Travelling Tips

Think Positively !

Get out and about and enjoy life - travel abroad, stay with friends, in hotels, hostels, guest houses or campsites. Having a problem such as incontinence does not mean you have to stay at home.

Speak up

Many people have a health problem which affects their lifestyle. Having the courage to speak up will help you to ask for items or services which you need, and will give people the opportunity to make your trip or stay enjoyable. And remember, the first time is the hardest - you will find it easier to speak up in future.

Do not be embarrassed to mention that you have a "waterworks problem" or "bladder problem" or a "bowel problem" that requires certain services or facilities. You are within your rights to do so. If you are worried about asking for certain things when you arrive at your destination, it may be easier to write a letter in advance.

Supplies

The best policy is to take with you a supply of all the items you will need - catheters, pads, pants, creams, wipes, etc. You may find that you can purchase items locally wherever you are going, but do not take this for granted.

If you are travelling within Ireland and the United Kingdom, you might find that it is quite possible and not too expensive to send supplies of bulky items ahead to your holiday destination or to a local health centre for collection.

Remember that different products may need to be stored differently. Pads need to be kept dry, so ensure they are in plastic bags to prevent them being spoiled by weather or an accidental spillage. And certain medicines may need to be kept refrigerated.

Doctor's letter

Certain items are more tightly controlled in other countries than they are at home. If you carry catheters, syringes, medicines, etc., it might be useful to have a letter from your doctor explaining their use.

This letter might also be used to explain your condition to a doctor in a different country if you need to get a prescription there.

Bed protection

Ask if this can be supplied where you are staying as this will ensure that it fits the mattress properly and you will save weight in your luggage. Failing this, take a generously sized waterproof sheet or pad - not one which is designed for a specific size of mattress.

Hygiene and Laundry

As soon as you arrive you should find out what the waste disposal arrangements are. It is best to take your own "nappy sacks" (disposal bags) and a few bin liners for used pads, etc.

A deodorising spray may save embarrassment.

Washing facilities and water may be limited where you are staying. If you are not able to have your own washing facilities, check how often and at what time baths or showers are available.

Find out what the laundry arrangements are - an extra charge may be required. You can probably do some of your own laundry for smaller, rinsable items - a portable washing line (or just a piece of strong cord which can be stretched across a room or balcony) and a few clothes pegs can make drying a lot easier.

If items are to be sent away for washing, make sure they are clearly labelled to avoid loss.

Long journeys

You might find that it is worth changing the method you normally use to manage your incontinence, depending on the length of your journey and the type of transport. For example, you might normally use quite light pads but these may be difficult to change in an aeroplane toilet - it might be worth wearing a much heavier pad or an all-in-one nappy style pad for the journey.

On trains and planes it should be possible to arrange to have a seat near to a toilet. If you are travelling for long distances by car, there is a range of urine collecting devices and portable urinals which can be a godsend when you cannot find a public toilet.

If you restrict your fluid intake in preparation for a journey, remember to make up for this as soon as you reach your destination.

Luggage

When flying, remember to split up your supplies between different bags, in case one is lost! Also, remember to pack a supply of all the items you are likely to need during the flight and waiting periods at each end in your hand luggage. Do not be afraid to explain why you need extra luggage or cabin baggage - most companies will allow this if there is a medical reason.

Change in environment

Changes in temperature can affect the amount of urine produced by your body. In hot weather dehydration can result in dark, concentrated urine which can irritate the bladder more than usual. Increase your fluid intake if this is the case. It may be useful to carry the appropriate antibiotics with you in case you get a urinary tract infection. In cold weather your body may produce more urine than normal and you may need to empty your bladder more often.

Public toilets

Disposal of pads in public toilets can be difficult because there may be no suitable bin in the toilet - especially in mens� toilets. It is a good idea to always have a bag (a carrier bag for example) with your change of pads so that you can put the used pad in it and take it out of the toilets with you to the nearest bin.

Public toilets are few and far between in some countries. It is often easier to find a toilet in a hotel, bar or restaurant, or in a shopping centre.

When away from home you could consider using disabled toilet facilities as these often have more room and a washbasin in the cubicle - and they afford more privacy for changing pads, emptying leg bags, catheterising, etc.

If you have any more tips then write and let us know. Happy holidays!

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