Good things to know before going away:
Clothes
- Wear something loose and comfortable if you need to sit for a long time in an uncomfortable and narrow airplane seat.
- Choose something with dark colours in case of leaks.
- Select clothing, which is easy to open or change. If you are a woman you might prefer a skirt, which is easier to pull up.
- Choose pants or a jacket with pockets for catheters.
- Choose a hotel with a washing machine in case you should need it.
Companion
If you travel with your family they probably know of your condition. That might not be the case if you travel with a friend or colleague. Consider if it is better to tell your travelling companion about your situation – you might need their understanding, flexibility or even help during the trip. It is far more easy to tell them in advance instead of in the middle of a difficult situation.
Doctor
Share your travel plans with your doctor or nurse well in advance, if you need special medication, switching to another product or if you need their advice regarding some of your activities.
Food and drinks
Often a change in environment and routine affects our digestion. Avoid constipation and dehydration, which can worsen your bladder problems. Make sure to drink enough water (avoid too much caffeine and sweet drinks) and try to eat food which is high in fibre. Read more in our ‘Diet and Nutrition’ theme. If you are not sure about the quality of the drinking water, buy bottled water.
Restrooms
- If you travel by plane, request an aisle seat near the bathrooms when you book your flight.
- Check out all the places you want to visit - restaurants, shops, theatres, museums or landmarks - to see if they have bathrooms – especially if you need a wheelchair-friendly one. Either find them on the internet or give them a call, if in doubt.
- Also check if it is common to pay a fee for using bathrooms and make sure to have small change in local currency on you.
- Learn the word for bathroom in the local language – also the pronunciation or simply carry a piece of paper with the word written on it. You can also use the WheelMate app for smartphones to locate the nearest public bathroom.
- If you have a disability it might be possible to get a card, you can show at restaurants, shops or other businesses if you urgently need to use their bathrooms without being a customer. This can be helpful for you when there are no public bathrooms in sight. Ask your doctor or your local handicap association about it.
Schedule
Plan your visits to the bathroom. If you travel by airplane, catheterise as close to boarding as possible. Plan all other bathroom visits during your stay allowing time before or after an event. Set a watch or phone alarm, if you worry that you might forget when it is time.
Security check
Show a travel certificate or a letter from your doctor, which documents your medical requirements. Ask for a private screening by the security staff, if you feel uncomfortable walking through the screener that they pick up pads or diapers or other medical devices in front of everyone else. You can download a travel certificate here.
Smart kit
Pack a small bag with all the things you need for catheterisation or in case you have an ‘accident’. See the list of relevant items in our article about packing a smart kit.
