Travel Flare-Up Survival Guide

Travelling with IBD, whether ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s, can bring excitement, new experiences, and memories. But it also brings challenges, especially if symptoms begin while you’re away. With a bit of preparation, self-management, and realistic expectations, you can reduce risks and manage better if a flare-up strikes. Here’s a guide to help you stay comfortable, safe, and enjoy your journey.

Before You Go: Planning & Preparation

1. Check in with your IBD team
   If possible, speak to your gastroenterologist or IBD nurse before travelling. Let them know your destination and duration. They can advise you on your current treatment, potential risks, and whether you might need extra medication or changes in your plan. This is especially important if your disease has been less stable.
2. Travel insurance & medical documentation
   Make sure you have travel insurance that explicitly covers IBD, flare-ups, and any medicines or supplies you use. Keep a letter from your IBD team summarising your condition, medications (generic names), and any special needs. Carry copies of prescriptions.
3. Vaccinations and health risk in the destination
   If travelling abroad, check which vaccinations are recommended or required, especially if your treatment suppresses your immune system. Disease risk, hygiene standards, and food safety can vary widely. Plan well ahead (often 4-8 weeks) so you can complete any vaccine schedules.
4. Medication & supplies
   Pack more than enough of your regular medication and any emergency medication you use. Store them in carry-on baggage if flying. If your medicines need refrigeration, check whether there’s a fridge available where you stay. Bring any ostomy supplies, special foods, or other tools you use.
5. Plan your route and accommodations
   Choose accommodation that meets your needs: private bathroom, proximity to medical centres, kitchen if you prefer to cook. On long journeys (car, train, plane), plan for toilet breaks, avoid long stretches without access. Research whether local healthcare is good.

During Travel: Staying on Top of Things

1. Stick (as far as possible) to familiar routines
   Travel often alters sleep, meals, and activity levels, each of those can affect IBD. Try to maintain your usual eating pattern, rest enough, and keep medications on schedule. If your routine is disrupted, symptoms can worsen.

2. Food, water, and hygiene

   • Eat foods you know are tolerated; be careful with new, spicy, or rich foods.

   • Where you’re unsure about water safety, stick to bottled water; avoid ice, raw or undercooked food; peel fruits or wash them in safe water.

   • Pack snacks you know you handle well to cover delays or when safe food isn’t available.

3. Stay hydrated
   Dehydration can worsen symptoms, increase risk of flare. Drink regularly, particularly if flying or in hot climates. Electrolyte or oral rehydration solutions may help if you have loose bowel motions.

4. Manage stress & fatigue
   Stress, anxiety, over-exertion (e.g. long travel days) can trigger or worsen flare-ups. Build rest breaks into your schedule. Use relaxation tools (deep breathing, mindfulness, light stretching). Listen to your body and don’t push through pain or severe fatigue.

5. Have a “flare-up plan B”
   Be ready with what to do if symptoms increase:

   • Contact details for your IBD team.

   • Local medical contacts at your destination.

   • Know where pharmacies are.

   • Pack basic supplies like wipes, extra underwear, clothing, soothing creams.

   • Adjust your activities if needed: rest, reduce physical exertion.

After Travel: Recovery & Adjustment

1. Ease back into your usual routine
   When you return, try to restore regular sleep, diet, and activities gradually. Your body may need time to adjust, especially after jet-lag or major time-zone changes.

2. Watch for signs of worsening
   If you notice symptoms worsening: diarrhoea, pain, blood in stool, fatigue, don’t wait too long before seeking advice. Early treatment or adjustment can prevent more severe flare-ups.

3. Reflect & plan for the future
   After the trip, consider what worked well and what was difficult. Maybe certain foods didn’t agree, or long transit days were too tiring. Use those insights for your next journey.

4. Self-care
   Recovery isn’t just physical. Travel can be emotionally draining. Doing something restorative, resting, gentle exercise, connecting with friends or support, can help your mental health and resilience.

When You Should Seek Help

• If symptoms are severe, like significant bleeding, dehydration, severe pain, or fever.

• If you can’t keep medicines down.

• If your symptoms persist beyond what you would expect from a typical flare, especially after returning home.

• Always follow your IBD team’s advice and don’t hesitate to contact them if you’re unsure.

Final Thoughts

Travelling with IBD may require more forethought than many journeys, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it or that flare-ups must derail your plans. The key is being prepared, listening to your body, adapting as you go, and using the supports and tools available to you. With good planning, there’s no reason your condition has to stop you exploring new places or having adventures. Safe travels and here’s to a smooth journey!