What should I pay attention to when travelling with IBD?
IBD does not have to stop you travelling; it just rewards a bit of planning. Pack more medication than the trip needs, keep it in its original packaging in your hand luggage, and carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from whoever prescribes it. Talk to your IBD team in advance about what to do if you flare while away, and make sure your travel insurance actually covers your condition. On the trip, protect yourself from travellers' diarrhoea with bottled or boiled water, plan around toilet access, and stay well hydrated. With those basics in place, most people with IBD travel safely.
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A trip with IBD takes a little more preparation, but it is very doable. Most of the planning is about medication, paperwork and avoiding an upset gut far from home.
Medication and paperwork
Crohn's & Colitis UK advises taking "your medicines in their original packaging, including the patient information leaflet," and keeping "injectable medicine in your hand luggage," since the aircraft hold "can reach very low temperatures." Take "enough medicines for your whole trip, plus extra in case of delays," and carry "a copy of your prescription and a covering letter from your GP or whoever prescribes your medicine" (Crohn's & Colitis UK). The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation similarly suggests packing "at least three days' worth of supplies in your carry-on luggage" in case checked bags are delayed (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation).
Before you go
- Discuss your plans with your IBD team "as far in advance as possible," and ask "what you should do if you have a flare-up while you're away" (Crohn's & Colitis UK).
- Check that your travel insurance covers your Crohn's or Colitis, and declare the condition.
- If you take steroids, carry a steroid card or MedicAlert bracelet.
On the trip
- Avoid travellers' diarrhoea: use "bottled, boiled or sterilised water to drink, brush your teeth or prepare food" (Crohn's & Colitis UK).
- Plan around toilets: an aisle seat on a plane makes "bathroom access easier," and it helps to know where facilities are on long journeys (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation).
- Plan to stay hydrated, especially in hot climates and on long travel days; the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation flags hydration as something to think about while travelling (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation). It is worth extra attention if you have an ileostomy, so check fluid advice with your team before you go.