Bowel > Bowel Info and Advice > Travelling with confidence

Travelling with confidence

Going on holiday can be a concern when you have a bowel problem. You may be anxious about your journey and whether you can manage your bowel problems in the same way on holiday as you do at home.

Below are some tips that may help you to travel with confidence.

Think Positively!

Get out and about and enjoy life - travel abroad, stay with friends, in hotels, hostels, guest houses or campsites. Having a problem such as bowel leakage or urgency does not mean you have to stay at home.

Speak up

Many people have a health problem which affects their lifestyle. Having the courage to speak up will help you to ask for items or services which you need, and will give people the opportunity to make your trip or stay enjoyable. And remember, the first time is the hardest - you will find it easier to speak up in future.

Do not be embarrassed to mention that you have a "bowel problem" that requires certain services or facilities. You are within your rights to do so. If you are worried about asking for certain things when you arrive at your destination, it may be easier to write a letter in advance.

Supplies

The best policy is to take with you a supply of all the items you will need - pads, pants, creams, wipes, etc. You may find that you can purchase items locally wherever you are going, but do not take this for granted.

If you are traveling within Ireland and the United Kingdom, you might find that it is quite possible and not too expensive to send supplies of bulky items ahead to your holiday destination or to a local health centre for collection. Many pad supply companies will deliver to an alternative address.

Remember that different products may need to be stored differently. Pads need to be kept dry, so ensure they are in plastic bags to prevent them being spoiled by weather or an accidental spillage. And certain medicines may need to be kept refrigerated.

Doctor's letter

Certain items are more tightly controlled in other countries than they are at home. If you carry syringes, medicines, etc, it might be useful to have a letter from your doctor explaining their use.

This letter might also be used to explain your condition to a doctor in a different country if you need to get a prescription there. Your pharmacist or hospital consultant may also be willing to write a letter for you.

Some manufacturers / appliance contractors have special cards that are translated into several languages that are extremely helpful if you use prescription continence or stoma appliances.

Bed protection

Ask if this can be supplied where you are staying as this will ensure that it fits the mattress properly and you will save weight in your luggage. Failing this, take a generously sized waterproof sheet or pad - not one which is designed for a specific size of mattress. Thin disposable draw sheets with a leak proof backing are available.

Hygiene and Laundry

As soon as you arrive you should find out what the waste disposal arrangements are. It is best to take your own "nappy sacks" (disposal bags) and a few bin liners for used pads, etc.

A deodorizing spray may save embarrassment.

Washing facilities and water may be limited where you are staying. If you are not able to have your own washing facilities, check how often and at what time baths or showers are available.

Find out what the laundry arrangements are - an extra charge may be required. You can probably do some of your own laundry for smaller, rinsable items - a portable washing line (or just a piece of strong cord which can be stretched across a room or balcony) and a few clothes pegs can make drying a lot easier.

If items are to be sent away for washing, make sure they are clearly labelled to avoid loss.

Long journeys

You might find that it is worth changing the method you normally use to manage your continence problems, depending on the length of your journey and the type of transport. For example, you might normally use quite light pads but these may be difficult to change in an aeroplane toilet - it might be worth wearing a much heavier pad, using additional wadding cut from a roll, an all-in-one nappy style pad or pull up pant style for the journey.

On trains and planes it should be possible to arrange to have a seat near to a toilet. If you are traveling for long distances by car try to note service areas beforehand.

Luggage

When flying, remember to split up your supplies between different bags, in case one is lost! Also, remember to pack a supply of all the items you are likely to need during the flight and waiting periods at each end in your hand luggage. Do not be afraid to explain why you need extra luggage or cabin baggage - most companies will allow this if there is a medical reason. Ask prior to arriving at the airport.

Remember you will need a medical letter with you at airport security if your products e.g. skincare are in excess of the security cabin baggage allowance. Currently all liquid substances must be contained within 1 clear re-sealable plastic bag no larger than 8'' by 7.5'' (20cm by 18cm) a litre bag; this bag must be presented separately at the x ray machine and must be sealed. Each liquid gel, paste etc container must not exceed 100ml; the contents must fit comfortably within the 1 litre bag. If you need to carry more than this in hand luggage, seek advice from the airline. You may be able to buy skin care products at an 'air side' chemist and you can carry more in hold luggage.

Public toilets

Disposal of pads in public toilets can be difficult because there may be no suitable bin in the toilet -especially in men's toilets. It is a good idea to always have a bag (a carrier bag for example) with your change of pads so that you can put the used pad in it and take it out of the toilets with you to the nearest bin.

Public toilets are few and far between in some countries. It is often easier to find a toilet in a hotel, bar or restaurant, or in a shopping centre.

When away from home you could consider using disabled toilet facilities as these often have more room and a washbasin in the cubicle - and they afford more privacy for changing pads, emptying leg bags, etc.