4. Identify Bathroom Locations Ahead of Time
Being able to quickly find a bathroom may be one of your biggest worries while traveling. To ease your mind, map out public restrooms or rest stops where you know you’ll be able to go if the need arises. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s We Can’t Wait App is an easy way to search for restrooms by location.
5. Give Yourself Extra Time
You can never go wrong by giving yourself extra time as a buffer for unexpected bathroom trips or fatigue. “That might mean leaving earlier for the airport or planning a couple extra bathroom stops during a drive. It takes some of the pressure off,” Dam says. There are no one-size-fits-all rules here, so pick a timing plan that makes you feel comfortable.
6. Bring Snacks That Work for You
Food options can be unpredictable when you’re on the go, and picking something unfamiliar could send your symptoms southward. So bring things to eat that you know you can tolerate.
“Stick with what you know works, and drink enough water,” Gupta says.
- Bananas
- Single-serving nut butter packets
- Crackers or pretzels
- Plain yogurt or cottage cheese
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Plain cooked pasta (stored in a plastic lidded container or a baggie)
- Turkey sandwich
7. Build in Time for Rest
Fatigue can have a bigger impact on your symptoms than you might expect. “Travel throws off sleep, hydration, meals, and medication timing all at once, and that combination can make a person feel worse than the disease alone would,” Gupta says. So, build frequent breaks into your schedule, and try not to pack too much into any one day. When you have more energy, you’ll be better prepared to handle whatever your IBD might throw your way.
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