Traveler’s diarrhea WHAT IS TRAVELLERS’ DIARRHEA? Travelers’ diarrhea is the most common illness that affects travelers. It is easily spread from person-to-person or by consuming contaminated food or water. Travelers’ diarrhea is caused by many different bacteria (including E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter), parasites (including Giardia, Crytosporidium, Cyclospora and others) and viruses…
Traveling after surgery After any surgery, doctors usually recommend putting off any travel until you are able to walk around easily and to sit comfortably for the duration of a journey. People recover individually at different rates. This may be after 3-4 weeks, but it could be more…
Traveling with a stoma If you have an ileostomy or colostomy you may have particular concerns about travelling. However, with careful planning, having a stoma should not stop you from going away. It is important to take ample stoma supplies. You are likely to be eating differently and…
Emergency Travel Kit You may find it helpful to pack an ‘emergency travel kit’ containing everything needed to clean up in case you have an accident. This could contain: a supply of pads, pants, alcohol-free wet wipes, tissues, sanitary disposal bags for soiled pants, disposable gloves and an…
Medical documents It may help to have certain medical documents and information to hand once you are away. Examples include: A medical summary of your condition, history and any known allergies, as well as a plan for a flare-up, should one happen. Talk to your doctor about these before you…
Medications TAKING MEDICINES ABROAD If possible, try to take enough medication for your whole trip, as well as extra in case of delays, to ensure you do not run out. If your medication has to be kept refrigerated, you could store it in a small cool bag, obtainable from…
Sun exposure While it is important for everyone to protect themselves from the effects of the sun, you will need to take even more care if you are on immunosuppressive drug treatments for your IBD. These include azathioprine, mercaptopurine and methotrexate, any of which will make your skin more sensitive…
Transport You may be travelling on holiday via car, bus, train, ferry or aeroplane. Whichever way you are travelling, there are issues that you may wish to consider. If you are travelling by car, you may wish to check the location of accessible toilet facilities when planning your…
Accomodation You may wish to ensure that any accommodation you are booking has an en-suite bathroom. Your travel agent should know, or it may be worth contacting the hotel yourself, and asking for written confirmation. Some people worry about having an ‘accident’ when staying away from home. You…
