Crohn's Travel Tips

Before Departing

• It is easiest to travel when you can take your medication with you and administer it yourself. If your therapy has to be given in a healthcare setting, be sure to schedule your travel between appointments. Otherwise, make advance plans with a physician or a clinic at your destination.
• Contact your health insurance company about coverage rules while you are away.
• Pack a "bathroom kit" and carry it with you. Include extra underwear, tissues, antibacterial hand wash, plastic bags and anything else you may need if you encounter a lavatory that is not clean or properly stocked.
• Carry bottled water so you can always take pills when you need to.
• Ask your physician's advice about taking anti-motility medication before you leave home.
• Ask your physician's advice about treating traveler's diarrhea should you develop it while traveling.

Bring Needed Documents and Medications with You

• Keep your doctor's phone number and your health insurance card in your wallet.
• Carry a statement from your physician, summarizing your medical history and medications.¹
• Carry all prescriptions with you in their original pharmacy bottles. Do not expose them to extreme temperatures or sunlight. Keep them dry.
• Pack enough medications for an additional day or two beyond your trip, in case of unexpected delays on the way home.
• Have written, back-up copies of all prescriptions.¹

Know How and When to Find a Doctor

• Ask your doctor for a list of physicians in the cities you plan to visit.¹
• Ask your doctor to write out a plan of action for you, in case your condition worsens while you're away.

Have a Strategy for Each Mode of Travel

• By Air²

• Make your seat reservation when you book your flight. You will likely want an aisle seat near a lavatory.
• Remember that there are long periods during take-off and descent-for-landing when passengers are not allowed to use the lavatories. Plan ahead.
• Check with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration for the most current information before traveling with medication (www.tsa.gov).

• By Bus²

• Call ahead to be sure your bus will have a lavatory on board.

• By Car²

• Research your travel route, and plan a route along well traveled roads. Remember that most fast food chains, supermarkets, and "big box" hardware and home furnishing stores have free parking and public restrooms.
• If you are anxious about the drive, pack a book or sewing project to distract you from worrying.
• Share your concerns with your traveling companions. Be sure they understand that you may unexpectedly need to stop quickly and find a rest room.

Precautions to Avoid Traveler's Diarrhea

• If traveling to exotic or developing countries, all travelers are at risk for GI/bowel problems. People with Crohn's disease need to be especially careful.
• Be vigilant about clean water. Drink only water that has been boiled, or bottled mineral water, even when brushing your teeth.² Avoid noncarbonated beverages such as ice tea and fresh juices. Skip the ice cubes. Don't swallow water when swimming and showering.¹
• Avoid raw vegetables or salads.¹
• Never eat prepared food, such as potato salad and canapés.¹
• Talk to your doctor ahead of time for recommended treatment of traveler’s diarrhea, should it occur.

Danger Signals. Contact a physician immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

• High fever, and shaking chills;
• Profuse bloody diarrhea;
• Severe abdominal pain and/or abdominal distension, especially with abdominal tenderness or nausea and vomiting;
• Fainting or dizziness when standing up;
• Marked decrease in urine.¹