go on a nice well earned holiday abroad once I find a dialysis centre that suits! We are going to Crete this year as it was the last holiday we went on when my transplant was failing as it was a beautiful holiday, the unit in Kalesa has a great reputation and they use the same dialysis machines as I use here at home so I can have some control over my treatment.
There are days I want to give up because of how relentless and hopeless life seems, never seeing an end in sight to living on Dialysis but there will always be something daily to pull me out of that headspace even just for a short time. If I can try to make plans to go on holidays and feel confident in dialysing abroad it will be great for not only me but my family.ย "
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โThere is a wonderful world of travel out there just waiting for you. Go for it!โ
This is Stevenโs story from the USA, shared with us in his own words.
Travel had been part of Stevenโs life since his teenage years, so when he unexpectedly started dialysis, he believed that chapter of his life had come to an end. For a year, he stayed home while his friends continued exploring the world.
Then, one simple question from his nephrologist changed his perspective: โSo when are you going to go on vacation?โ
Stevenโs story is about rediscovering the freedom to travel and challenging the belief that life on dialysis means staying close to home.
"Four years ago as I was approaching my 66th birthday, my physician started monitoring my kidney function.โฏ I was told to follow a strict renal diet.โฏ Things were going okay, but 2 years later I contracted listeria, a serious food borne disease, which during a 2 week stay in the hospital damaged my kidneys further to the extent thatโฏ I was immediately placed on dialysis and I continue taking it today.ย
My whole world fell apart because as an avid world traveler since my teens, I was shell-shocked.โฏ I was in total disbelief because of the fact that I believed my traveling days were over.โฏ I continued like this for a year.โฏ I suffered depressive episodes and my friends who were also world travelers didn't know how to console me.โฏ They also thought that dialysis patients could not take vacations,โฏ They continued traveling the world and I sat home
Until one day during my routine visitโฏ my nephrologist asked me..." So when are you going to go on vacation?" ..I looked at him as if he were crazy and he continued speaking.โฏ He told me quite a few of his patients on dialysis traveled quite often.โฏ So I started searching on my computer and making phone calls inquiring about traveling to one of my most frequent destinations to which I was accustomed to visiting at least 3 times a year, namely, Cartagena, Colombia where I had many friends., and lo and behold, there was a well-known dialysis center located only 10 minutes away from my usual hotel.โฏ โฏOne of the hotel managers visited the site for me in July,2025 and inquired if they would accept an international visitor such as myself.โฏ Sure enough the social worker told her they would gladly welcome me as it was not at all an unusual request.โฏ She relayed the information to me and within a few days the social worked from my dialysis center contacted the social worker from the center in Cartagena and the process started.โฏ And the rest is history.โฏ It was a successful and wonderful 2 week vacation.โฏ I returned happy and healthy.
Three months later, in October of this year, 2025, my partnerโฏ and I discovered that our second favorite destination, Torremolinos, Malaga, also offered dialysis, a 5 minute taxi ride from our usual hotel.โฏ They also accepted international dialysis patients.โฏ We booked it quite easily and we returned homeโฏ after a fantastic 2 week vacation.โฏโฏ
We are currently starting the process of returning to Cartagena in late January, 2026 for another 2 week visit..โฏ Our friends are eagerly awaiting our return.
It should be noted that dialysis is not a killer.โฏ It is not the end of the world. Many people believe incorrectly that a dialysis patient cannot go anywhere and must be locked into their dialysis site.โฏ I have disproved that common belief.
I hope my experience has given dialysis patients inspiration to go forward and not remain at home and pity themselves.โฏ Always keep in mind that there is a wonderful world of travel out there just waiting for you. Go for it!"
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โThank you for making everything so simple and allowing us to continue living our lives.โ
This is Mariellaโs story from Italy, shared with us in her own words.
When Mariella started dialysis, she thought travelling was no longer possible. But just six months later, she travelled to Phuket, where she successfully completed six haemodialysis sessions.
That first experience opened the door to more travel. She later visited Paris, arranging her dialysis with Bookdialysis.com, and is now looking forward to another adventure in China.
Mariellaโs story is a reminder that dialysis may change the way you travel, but it doesnโt have to mean giving up on seeing the world.
"I started dialysis 18 months ago. I thought it was all over. Even though I was young, travelling seemed impossible and difficult to me.
In reality, six months later I went to Phuket and had a wonderful experience. I had six haemodialysis sessions and they all went very well.
In August, I travelled again, this time to Paris with you. It was easy and everything went well. This August, thanks to you, I will be travelling to China. I canโt wait.
Thank you for making everything so simple and allowing us to continue living our lives."
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โI have been doing HDF hemodialysis for about five years, but I have not given up on vacations and trips.โ
This is Lucianโs story from Romania, shared with us in his own words.
Lucian is 55 and has been on HDF dialysis for around five years. But there is one thing he was never willing to leave behind: travelling.
Over the years, he has continued exploring Europe, combining his dialysis sessions with days spent discovering new cities and enjoying his holidays. Greece has become a particular favourite, from a wonderful trip to Rhodes, where he arranged his dialysis through Bookdialysis.com, to two holidays in Crete.
For Lucian, dialysis is part of the journey, but it hasnโt stopped him from making plans, discovering new places and looking forward to the next trip.
"I am 55 years old. I have been doing HDF hemodialysis for about five years, but I have not given up on vacations and trips.
I have traveled and had dialysis in several large cities in Europe. The distances I traveled to see different tourist attractions were quite large and I stayed about a week in these locations. I felt very good and safe the whole time, including during the hemodialysis sessions. In 2024, I was in Rhodes, the hemodialysis sessions being booked through the bookdialysis.com platform.
The clinic there is a top clinic with very good quality services. It was very beautiful in Rhodes, wonderful! I almost forgot....I have also been on vacation twice in Crete, Greece is fantastic! This year, I booked 6 HDF hemodialysis sessions in Crete and I am in the process of booking another 6in Sicily Island.ย "
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