Holidaying with incontinence: expert tips for a worry-free getaway

Worried about incontinence spoiling your holiday or that of your travel partner? Travel writer Teresa Machan provides expert advice and practical solutions for confident travel

Incontinence happens to many of us – 3 million in fact, according to Age UK [1]. Whether you are experiencing incontinence due to an operation or medical condition or have been managing it for years, you don’t have to forgo a holiday because of it.

However, with the right apps, products, packing and travelling tips, you can overcome most incontinence concerns. Here’s how.

Apps and tools to access the closest toilet

Technology has made locating public toilets much easier. If you’re travelling, you might find it useful to consider apps, such:

• Flush Toilet Finder (Worldwide travel)
• Great British Public Toilet Map (Holidays in the UK)

Age Co product partner Vivactive, which offers a wide range of disposable and absorbent products, also supplies a handy toilet card and RADAR key, giving access to thousands of toilets across the UK.

Sean Gallon, brand manager at Vivactive, explains how it works: “It allows you to discreetly let someone know that you need access to their bathroom – good for places that might not typically allow access – and the RADAR key gives access to over 9,000 disabled toilets across the UK.”

Buying a Disabled Toilet Key

At the time of writing, a key and card set costs £4.49. However, if you are registered as disabled, some local authorities supply these free. A digital version of the Vivactive toilet card will become available this summer.

Other toilet tips for your travels

• Please keep in mind that not all toilets will be open 24 hours or seven days a week. If you need a toilet in the early hours or late at night, look for your nearest 24-hour fast-food chain, which should have facilities available.
• Book an aisle seat nearest to onboard facilities whether on a bus, ferry, train or plane.
• Before you travel abroad, it’s wise to search online for the phrase “Where is the nearest toilet?” in the local language and bring coins in the local currency for pay toilets.
• You can always bring a second suitcase to fit extra pads and clothing. However, for added reassurance, you could call your accommodation in advance to see if they accept delivery services (Amazon is not available in all countries) in case you want extra essentials to arrive during your stay.

Essential incontinence products to take on holiday 

When travelling it is recommended to stick to incontinence products you normally use at home, according to Gallon. However, you should prepare for daily activities and anything that might irritate or stimulate your bladder or bowel, such as carbonated beverages, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate and spicy foods.

When it comes to packing, if you or your travel companion do not already have clothes with stretchy waistbands or Velcro fasteners, consider getting some for quick dressing and undressing.

A small bag or travel-sized rucksack, with essentials to keep on you at all times, could include:

• Hand and incontinence wipes
• Scented nappy bags
• Barrier and chafing cream
• With the right incontinence products, you won’t need them, but just in case, an emergency pair of dark, lightweight quick-drying trousers or shorts that can be washed in a sink and dried overnight

Disposable bed pads and incontinence disposable underwear could also provide added reassurance against night-time leaks.

If you are travelling for a considerable time at sea, you can plan ahead. Some specialist suppliers, such as Mobility at Sea, offer delivery of incontinence pads or mobility products to your ship – sent straight to your cabin [2].

For swimming or spa visits, brands like Splash About [3] offer stylish incontinence swimwear for men and women.

Travel insurance: what to consider

Regardless if your incontinence or that of your travel companion is due to ageing or a medical condition (e.g. prostate cancer, urinary obstruction or neurological disorders), it’s wise to secure travel insurance.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the UK GHIC/UK EHIC card will not always cover all medical emergencies, such as repatriation, treatment in a private medical facility or ski or mountain rescue. That is why the UK government advises when travelling abroad to purchase private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.

Travel insurance can also cover you against non-health related incidents, such as unexpected cancellations and lost belongings.

Find out more about Age Co Travel Insurance here.

Protection for cruise holidays

Heading offshore? Ask your travel insurance provider about cruise cover, suggests Chris Rolland, CEO at Age Co’s travel insurance partner AllClear.

“Cruise passengers should make sure they are covered for any medical emergencies on board, as well as a potential medical evacuation,” he says.

Rolland adds, “They should also declare any pre-existing medical conditions to make sure they are covered by the policy.”

Please note: the Reciprocal Healthcare Arrangement between the UK and Guernsey requires treatment for pre-existing conditions, such as dialysis or chemotherapy, to be arranged prior to travel.

Summary

Continence issues are more common than you might think. “I’d encourage people experiencing incontinence to live their life to the fullest and to travel if they are able,” says Vivactive’s Gallon.

To get the most of out your next adventure, keep these top tips in mind:

• Consider downloading toilet finder apps to your phone, there are UK and worldwide options available.
• Some travellers take an extra suitcase, so they have space for any bulky incontinence products. However, you can also research to see if a delivery might be possible to your hotel.
• Consider getting some clothes with stretchy waistbands or Velcro fasteners to help make trips to the toilet easier.
• Keep a small bag of essentials with you throughout the trip, such as wipes, spare underwear, chaffing cream, and nappy bags.
• Travel Insurance can provide vital cover for medical and other unexpected emergencies, such as cancellations or theft. Click here to find out more about Age Co Travel Insurance.

With these tips and resources, there’s no reason why incontinence should stop you from enjoying a fantastic holiday.

[1]  UK Incontinence Guide

[2] Mobility at Sea

[3] Splash About