Traveling with Crohn's
- Thread starter Alan
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Bring weed?
Move to Ensure liquid or Powder 2 days before travelling. Stick to it while travelling, but I can go eat at a restaurant with family if I stick to Salmon or whitefish. Poached or baked, not fried. And if the only option is battered or crumbed ... remove it asap and get it taken away. Before I nibble and can't stop.
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I use Cholestyramine (I recently switched to an off-brand pill version that works just as well and no longer have to taste the disgusting powder). I take that with me for travelling or to use if I'm going to a wedding or other big party or I'm going to be out and about all day.
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- Oct 9, 2012
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Discuss with your doctor the possibility of bringing a supply of cortosteroids + vitamin D & calcium to offset deficiency. These can nip a flare in the bud that would otherwise ruin a vacation. I once got stuck with a flare in Japan and had to source a GI doc locally who prescribed steroids. Not funny and I'm always carrying steroids now when abroad.
Fortunately I'm in remission but remain acutely aware that stress/alcohol/sugar/junk food will tip me into a spiral of suffering (imuran, 6-Mercaptopurin, CBD oil got me into remission)
I still follow a diet of no soda, no coffee and nothing that's got more than 5% added sugar. No NSAID's, acetominophen is strictly for emergency use only to try abort migraines before reaching for the expensive triptans.
Yeah it's a miserable disease and if it ever returns I'm slated for a biologic.
Try dietary therapies (in addition to any meds) to possibly improve symptoms. My son has had CD for 15 years. He started SCD 11 years ago and has been in remission ever since. He was mod/severe maxed on Remicade. He is now off meds. I never thought he would even finish college on time or be able to live away from home. He now has a busy job and does lots of international travel. An airline credit card plus his flight miles get him business class lounge status at the airports. The food there is more SCD friendly. For long haul flights he does meal selection, eats what he can, and has a backpack filled with trail mix and dried mango. SCD is not for everyone, but it is easier than you think for travel. Every culture has basic meat and vegetable dishes. Eating insects in Mexico did not bother him and is technically SCD compliant. He never tried SCD to get off meds, only to feel better. It was the best and most transformative decision of his life. He has been able to see most of Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Antarctica is the only continent he has not visited. Being able to do so keeps him on the diet. I am not saying everyone will have such results. However there is possibly much to gain and nothing to lose by trying.
Comfortable jumpsuit pants and when you stop at gas stations use the facilities and when you come across a rest stop, use it as well.
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I’ve been in remission for years now but what I’ve found works for me is a low fiber diet on travel days, and packing lots of simple snacks to reduce the temptation for eating trigger foods. Also planning the trip well to avoid stress (eg fixing public restrooms ahead of time before trips). I’ve noticed a loose correlation between stress and flares so managing that while traveling helps prevent my symptoms while I’m away from home.
For 10 days before your trip, eat 4 to 6 bananas each day, preferably in one or two meals. In the beginning, your digestive system will seem to be in a rebellion, and produce bloating and gas, but around day 3 or 4, you will find that your Cron's symptoms are starting to recede, and the bloating feeling will gradually stop. By the 10th day, you will feel as if you are in remission. This will continue even if you stop eating the bananas, at least for a day or two. If you maintain the regime, you should not have symptoms. By the way, if you are still hungry after the bananas, just follow your regular diet. I used this method for ten years until I began to use Skyrizi, which has been effective in minimizing my symptoms.
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- May 26, 2016
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I have ostomy now which makes it way easier but before that would drink lots of pepto bismol and not eat until after getting off a plane, aimed for early flights.
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- Jul 25, 2013
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I have a sunflower lanyard and also bought a card that says I have an unseen condition, which I used to fly with Swissair recently from MCR Airport. I had requested assistance as I also have arthritis, so was taken in a chair. Airport staff are familiar with the lanyard but Swissair seemed less familiar and when I explained I might need the loo urgently as I have a stoma, the attendant didn't know what that was, not sure about other airlines. I took with me a card supplied and signed by my stoma nurse and had to show it in German to explain, so this might be helpful abroad as it has several languages. However before I flew I had called the airline customer services and they agreed I could take extra weight in the cabin bag, and they had also booked assistance for me, it is important this is done well before the flight. I also got pulled over in Switzerland at security coming back and taken aside in a curtained off area where I was asked by a female (as I am) to show the top of the bag so they could swipe it with a wand. All very politely done. So expect that may happen.
I have Crohn's with inflammatory arthritis and skin rashes. i travel pretty often for leisure without issue (around the US, Europe, Costa Rica, Peru and soon Africa). A few things I do when I travel:
- My doctor prescribes steroids and antibiotics to have on hand and gives instructions of when and how to use them if needed. My dad who has Crohn's does the same. He has had to use them, I have not.
- I always take Benadryl each night before bed when away from home. Maybe it's placebo but I swear it helps with general inflammation and hedges against environmental stressors.
- Bring something shelf stable that you know you can always eat without issue. For me, it's Clif bars. If international issues start to arise, I eat a Clif bar for a meal or two and hydrate to reset.
- I try to stick to my regular routine and diet as much as possible. Note, I don't have any dietary restrictions but I somewhat eat the same things so I try to stick to them when traveling.
- I am now on Rinvoq (a pill) and that's obviously super helpful because I don't have to schedule trips around infusions or injections anymore.
Hope this helps! Safe travels.
- My doctor prescribes steroids and antibiotics to have on hand and gives instructions of when and how to use them if needed. My dad who has Crohn's does the same. He has had to use them, I have not.
- I always take Benadryl each night before bed when away from home. Maybe it's placebo but I swear it helps with general inflammation and hedges against environmental stressors.
- Bring something shelf stable that you know you can always eat without issue. For me, it's Clif bars. If international issues start to arise, I eat a Clif bar for a meal or two and hydrate to reset.
- I try to stick to my regular routine and diet as much as possible. Note, I don't have any dietary restrictions but I somewhat eat the same things so I try to stick to them when traveling.
- I am now on Rinvoq (a pill) and that's obviously super helpful because I don't have to schedule trips around infusions or injections anymore.
Hope this helps! Safe travels.
As well as the public toilet app, I would recommend taking a change of clothes together with wipes etc. Have you got the ‘Can’t Wait’ card? I have used that successfully. People don’t understand the urgency of the request to use facilities and the card is fabulous as it is simple, clear, and fast. Hope this helps.
I don't know what to tell you that will help you besides. If I'm traveling, depending on how far, I will take a couple of mediums before going. The only issue is I will get constipated for about 3-4 days. If I can time my Humira and methotrexate, I can get my Crohn's under control long enough to travel. I usually won't eat in the morning when I'm traveling. I want to get a camper van or a truck camper to travel more and have a bathroom or shower if needed. The anxiety and stress of traveling can affect me significantly. I have to go for a ride with someone I don't know, especially a customer, for work. It can be hard on me, and I must go a few times before leaving. I'm a mechanic, so road testing and working with customers are part of my job. I will also eat something with rice or potatoes the night before. But the thing is, the stress of knowing I'm going to be out of my comfort zone will affect me significantly. If I also know where I'm going, I will try to map out the place I'm going to. At one point, I couldn't or barely traveled at all because I was going almost every hour. I had bowel resectioning surgery back in 2021, where they took out 1 foot and a 1/2 of my large intestine. I also take cholestyramine with water since I can't drink OJ or eat apple sauce.
Since they are triggers, well, Oj, I can have it once in a while. The best thing is that I try not to eat any trigger foods. I will also take immodium to help me get by. I try not to take immodium. I also try not to eat out when I'm out or make eating out the last thing I do and try to get home right away. The other thing would be to get some depends. I had to get them when I first had surgery. But I have been thinking about it just in case they could help me on long trips. One thing that helps is if you are going on a trip with someone. Going with someone who understands your condition helps tremendously. Especially if I have to stop and go to the bathroom often, I can be fine with one minute, then go to the bathroom the next minute once I leave the house or work.
Since they are triggers, well, Oj, I can have it once in a while. The best thing is that I try not to eat any trigger foods. I will also take immodium to help me get by. I try not to take immodium. I also try not to eat out when I'm out or make eating out the last thing I do and try to get home right away. The other thing would be to get some depends. I had to get them when I first had surgery. But I have been thinking about it just in case they could help me on long trips. One thing that helps is if you are going on a trip with someone. Going with someone who understands your condition helps tremendously. Especially if I have to stop and go to the bathroom often, I can be fine with one minute, then go to the bathroom the next minute once I leave the house or work.
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From my travels in Mexico, I saw that while traveling, often bathrooms were holes on the ground. Bring lots of Imodium and always have extra underwear, socks and. pants or skirts. No problems in Mexico City, just while traveling throughout the country.
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- Jun 13, 2016
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I have had Crohn's for 50 years. I am also lucky enough to take 3 vacations per year and have had a hell of a lot of experience traveling with Crohns. Have my travel plans always been a success, no. I have had few self caused slips and lose part of a day sitting on the john, my fault. As others have mentioned here, I rely on meal supplements, ie: boost and ensure. About 2 or 3 days before I travel I slow down my food intake and take 2 boost a day. The day before travel I have a small breakfast only then boost and if its a long flight ie, 10 hours or more I will also mix and drink one cholestyramine the morning of travel. I take extra pks of cholestyramine with me as back up. When traveling I find a local meal supplement drink and put them in my hotel fridge. I do not drink alcohol when traveling ( my wife make up for it ) and I really watch my intake of carbs and juices. I limit myself to small meals and many times my wife and I share a meal. And like many here I have had 2 resections. I also have high blood pressure and arthritis. Over the years I have learned to listen to my body, it will tell you when to slow down or if you did something really stupid. I just accept my situation and deal with it. I will not let this dam disease control my life. And no, as mentioned I slip and eat the wrong thing or some greasy food and end up curled up into the fetal position. No need to explain that comment as you should all know what it means. The last 24 months I have bee to Playa del Carmen, London England, Aruba, Cabo, Cancun, Portugal and many many long hikes to waterfalls etc. FYI, I have TKR surgery on Jan. 29th and plan to be dancing 3 weeks after and have booked a trip for my 35 anniversary for mid may. This is a great life get out and enjoy it. I just say fk Crohns and listen to my body and enjoy this amazing world.
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- Aug 19, 2023
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Everyone has a lot of great tips.
To be honest, I dont really do anything special.
I just wear comfortable clothes and bring wet wipes that are easily accessible.
I'm fortunate that I'm not going to the restroom like 10x a day. So, I usually try to take a dump before take off and I'll be okay.
I'm on Rinvoq so I bring my medications with me in a separate tub. I always try to bring a couple extra days worth.
I will say, I do bring electrolyte supplements (I like Nuun) and drink those on days where I used the restroom more or where I'm just more tired.
To be honest, I dont really do anything special.
I just wear comfortable clothes and bring wet wipes that are easily accessible.
I'm fortunate that I'm not going to the restroom like 10x a day. So, I usually try to take a dump before take off and I'll be okay.
I'm on Rinvoq so I bring my medications with me in a separate tub. I always try to bring a couple extra days worth.
I will say, I do bring electrolyte supplements (I like Nuun) and drink those on days where I used the restroom more or where I'm just more tired.
Yes. I got rid of Crohn’s by culturing Dietzia Natrolimnea into a probiotic and encapsulated it. It cured my Crohn’s. This was 4 years ago.
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- Dec 6, 2013
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How do you handle flying? My daughter was miserable without her edibles.
What's the pill called? Would love to get off the powder.
I have had Crohn’s for 54 years (12 bowel resections; half my colon and a few feet of small bowel gone), so I’ve learned the hard way what works for me. Though I don’t have any specific diet restrictions and I eat pretty much what I want in smaller amounts, I just don’t eat on the main day of travel or being out in public. Eating anything starts the intestines moving with a much higher risk of diarrhea. Food in, food out. Also, I use cholestyramine powder and Lomotil together because a lot of the diarrhea (incontinence for me is with little warning, literally taking a few steps and it’s over) is from so many surgeries as much as the Crohn’s. I do drink electrolyte water and eat yogurt. Though limited in many ways I try to travel as much as I am able. But sometimes all of my prep doesn’t work and I’m very disappointed. And then… I try again.
Thank god you can get them legally now. They can make a huge difference for flying.. I’ve had Crohn’s since I was 6. I’ve had 2 ostomies that were reversed a bunch of resections and countless surgeries for perianal fistula’s. On my teens and 20’s I would get intestinal blockages or partial blockages a few times a year. Hurt like hell. Most of the time, IV fluids would work. I’ve been on some interesting ERs. When I travel, I’m pretty freaked out about having an accident in the middle of the night. It has almost never happened but. It doesn’t matter. It could. Between Stelara and Rinvoq, I’ve never felt as good as I do now. That said, I overpack underwear , pants and bring a very small packl of laundry detergent and a a few ziplock bags. I pretty much hate traveling especially overseas. I had an intestinal blockage in Israel about 25 years ago. I went to a really good ER in Tel Aviv.. t they knew what was going on and put me on IV fluids right away. Didn’t send me for a million images just listened to me and treated me. They made an appt with a GI for a few days later when I started feeling better. I was freaking out about the bill. In NYC, I couldn’t get out of the ER without spending at least $800 (and I had health insurance) ER bill in Tel Aviv-$75. Whatever problems socialized medicine may have, I’ll take it over our system any day
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- Apr 28, 2016
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I am surprised noone mentioned something as trivial as i do all the time. I do not book hotels only stay in airbnbs type with the kitchen. Does not have to be fully equipped but allows you to shop in local supermarkets where you most likely be picking up the same type of produce that you use at home. Assuming you are travelling in the places with a decent food culture. Avoid those countries where it is not the case, but honestly my rules covers 75% of the parts of the planet that i am interested in. Other than that, i carry fiber powder with me (btw it should be available in the local pharmacies as well) and imodium. I travel extensively, at least 6-8 trips annually . many overseas. Cannot think of anything else
Liquid diet before/during airplane flights and at high altitudes. Found out the hard way that pressure differences wreak havoc and push me towards obstructions. Carry Prednisone just in case.
I'm well-managed with my biologic, so these are tricks I used back in the day for places where I could use the bathroom, when out and about. Hotels never question you. Starbucks always has a reliably clean bathroom. In a pinch, a doctor's office (or dentist), anywhere you can go in and say Crohn's without needing to explain. Don't pack too much into a day, go easy with yourself.
When travelling I tend to plan my route by accessible toilets whether it's a public toilet or a restaurant/bar/supermarket. I do take a mixture of immodium, coedine and buscopan before setting off, I take baby wipes, spare underwear and body spray in case I don't make it in time.
When using public transport I prefer to take a train as there is usually a toilet on board.
When using public transport I prefer to take a train as there is usually a toilet on board.
I travel abroad at least twice a year. I find it pretty easy to access bathrooms at airports and I pay extra to have a seat on the airplane that is close to the lavatory. I have travelled with a flare many times. It is not fun, but with a system in place, it is possible. My system involves basically bringing a lot of supplies to keep clean during my trips to the public bathrooms along the way.
I have a travel kit that fits into my backpack: 3 pairs of underwear, some heavy duty fem pads, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, personal hygiene wipes, hand sanitizer, two extra plastic bags for soiled whatever if it happens, and anti-odor spray. Separately I also try to have a pair of pants and socks on me. So, that is my emergency kit. It goes everywhere with me when I am away from home during a flare. Separately, in my pocket, I always carry a small anti-odor spray with me. When I am on an airplane and it is impossible to control gas or get up to leave the seat, I discreetly spray the thing to cover up my gut's outbursts of smelly gas.
Since I started a biologic I am not flaring at all, but I have to plan my travel around my shots. I am sure I am not the only person who is always dealing with the pharmacy, insurance, and delivery. I tried to negotiate extra shot with them, but to no avail, so my trips are now determined by due dates for shots. One thing I had to do is add an international plan to my cell phone so that I can call (repeatedly) to assure that my med is at home ready to be injected when I return.
I have a travel kit that fits into my backpack: 3 pairs of underwear, some heavy duty fem pads, toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, personal hygiene wipes, hand sanitizer, two extra plastic bags for soiled whatever if it happens, and anti-odor spray. Separately I also try to have a pair of pants and socks on me. So, that is my emergency kit. It goes everywhere with me when I am away from home during a flare. Separately, in my pocket, I always carry a small anti-odor spray with me. When I am on an airplane and it is impossible to control gas or get up to leave the seat, I discreetly spray the thing to cover up my gut's outbursts of smelly gas.
Since I started a biologic I am not flaring at all, but I have to plan my travel around my shots. I am sure I am not the only person who is always dealing with the pharmacy, insurance, and delivery. I tried to negotiate extra shot with them, but to no avail, so my trips are now determined by due dates for shots. One thing I had to do is add an international plan to my cell phone so that I can call (repeatedly) to assure that my med is at home ready to be injected when I return.
When I was healthier I was able to travel with no problems, just watching diet. Today I have other issues that prohibit travel altogether 
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I'm 23. I've only really traveled by car, and by plane!
Here's my general things I do:
By car, here are my experiences:
By plane, here are my experiences:
Here's my general things I do:
- Avoid fiber in my foods if I can while I'm traveling. It makes it worse or just makes me constipated.
- In fact, I'd pack a few safe foods. Foods you have confirmed do not give you bad symptoms after eating them. These will be life-savers if you're not able to eat the food of wherever you're going.
- Bring something to help you sleep, like Tylenol or Benadryl if you're having trouble sleeping with your flares.
- Get one of those public toilet finding apps. Or get a map of where I'm staying/passing through if I'm kind of screwed over, internet-wise. Or just ask people!
- Always pack my favorite brand of hemorrhoidal wipes, extra undies, and pants.
- It's so much fun traveling that I tend to forget to take my meds; I would set reminders on your phone to take any meds you've been prescribed- always bring them with you if you can!
- When I get flares, I get very low energy. There really isn't much I can do but take my medicine and wait for it to pass, so don't worry about slowing down and taking it easy if you need to.
- Bring lots of water. Being hydrated and trying to go to the bathroom like that sucks for me, so drink!!!
- Eating heavy on vacation and traveling tends to give me either constipation where I can't go for over a day, or horrible diarrhea hours later; I would suggest asking for doggy-bags and carry-outs for any tasty meals you really want to snack on later instead of eating all of it at once. This makes it easier on my intestines.
By car, here are my experiences:
- It doesn't feel great on your butt being in a car seat for hours at a time, especially when you're the designated driver for that trip. It's okay to make pit stops and give you and your ass a break.
- If you REALLY can't stop, get a bottle or jar to go in. And bring something that smells nice to spray in the car to mask the scent for your journey.
- Packing extra undies and pants goes DOUBLE here, you don't want to be sitting in your own mess on long car rides if you can't help it.
By plane, here are my experiences:
- It's okay to go to the bathroom a lot, so don't feel bad about that- However, I have the opposite problem of not going at all for hours while I'm on the plane, which doesn't feel great! Maybe it's something about the altitude or being stressed during flight?
- That being said, always ask a flight attendant where the bathrooms are if you weren't paying attention the first time during the pre-take off instructions.
- Bring lots of things to do to distract yourself from the pain or discomfort. I like bringing video games and drawing material.
- I'm never going to pay for airline food on the plane itself. Maybe eat and drink something at the airport before you hop on, lots of water sounds good. Something to keep you hydrated, so your poos aren't worse.
- Coffee gives me the awful shits, I don't recommend it before a plane, even if your flights are at 3 am like mine sometimes are!
