Remember this. If you’re dealing with a digestive disease, you’re definitely not alone. Lots of people with tummy issues travel on a regular basis.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, up to 70 million people are affected by digestive diseases. And we’re betting that many of those people have an active travel life.
So what do you do if you have to travel with tummy issues? With a little preparation, you can make your trip an amazing experience -- digestive issues included.
The first step to traveling comfortably with a digestive disease comes in the form of planning. This is particularly important when it comes to travel.
According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), it’s important to give yourself enough time to get to the train station or airport without being concerned about being late. In other words, don’t rush. Nerves can make digestive issues worse.
Further, you should consider packing a bag with a change of clothes and other needed items. This is what experts call a “survival kit.” It protects you from unforeseen circumstances.
That said, just how do you create a survival kit that’s not completely obvious?
“Choose something you are comfortable with, such as a computer bag, briefcase, large purse or backpack,” says the IFFGD. In this kit, keep an extra change of clothes, underwear (maybe more than one pair), medications and toilet paper in case you find yourself in a situation with no TP. (And don’t skimp on the TP. You never know when you’re going to need it.)
Further, when you are actually on the plane, sit near the restroom in an aisle. This will allow you to make a quick escape in the event of an emergency. After all, you don’t want to be climbing over a sleeping passenger when you’re in a hurry.
And remember that lines can form on airplanes. So if there’s a line to the restroom, do not be ashamed to ask to go first. The bottom line is that you have to take care of yourself when it comes to managing digestive diseases. You probably won’t see these people again, so don’t be bashful when it comes to those “gotta-go” moments.
The IFFGD suggests that those with digestive diseases consider driving if it is at all possible. This allows people with digestive diseases the control and peace of mind to stop when necessary, without being at the mercy of just a few available restrooms.
If you do travel by car, plan ahead when it comes to restroom stops. This means knowing the mileage between rest stops and other restroom options. Map routes ahead of time and note the time it takes to get to each stop. A smartphone app like USA Rest Stops can offer peace of mind and the closest available rest stop should an emergency occur.
Consider locations and modes of travel that may not have restrooms. This could come in the form of buses, leisure boats and campgrounds. The truth is that these options may make for an avoidable disaster. If you do find yourself in a situation like this, limit the amount of time you spend with no bathroom. (In other words, don’t take a full day trip on a friend’s small speedboat.)
The IFFGD recommends steering clear of overnight options that are not equipped with individual restrooms. This can be common in areas like Europe, where bed and breakfast guests usually use shared restrooms. No one wants to struggle with a digestive issue in a public place.
So how do you approach the issue in an appropriate manner?
“To help ensure access to a restroom, if you know you will be arriving before check-in time, ask for early check in; if you need to check out later, don’t hesitate to ask. Most hotels will accommodate your needs,” the IFFGD advises. And inquire about the status of bathrooms ahead of time. If you need to stay in a B & B, pay more to have your own restroom. You’ll be glad you did.
And by all means, avoid any foods that can make symptoms worse. This is the most powerful choice you can make. Create a list of foods to avoid so that you remember when you’re traveling. “This is not the time to experiment,” IFFGD says. “Eating in restaurants may be challenging – stick with foods with which you are comfortable.”
It’s also important to remember the possibility of language barriers. If you are traveling to a foreign country, know how to ask for safe food options in the language of that country. It can be helpful to write down possible food options that you can and cannot eat and hand the list to servers. This takes the pressure off of you when it comes to remembering how to say what you need to say in a different language.
And don’t forget to research how to ask where the restroom is in that language. The worst possible scenario would be the inability to communicate this simple concept. Remember that foreign countries often charge for restrooms, so carry the appropriate amount of change in that country’s currency.
This brings us to medications. When it comes to medical necessities, never check your prescription medication. This would make for a disaster if your luggage didn’t make it to your destination. And carry medication with you at all times while also leaving some in your hotel room. This protects you in the event of a purse snatching or unforeseen theft.
Keeping these suggestions in mind, you can have a wonderful trip that you’ll be glad you took. After all, time waits for no one. So don’t let your digestive issues stop you from seeing the world.