After a long winter, the thought of traveling to an exotic destination for spring break often sounds enticing. No matter which destination you choose, we have tips to help keep your bladder under control and comfortable for your trip. Here are some tips for traveling with incontinence so you can make the most of your travels.

Include bathroom stops in your itinerary

As you research your transportation and destination options, take the time to find locations with clean bathrooms along the way. Knowing where restrooms are located can help you avoid accidents and take the stress away of struggling to find a bathroom in a hurry. Before booking plane tickets, try to choose an aisle seat as close to the bathroom as possible. If you might need to change clothes during the flight, try to find an airplane with dual aisles. Wide-body planes are required to have wheelchair accessible bathrooms while narrow-body planes with single aisles are not. For road trips, big chain travel centers and state-sponsored rest stops usually have rigid schedules for cleaning their bathrooms. Small gas stations with a restroom on the side of the building can be safety hazards and are best avoided. Free apps like SitorSquat and Flush can be helpful, especially if you need a handicap accessible restroom. To find some truly magnificent facilities for your trip, check out the Best Restroom Hall of Fame!

Be prepared with extra supplies

When packing for your trip, leave enough space in your bags for incontinence supplies. It is best to overestimate your needs and bring a little extra in case of delayed flights, traffic jams, or changes in plans. If you don’t want to pack incontinence products in your luggage, consider having them sent directly to your hotel (just don’t forget to call beforehand to inquire about their policy for receiving shipments). Also, keep in mind that restrooms often have longer lines during peak holiday seasons. You might consider using products with more absorbency during long flights or car rides to provide extra protection. Briefs can hold more leakage in case of an accident and ease your mind if you can’t use a restroom right away!

Food and drink

Sampling exclusive restaurants and local specialties are favorite pleasures for vacations! You might want to skip the alcohol and enjoy some mocktails instead. Alcohol causes the kidneys to make more urine so you’re more likely to have an accident after having a few drinks. Instead, stick with non-alcoholic beverages so that your urine stays a light straw color. Your bladder is less able to hold onto urine when it is dark and concentrated. When dining out, local cuisines with lots of spices can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms of incontinence. Local tropical fruits like passionfruit, mangos, guava, dragon fruit and pineapple taste delicious and can help you stay regular during your trip. You don’t want to be making more trips to the bathroom because of constipation.

Enjoy your swim

Don’t be afraid to enjoy some time at the beach or a dip in the pool! You can’t use regular incontinence products underwater, but Swimmates adult swim briefs are made from slim, tight-fitting materials that can be worn discreetly under a swimsuit. Swimmates do not expand, get soggy or break apart when they get wet. They are safe to use in swimming pools so you can enjoy the water with dignity and confidence!

Final thoughts

Don’t let incontinence get in the way of a fabulous spring break trip. With the right planning and supplies, you can have a wonderful time in the sunshine. The HomeCare Hospital Beds team of experts is ready to help you do this with a variety of incontinence supplies. For more information, call us today at 877-414-0002 or email us at info@homecarehospitalbeds.com.

**The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having a severe and sudden change in physical or mental health, please call 911, contact a local emergency facility or consult with your doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider, and never disregard the advice given because of information you have received from our website.**