ABOUT US
At the Diabetic Travelers Network (DTN®), we don’t just plan trips—we curate unforgettable, boutique adventures for individuals living with diabetes. Our mission is to empower you to reclaim your freedom, embrace a life of adventure, and break the boundaries of what’s possible with T1D.
We are more than a typical travel agency; we are a global network of T1D like-minded travelers who share a passion for exploration, connection, and living life to the fullest. Each of our boutique experiences is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of those with diabetes while offering the elegance and comfort of high-end travel.
We understand that living with T1D comes with its own set of challenges and the importance of connecting with other people who live with the conditions. For a fact when you join our trips, you get access to T1Ds with a wide range of experience and meet REAL people who live a healthy and fulfilling life with diabetes, giving you the key to create one of your own.
Our trips are about more than just seeing the sights—they’re about feeling at ease, being understood, and knowing that every detail is taken care of. From meticulously crafted itineraries to luxurious accommodations in centrally located boutique hotels, our journeys are seamless, stylish, and stress-free.
OUR MISSION:
At the Diabetic Travelers Network, our mission is to empower individuals living with diabetes to reclaim control over their lives and embark on extraordinary journeys around the world. We are dedicated to transforming the travel experience for diabetic travelers, combining luxury and comfort with a deep understanding of their unique needs. Our goal is to foster a global community where travel becomes a catalyst for personal growth, connection, and adventure—showing that diabetes is not a limitation, but an invitation and strength to explore the world and live life on your own terms.
Embark on a journey of a lifetime with us, where your diabetes is not a limitation but a passport to unparalleled experiences. And if you need support to plan your trip, you can book a one-to-one session with our founder right here.
OUR STORY:
It all started in 2019, when the DTN®’s founder Julie K., type 1 diabetic since 1997 returned from a solo trip to Colombia with a clear mission in mind.
After traveling to over 28 countries and living on three different continents, she realized a gap that many diabetic travelers face:
the lack of reliable information and meaningful connections for those managing diabetes while exploring the world.
Julie’s years of travel —filled with successes, challenges, and plenty of trial and error—highlighted the need for a space where T1D travelers could feel understood, supported, and inspired.
From this insight, the Diabetic Travelers Network was born: a boutique travel agency and a global community that brings together individuals with diabetes for luxurious and unforgettable journeys across the globe.
Drawing from her personal experiences, she created a space where travelers don’t just visit new places; they connect, learn, and thrive—proving that diabetes is not a barrier but a passport to a life well-traveled.
WHAT SETS US APART:
We go beyond ordinary tours to offer high-end, soul-enriching experiences where luxury, wellness, and authentic connection come together seamlessly. This isn’t just a trip —it's a movement to live life on your own terms.
At the Diabetic Travelers Network, we believe that living with Type 1 Diabetes should never hold you back from exploring the world—in fact, it’s a reason to embrace it even more fully. Founded by someone who’s living a healthy and fulfilling life with T1D since 1997, we know that true adventure is about more than just seeing new places. It’s about feeling truly seen, understood, and cared for at every step of your journey.
WE DO IT DIFFERENTLY
Most tour operators don't understand the unique needs of travelers with diabetes. They offer average hotels far away, limited meal options, and big groups that don't prioritize comfort. When traveling with us you get:
Luxury accommodations: Forget bland hotels on the outskirts of town—our handpicked accommodations put you in luxurious, central settings, where every room and villa is a sanctuary of comfort and style. Imagine waking up to a stunning view, knowing the best of the city is right at your doorstep.
Tailored meals: enjoy gourmet, diabetes-friendly dining with carb-count all handpicked to ensure you experience the best local cuisine—stress-free.
Small groups: connect with other T1Ds with a wide range of experience and learn from REAL people living a healthy and fulfilling life with T1D. Traveling with us means connecting with a small, close-knit group of fellow T1Ds who understand your journey. It’s a space to share stories, learn from others, and build life-long friendships.
Travel in style: chauffeured vehicles and exclusive experiences—curated just for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Unwind, Laugh, and Create Lasting Memories: This isn’t about rushing from site to site. With us, you’ll slow down, laugh, and genuinely enjoy each moment. Our trips blend the excitement of discovery of a tour with the relaxation modalities of a retreat, so you return home refreshed and inspired.
Embrace the Adventure: Our journeys celebrate every moment, inviting you to explore freely with the confidence that every detail is taken care of. Our trips are crafted for T1Ds who don’t settle for “good enough”—this is about experiencing the best of life, on your own terms while being surrounded by real people who live a healthy and fulfilling life with T1D.
Bucket List Destinations: See the world’s most incredible places without the hassle. We handle every detail for you, from luxury accommodations to the smallest touches that make each day feel magical.
Done for you: Everything is already planned and booked for you. All you have to do is book your trip and buy your plane tickets. The meal inclusion varies based on the trips. While all lunches are not always included to allow you to try the local cuisine as you wish, breakfasts and dinners are included on all our trips.
Travel with Confidence: Our trips are crafted to provide a secure and supportive environment for individuals with diabetes eager to explore the world. Understanding the unique considerations of managing diabetes while traveling, our experienced team ensures you have the necessary support and resources throughout the journey.
Friendship and Connection: Meet real people living incredibly well with diabetes and learn from wide range of experiences. From newly diagnosed to 40+ diaversary. Our trips create meaningful connections, bringing together like-minded T1Ds who share in both the triumphs and challenges of living with diabetes. This is your space to build lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories.
Cultural Immersion: Our exclusive activities bring you closer to the soul of each destination. From private yacht tour to cooking classes, our curated experiences let you connect deeply with the culture and locals around you.
Hey, I’m Julie K.
Founder of Diabetic Travelers Network, and I've been living with Type 1 Diabetes for over 27 years. I know firsthand the unique challenges and triumphs that come with managing T1D while pursuing a healthy life of adventure.
My goal is to make travel an empowering, stress-free experience for people living with diabetes—because I believe that T1D should never be a barrier to seeing the world.
Through years of exploring destinations myself and living abroad, I’ve discovered that the right travel experience are the most transformative of all. Travel changed my life.
That’s why I personally curate every trip with a focus on luxury, comfort, and authenticity. From carefully choosing accommodations that make you feel at home and destinations that will blow your mind to collaborating with chefs who create delicious, diabetes-friendly meals, I ensure that each journey meets the highest standards of quality and care.
Why? Because T1D deserves the best.
When you travel with us, you’re not just another traveler—you’re part of a community that understands you, celebrates your strengths, and supports your unique needs. I can’t wait to welcome you on one of our upcoming adventures, where luxury meets authenticity and every moment is another opportunity to create lifelong memories.
There is nothing that warms more my heart than seeing returning clients grow their confidence, travel together and completely change their lives.
When I started thinking about traveling some people close to me started to worry.
And they passed that fear onto me. It wasn't mine to begin with.
I started to freak out and play all the worst-case scenarios in my head.
What if my insulin doesn't work and I have to pay for it?
How am I going to get enough supplies to cover this 6 months trip?
What if I have a severe low and no one understands that I have diabetes? What if I die from this? Could I?
Those were LONG sleepless nights believe me!
I know for a fact that diabetes can be very lonely, especially when no one around you has it.
I know the stress that kicks in every time you try something new.
I had a dream of traveling the world, but I had no idea how to make it a reality.
Like you, I had nobody to talk to.
I felt alone, stressed, and misunderstood.
I refused to let diabetes control my life or dictate what I could or not do.
So I wrote down all that could happen and I made a plan for each scenario. Making sure I had a backup plan if things were to go wrong.
And they did.
When I was about to embark the security took my ice packs. I had to make a choice risking my insulin to go off and taking a leap of faith to live my dream or go home and be miserable.
I choose number 1. I took that plane.
Fast forward I've traveled to more than 28 countries, lived on 3 continents, learned 2 foreign languages, and became an expat in a foreign country. Travel opened my eyes to the world. To humanity and its kindness. It taught me that you can make real friends in 5 years or in 5 mins. That you're never alone unless you decide or want to be.
I became so confident in my ability not only to manage my diabetes but to keep myself safe and to manage unexpected situations with a smile. It taught me to not believe what people say but to go and see it by myself. I felt safe and at home in Colombia while it was supposed to be unsafe and scary. I did a road trip around Scotland for a week and it barely rained.
Without travelling I would have never done half of the things I have now done. When I started I was exactly like you. I was scared unsure and I didn't want to go alone.
But I knew deep down that there was another way than going to work and watching others traveling the world. If they did it, I could too.
That's why I founded the Diabetic Travelers Network and started a company that facilitates group trips for individuals who live with diabetes (all types are welcome) so they can stop the fear and overwhelmed and finally feel alive.
I am here to show you that diabetes can be a tiny detail in your life. That you don’t have to live your life as a victim of your diagnosis. Life is unpredictable even without diabetes, and I’m here to show you how to build confidence & the know-how to take your power back.