26 April 2016
Dealing with Incontinence While Travelling This Summer
Are you planning your summer holiday but worried about how to manage your
incontinence? Don’t worry we have created some useful tips to help you both before and while you are on holiday so you can just relax and enjoy time with family and friends!
Creating Your Travel Plan
- Book tickets carefully. If you’re flying, try to get an aisle seat and, if possible, one close to the toilet. Many booking sites let you choose the seat you want on a map of the plane.
- Plan your route. If you’re driving, take a careful look at your map and consider stopping for toilet breaks every 90 minutes or so (based on your typical time between urges or leaks).
- Buy supplies. Even with good planning, you could experience a leak. Adult absorbent incontinence pads and pants can help you feel more confident. We recommend that you take incontinence products with you as you never know what you can buy abroad. We also recommend taking some spare products just in case of any delays, etc. And if you’re flying, check ahead with your airline to find out what you can take in a carry-on. Generally, all prescription assistive products can go on the plane with you.
- Learn foreign customs. If you’re travelling internationally, learn how to ask for the toilet in the local language. Also check in advance to find out whether you will need change for public restrooms and tips for attendants.
- Choose drinks carefully. Caffeine, fizzy drinks, beer and wine are all diuretics. You should skip these while flying or driving. Sip on water if you're thirsty. But do remember to drink as you don’t want to become completely dry, because that can lead to urinary tract infection.
- Ask for privacy. Should you find yourself in the awkward situation of needing a pat-down or other security screening, and you’re feeling embarrassed about your incontinence or related supplies, know that you can ask security officers for privacy. You may want to ask your doctor in advance for a note to confirm your situation.
- Eat well. Constipation actually makes bladder control more difficult, so make sure you eat a varied diet and have regular bowel movements.
- Void early and often. Instead of waiting for a leak, be proactive and seize your opportunities. Make sure you go to the toilet before you get on the plane and when you have opportunities between meal and drink cart service times. When driving, stick to your planned stops, even if you don’t feel the urge to go. This might make the trip a bit longer, but it will be more pleasant for you overall.
- Pack a change of clothes. You want to travel light, but you should have easy access to a spare set (or two) of underwear and easy-to-wash travel clothing. We recommend travelling in dark clothes that are easy to remove and comfortable to wear.
- Pack toilet supplies. Because you never know how well toilets will be maintained, you may want to carry your own wipes, spare toilet tissue, sanitizing hand gel, plastic bags for disposing of rubbish or for storing soiled clothes, and any other supplies you think you might need.
- Plan for special events. You may occasionally have to attend a special dinner or other social engagement that could require sitting for hours. Try to find out whether these will be on your itinerary and whether you can be seated close to a door or the toilet.
