For people living with ulcerative colitis, traveling can be an anxiety-ridden experience. The physical symptoms of the condition are always painful, including rectal bleeding, sharp abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a looping, endless urge to seek a restroom nearby. These, in turn, lead to constant stress. So, how can someone with this condition make their travels less of an ordeal? Here are some handy tips for traveling better with ulcerative colitis:
Preparing well in advance
Taking two or three days to prepare before traveling can be helpful for people with ulcerative colitis. Even for short trips, one can do their packing and scheduling in advance to avoid making panicky, on-the-fly decisions once they hit the road.
Keeping an emergency kit in your carry-on
One can include things like tissues, wipes, multiple underwear/adult diapers, hand sanitizer, prescription treatment products, and other vital products in their emergency kit. Even if all items aren’t used, the kit can provide some much-needed assurance to travelers.
Carrying a water bottle
People with ulcerative colitis lose a lot of fluid, so they must always keep themselves hydrated. So taking an empty bottle and filling it just before boarding a plane is a smart way to carry water on flights, as airport security usually does not allow passengers to carry full water bottles.
Staying calm under any circumstance
Stress is a primary trigger for many people. Therefore, regardless of whatever scenario one finds themselves in, taking deep breaths and staying calm are key to preventing mid-travel ulcerative colitis flare-ups.
Carrying UC identification documents
Carrying some kind of ID or verification document that indicates that a traveler has ulcerative colitis is a must while traveling. Such documents enable such travelers to get privileges such as a Restroom Request Card, which lets them use any restrooms in any place (even if the toilets are not for customer use).
Carrying safe foods to snack on
Heavy meals can trigger ulcerative colitis symptoms. Therefore, one must only consume light snacks such as homemade sandwiches, bagels, or crackers from time to time to satiate their mid-travel hunger pangs.
Researching menus and food beforehand
Knowing about the foods one might have as an option is crucial for individuals with the condition. One must carefully research the foods served onboard flights, trains, or buses, as well as the meals available in the chosen hotel.
Being mindful of one’s triggers
Individuals need to keep away from foods, sights, sounds, or smells that could trigger their symptoms. Identifying these triggers must be a part of the pre-travel preparation.
Choosing an aisle seat
It makes sense for travelers with ulcerative colitis to choose an aisle seat as it lets them make a quick dash to the restroom when required.
Informing the concerned authority
In case one is traveling alone, it is recommended to inform the flight or train steward about the condition so they can extend help in case of an emergency. One may also reach out to fellow travelers for assistance.
