Don’t Let IBD Disrupt Your Spring Travel

A bit of planning can help you select the best lodging and itineraries, and prevent emergencies away from home.

Winter is finally over in most areas of the United States, and the pleasant temperatures that spring ushers in make the season a popular time for vacation, especially if you’re an avid traveler like me. However, I also live with ulcerative colitis (UC) — a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — so I understand how concerning it may be to leave the comforts of home and jet off to a new place.

For me, the fear of discomfort during long car or plane rides, along with the possibility of limited access to bathrooms, used to make me reluctant to take those vacations I dreamed of.

When I passed up a fun girls’ getaway weekend to Aruba 3 years ago, I realized I was missing out on an enjoyable part of life; that’s when I began to change my mindset about traveling with UC.

I made the bold decision to turn excessive caution into confidence, and I set out to find worry-free ways to pack my bags and head out of town.

Just in the past year, I successfully navigated a trip abroad to Lisbon, Portugal, as well as quite a few road trips up and down the East Coast. How did I do it? It’s all in the planning and preparation. Following are tips I’ve learned that have helped me ease the challenges that come with traveling with my gut issues.

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Create a thoughtful itinerary

I’ve learned that when you live with IBD, the types of destinations and accommodations you select can make a significant difference. For example, an overnight camping trip without easy access to bathroom facilities isn’t a comfortable activity for me. However, I’m relaxed on a 5-hour road trip because I can map out the rest stops in advance.

I also choose hotels or rental properties that are centrally located. It puts my mind at ease to know that whether I’m out exploring, swimming, or dining, I can quickly get back to my home base. Travel websites offer a wealth of information that can help you research such options.

I’ve also discovered that I usually prefer exploring on my own or with my family, rather than as part of a larger tour group. This way, I can choose activities and set a schedule that works for me: I can build in bathroom breaks, eat at restaurants that offer “safe” food options, and take a break if my fatigue builds.

To help shape my itinerary, I immerse myself in guidebooks and travel blogs in the weeks leading up to my trip.

Plan for emergencies

One of the most important ways I prepare for a safe and healthy travel experience is by making sure I have everything I may need in the event of an emergency.

Yes, this may mean overpacking, but I’m secure in knowing I have my own supply of toilet paper and wipes, all the prescription and over-the-counter medication I may need, and extra underwear and clothes.

I also bring plenty of snacks, like crackers and bananas, so that I always have something on hand to eat if travel is delayed or if I find myself in a situation in which there are no other suitable food options.

Take precautions to avoid a flare-up

Leading up to a trip and while away, I take serious measures to avoid the things that could cause a flare-up.

For example, I know I have to stay away from alcohol. As tempting as a pina colada on the beach may be, I know it will likely worsen my condition. I’m also careful about foods that trigger my symptoms, so I stick to plain, low fat, nonspicy meals to keep my gut calm.

I also make sure I get enough sleep. While the lure of so much to do and see is strong, I’ve learned that when I don’t get an adequate amount of sleep, I experience more marked symptoms like abdominal discomfort, including pain and cramping, and also a general feeling of fatigue throughout my body that makes performing daily activities more difficult.

Confide in your travel partner

I used to try to handle my IBD entirely on my own. However, I found that it created more stress and worry for me, and I could never truly relax on vacation.

Now, whether I’m traveling with my husband or a friend, I make sure they understand my concerns and needs, and I’ve seen that they’re happy to support me and adjust our plans based on how I’m feeling.

Talk with your doctor

While I’m much more confident now about traveling, I still talk with my doctor while I’m in the planning stages of a trip. For example, for my 7-hour flight to Portugal — the longest flight I’ve ever taken — my doctor recommended that I take an antidiarrheal medication before boarding as a preventive measure.

Because I was going to be away for 2 weeks, my doctor also wrote prescriptions for longer supplies of my medications so I wouldn’t run out while I was abroad.

It’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor about your unique concerns and needs. They can help develop an action plan in the event you feel ill while you’re away, and can make sure you’re up to date with vaccinations and medications before you embark.

De-stress and enjoy

With the right preparation, IBD doesn’t have to interfere with spring travel.

In fact, I’ve discovered that traveling can have quite the opposite effect. Vacationing reduces my stress and minimizes my symptoms. I use traveling as an opportunity to take a break from my normal routine, recharge, and focus on my well-being.

The takeaway

I encourage anyone with IBD who is dreaming about palm trees, the mountains, or bustling cities to book that spring trip! Just taking a few simple proactive measures can make your travel experience successful and fun. Bon voyage!