The summer holiday season is fast approaching and whether you are going abroad or staying in the UK, we’re here to help you feel more confident, comfortable and in control of your IBS.

Planning a trip away can be a huge challenge when you live with IBS. The uncertainty of travel and the accessibility of toilets can cause a lot of stress. But with planning and preparation, it is possible to enjoy time away, without letting your IBS get in the way.

Prepare

Most people would agree that they don’t look forward to packing, but it has to be done! If you give yourself plenty of time in the week before, the chances are, you’ll feel more in control and avoid forgetting the most important items. Go through your IBS emergency kit supplies and see what items you need to include before your trip. The IBS Network has a summer travel pack to help you better manage your IBS this holiday season.

The pack includes one box of disposable soap paper containing 20 soap sheets, five coin towels, one hygiene hook, one RADAR key (useful if you are holidaying in the UK) and one 60ml hand gel. The pack is just £12.90 (£14.55 if bought separately) including second class postage and packing.

Plan meal and snacks

Skipping meals to avoid going to the toilet can make your IBS worse. Taking a few gut-friendly snacks and water with you can help you manage your symptoms better until you can eat a proper meal. If you are travelling to a country where you haven’t been before and want to try the local cuisine – do your research beforehand. If you are travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, it’s very helpful to create a list of translations for trigger foods to avoid.

Don’t forget your Can’t Wait Card with international travel card

If you worry about getting access to a toile when you need one, our Can’t Wait Card is available to help you gain access to toilet facilities when you most need them. Simply present your card in public places or stores and ask if you can use their toilet. Although the card is not guaranteed to give you access to toilets, they are widely accepted and acknowledged.

The international travel card, which comes with your Can’t Wait Card, contains a number of translations of the ‘Can’t Wait’ message, which can be used to find a loo in countries from Germany to Pakistan. Perfect for travelling or taking on your holiday. Be sure to pack yours this summer.

Members of our network receive a Can’t Wait Card as part of their membership. You can join from just £24 a year.

Or you can buy the cards in our online shop. Purchase your ‘Can’t Wait’ card and international travel version here.

Keep your mind busy

Take the stress out of travel by occupying your mind with reading, watching a film, or doing a puzzle to make the time go faster and distract yourself. If you’re more relaxed. you’re less likely to experience IBS symptoms.

Keep a wellbeing diary

Write down what you’re eating and how you’re feeling. Our 12-week wellness diary is designed to help you better understand your symptoms and triggers. Purchase one here.

Don’t forget your go-to treatment

If you have a medication that helps you calm your symptoms during a flare up, be sure to pack it. That way, you’ll be prepared and hopefully better able to cope if you have a flare up. Remember to keep your medication in its original packaging in case customs want to check them.

Drink plenty of water

It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re travelling or seeing the sights, but it’s important, especially if you have IBS-C. Hot weather can also increase the risk of dehydration, so be sure to drink extra non-alcoholic fluids.

Learn to meditate

Meditation is a term used for a variety of techniques that involve focusing your attention on the here and now. It induces calm and relaxation, removing stress and anxiety, to help you better cope with the day-to-day stress of living with IBS. Find out more in The IBS Network’s self-care programme. https://www.theibsnetwork.org/the-self-care-programme/

Relax

Once you’ve done all the packing and preparation, sit back, relax and enjoy yourself the best you possibly can.

Don’t forget to order your summer travel pack.

They’re designed to help you better manage your IBS this holiday season. The pack includes one box of disposable soap paper containing 20 soap sheets, five coin towels, one hygiene hook, one RADAR key (useful if you are holidaying in the UK) and one 60ml hand gel. The pack is just £12.90 (£14.55 if bought separately) including second class postage and packing.

Order yours today.