How to Travel with Incontinence this Summer

Holidays should be for relaxing, exploring and creating lasting memories. But for people living with incontinence, even a short trip can bring worry or anxiety. The good news is that with a little preparation and the right support, travel is entirely possible. Whether you’re heading to the British coast or boarding a long-haul flight, you can feel confident and in control throughout your journey.

At Attends, we understand that managing incontinence while travelling may feel daunting. That’s why we’ve created this guide, full of practical tips to help you plan, prepare and enjoy a summer break.

Understanding incontinence and why travel affects it

Incontinence affects more people than many realise. Around 14 million people in the UK live with urinary incontinence, and over 6.5 million experience bowel incontinence. Although it’s a common condition, travelling while managing incontinence can bring its own set of challenges.

Holidays often mean changes to routine, diet and stress levels, all of which can affect how your body responds.

Some reasons why travelling might trigger your incontinence symptoms include:

●  Disruption to your usual routines, including sleep and meal times

●  Long periods of sitting in cars, trains and planes can slow digestion

●  Not being able to access a bathroom as easily while on the road

●  Increased anxiety, which may trigger urge incontinence

Recognising what may increase your symptoms ahead of time makes it easier to plan. With a little planning, many incontinence holiday challenges can be managed.

Pack wisely and include extra supplies

Travelling with incontinence is easier when you have made sure you have packed everything that you’ll need.

When packing for your holiday, consider taking:

●  Extras of your usual incontinence products so you have enough

●  A higher absorbency product if you’re worried about reaching a toilet in time

●  Wet wipes or dry cleansing wipes to help you stay feeling fresh

● A portable urinal (there are many options available for men and women)

● Disposal bags for incontinence products or additional, sealable bags for any soiled clothing

● Bed or mattress protectors (underpads) if you’re staying elsewhere

If you're flying, check baggage policies so you’re prepared at the airport.

Step 2: Managing the journey

Journeys can be unpredictable, but preparation can help you stay comfortable and protected.

Dress for comfort and confidence

Wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to remove. Elasticated waistbands, wrap skirts or trousers with drop fronts (where the top of your trousers can easily be opened and dropped when needed) can make things simpler when you’re in a hurry. 

Carry spare underwear and a change of clothes in your hand luggage, just in case of accidents.

Stay hydrated and eat well

It’s important to drink water while travelling, as dehydration can irritate your bladder and lead to constipation – both of which can increase symptoms of incontinence.  

Try swapping to decaf and avoiding alcohol and spicy foods before and during your journey, as they can worsen symptoms too. Eating fibre-rich foods can support digestion and reduce bowel and bladder pressure.

Keep moving

Sitting for long periods can affect circulation and digestion. Try standing up, stretching and walking every hour if possible.

You can also discreetly practise pelvic floor exercises while seated to help manage urgency. Pelvic floor exercises can be as simple as contracting and relaxing the muscles you use to hold in wind or urine.

Step 3: Settling into your destination

Taking time to get familiar with your surroundings can help ease anxiety and maintain routine. A calm, settled start means you can focus on enjoying your holiday.

Familiarise yourself with your environment

As soon as you arrive, check where the toilets are. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, campsite or holiday home, knowing this in advance can help.

In the United Kingdom, a RADAR key gives you access to disabled toilets in public places. These are a type of key that anyone with a registered disability can buy and use to access over 9,000 public toilets in the UK.

Another top tip is to keep your incontinence supplies within easy reach, such as by the bedside or in the bathroom. A small kit bag next to your bed can provide reassurance overnight.

Maintain your usual routine

Holidays often involve later nights and different eating habits, but try sticking to familiar toilet times, mealtimes and sleeping patterns. This helps your body stay regular and reduces the chance of sudden urgency. 

If you’ve been doing pelvic floor exercises, keep going with them every day.

Top tip: stay calm and confident

Anxiety is a common trigger for incontinence. Build calming routines into your day, such as deep breathing, short mindfulness practices or gentle stretching. By making sure you’ve got everything you need to feel secure and prepared, you’ll know you’ve got reliable protection.

Remember, your holiday is about enjoying yourself, including when living with incontinence. With thorough planning, you can travel confidently and focus on what matters most.

Find incontinence support this summer with Attends

Whether you’re going abroad or enjoying a break closer to home, Attends is here to help you travel with peace of mind. We offer a wide range of incontinence products to manage all levels and types of incontinence. You can even use our handy Product Finder Tool to discover the best solution for your needs, and request free samples to try before you buy. 

Explore our range of incontinence products and make packing for your summer trip easier than ever.

Sources

●  https://www.ageco.co.uk/useful-articles/travel/holidaying-with-incontinence-expert-tips-for-a-worry-free-getaway
●  https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/tips-for-traveling-with-incontinence 
●  https://www.bbuk.org.uk/travelling-with-a-continence-problem-2/ 
●  https://www.bbuk.org.uk/travelling-with-a-continence-problem/
●  https://www.bladderandbowel.org/help-information/travelling-with-confidence/ 
●  https://www.bbuk.org.uk/continence-problems-in-the-uk/