Digestive symptoms can make travel tough.
Changes in routine, diet, sleep, hydration, and stress can trigger flare-ups, and dealing with symptoms away from home adds emotional stress.
Travel Tips to Keep Your Gut on Track
A vacation should be a time for relaxation and new experiences, but for individuals with gastrointestinal (GI) concerns, travel can bring up symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
Planning ahead will help you feel more confident and prevent digestive upsets from ruining your trip.
Before you travel:
- Pack a GI travel kit. Include prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, and other essentials so you’re prepared if symptoms arise.
- Bring hydration support. Pack a reusable water bottle and electrolyte packets to help prevent dehydration, especially during long travel days.
While you’re traveling:
- Keep moving. Take short walks or stretch during flights and road trips to reduce discomfort.
- Stick to familiar foods when possible. Eat regular meals, choose foods you know your body tolerates, and limit new foods to reduce the risk of flare-ups.
- Prioritize sleep and manage stress. Poor sleep and travel-related anxiety can worsen GI symptoms, so build in time to rest and use strategies that help you stay calm.
If symptoms flare:
- Focus on what you can control. Stay hydrated, eat easy-to-digest foods if tolerated, and take medications as directed by your doctor.
- Talk to your travel buddies. Sharing your needs with trusted travel companions. Let them know that you may need extra bathroom breaks, flexible meal options, or occasional downtime.
- Know when to seek medical care. Contact a doctor if symptoms become severe, persistent, or interfere with your ability to stay hydrated.
For more practical tips, read the full Oshi Health article on traveling with GI symptoms.
Meet with a GI Doctor on the Go!
Lennox medical plan members (age 18+) have FREE access to Oshi Health, a virtual gastrointestinal (GI) care clinic – no referral required, unlimited visits, and you don’t need to have a pre-existing GI diagnosis!