Travel is a big part of many people’s lives, whether it’s a summer holiday abroad, a trip to visit family or a longer journey to expand your horizons. There’s absolutely no reason your stoma should hold you back from doing any of this (once you’re fully recovered, of course).
However, you will need to be more prepared and organised than your average traveller…
Medical considerations
First and foremost, you should seek the advice of your doctor before you set off and ensure they feel you’re up to the trip you plan to take. They may have some other advice that’s not listed in this post or considerations that take your unique condition into account.
If you’re travelling in Europe, ensure you have an up-to-date GHIC card. If you don’t already have one you can easily obtain one through Social Security or the Post Office. It could prove to be an indispensable item should you need medical attention in a European country.
Also make sure you have good travel insurance that covers you for pre-existing conditions, such as a stoma. If you’re struggling, The Ileostomy Association provides a specialist insurance scheme for holidays abroad.
Prepare a travel kit
It’s important to ensure you have all the supplies you will need whilst travelling. As a general rule of thumb we recommend taking double what you would usually require as it’s better to have too much than not enough.
At the very least, your travel kit should include:
- Spare appliances
- Any skin preparation products you normally use
- A bottle of water for cleansing
- Kitchen roll/wipes
- A small plastic bowl
- Some small disposable bags
- Baby/hand wipes
If possible, ensure your travel kit is part of your hand luggage to ensure that it’s always with you, especially in case your stowed luggage gets lost.
Please note: whilst flying your bag may become slightly inflated. This is due to the change in cabin pressure and it’s nothing to worry about as long as you have a filter on the bag. You can minimise the effect by monitoring your diet a few days before flying and avoiding fizzy drinks.
Staying comfortable when travelling
Travelling with a stoma can be comfortable and stress-free with a bit of preparation.
- Pack double your usual supplies, including pre-cut pouches, wipes, and disposal bags.
- Keep essentials in your carry-on to handle any in-flight needs.
- Book an aisle seat near the toilet for easy access and empty your pouch before boarding.
- Stay hydrated, especially on long journeys, and avoid foods that cause gas.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing and consider a stoma support belt for added security.
- Carry a travel certificate to explain your medical supplies at security checkpoints.
- Please note: whilst flying your bag may become slightly inflated. This is due to the change in cabin pressure and it’s nothing to worry about as long as you have a filter on the bag. You can minimise the effect by monitoring your diet a few days before flying and avoiding fizzy drinks.
How to explain your stoma to security personnel if necessary
Travelling with a stoma requires thoughtful preparation to ensure comfort and confidence throughout your journey. Here’s how to manage airport security and handle potential leaks or emergencies while on the move. Airport security procedures can be managed smoothly with a few proactive steps:
- Inform security personnel: Before screening, discreetly inform the security officer about your stoma. You are not required to remove or expose your ostomy pouch during screening.
- Carry documentation: Bring a medical/travel certificate or a letter from your surgeon or Stoma Care Nurse explaining your medical condition. You could also take a copy of your prescription with your name and address for any stoma products. This can facilitate a smoother experience at security checkpoints
- Request privacy: If additional screening is necessary, you have the right to request a private area for the procedure.
- Use a Travel card: communicate your medical condition to security officers, ask your stoma care nurse if you are unsure where to get one.
Dealing with leaks and emergencies
Being prepared for potential leaks or emergencies can provide peace of mind:
- Pack an Emergency Kit: Include extra pre-cut stoma bags, skin barriers, stoma powder, travel-size wipes, disposal bags, scissors (in checked luggage), and hand sanitiser
- Choose the Right Equipment: Ensure your pouch fits properly. If your stoma is flush or retracted, a convex wafer may provide a better seal and reduce leaks
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain hydration, especially if you have an ileostomy or urostomy
- Monitor Your Diet: Before and during travel, avoid foods and beverages that can cause excessive gas or loose output, such as carbonated drinks, cabbage, and certain beans
- Plan for Restroom Access: Book an aisle seat close to the toilet on flights for easy access. Carry a RADAR key to access disabled toilets in the UK
Considerations for the sun, beach and/or pool
If you’re on a summer holiday, then it’s understandable that you might want to relax around the pool or on the beach. Ensure you have emptied your bag before you enter the pool and keep an eye on the adhesion.
Frequent dips in the pool combined with the warmer weather may mean you need to change your bag more frequently (another reason it’s a good idea to take more supplies than you would normally need).
If it’s hot where you are then it’s really important that you increase your fluid intake to prevent yourself from becoming dehydrated. It’s critical that you replace all salts and minerals as quickly as possible. If you’re in a country with an unreliable water supply, then stick to bottled water and avoid ice.
Have a local care plan
Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s a good idea to have a plan in case you need local care. Your stoma nurse might be able to help you with this and it may even be possible to get supplies out to you should you need them.
For more helpful advice, please visit our ostomate advice centre or our handy stoma care blog.
