Key takeaways
- If you have ulcerative colitis (UC), preplanning for camping and outdoor trips can help you enjoy your time away. Key steps include researching bathroom locations along your route and at your destination, bringing extra toilet supplies and clothing, and refilling prescriptions with a few days’ extra medication
- To manage UC symptoms while camping, stick to your usual diet (low fiber fruits and vegetables, refined grains, lean protein), stay hydrated with bottled water and sports drinks, and bring antidiarrheal medications and any needed supplements.
- Before your trip, talk with your doctor to confirm you’re healthy enough for planned activities and create a flare management plan. Also, find a local gastroenterologist and hospital near your campsite in case of emergency.
Having UC shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the outdoors. You just need to do a little preparation to ensure that your trip is fun and worry-free.
When you have UC, you may feel a sudden, urgent urge to use the bathroom.
If you’re driving to your destination, locate all the rest stops along the way. Choose the route that has the most public restrooms, even if it’s longer. Bring along an “I Can’t Wait” card to get access to bathrooms in restaurants and stores on your route.
Call ahead to ask about the bathroom situation at your campsite or the park where you’ll be hiking. Make sure your campsite has the type of facilities you’ll be comfortable using.
An outhouse may not cut it during an emergency. You may prefer a bathroom with private toilets and showers. Ask whether the campsite or park has bathrooms for people who need extra support.
Check that a restroom is close to where you’ll be sleeping. Hiking a long distance in the middle of the night won’t be fun or safe.
To avoid the bathroom issue entirely, consider renting a camper van. Then you’ll have your own toilet whenever you need it.
Along with your clothes, pack an ample amount of toilet supplies, including:
- toilet paper
- wipes
- ointment
- plastic bags to carry soiled clothes
- hand sanitizer
- a flashlight (to find the restroom at night)
Also, bring several extra changes of clothes and underwear — more than you’ll need for the number of days you’re staying. Bring detergent to wash your clothes in a restroom sink or stream.
If you have an ostomy, bring extra supplies such as belts, barrier strips, and wipes. Carry more than you think you’ll need since your bowel habits can change when you travel.
Bring enough of your medications to last the entire trip, plus a few days extra. It’s good to have more on hand in case you get stuck and can’t get home right away.
If your medication usually goes in the fridge, pack it in a cooler. Make sure you’ll have access to a refrigerator or buy enough ice to keep your medications cold the whole trip. Some camper vans come equipped with a fridge.
Carry a copy of your prescription and your doctor’s phone number for refills or other emergencies. Also, keep your insurance card with you.
Bring along any over-the-counter medications or supplements you might need while you’re away, including:
- antidiarrheal medications
- pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- iron, folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin D supplements
Call your health insurance company and ask whether they’ll cover any medical care you need while you’re away. That way, you won’t get a surprise bill. Consider buying travel insurance that will reimburse you if you need to cancel your trip for medical reasons.
Stick to your UC diet plan while you’re away. Food choices may include:
Bring a few snacks for each day. Eating five or six small meals may be easier for your body to tolerate than three large meals.
If you’re on a liquid diet, ask your doctor whether it’s available as a powder to mix with water. Then you won’t need to refrigerate it.
Invite your partner or a friend to join you on the trip. Make sure it’s someone you trust and who knows about your condition. They’ll give you company and some extra help if you run into trouble.
Drinking plenty of water is important if you have frequent diarrhea. Bring along bottled water and sports drinks to replenish the sodium and other electrolytes you lose from UC. Take sips throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Be careful about drinking water from sources that may be unclean, such as the sink or shower at a campground. Avoid swallowing water when swimming in a lake or pool. It could contain bacteria or chemicals.
Let your doctor know what you’ll be doing on your trip. Check that you’re cleared to travel and that you’re healthy enough to engage in any planned physical activities.
Work with your doctor to create a plan for UC flares while you’re away. If you have an ostomy, ask your nurse how to care for it during your trip.
You never know when your disease might flare up. It’s a good idea to have the name of a gastroenterologist and a hospital near your campsite in case of emergency.
Ask the doctor who treats your UC to recommend someone. Or, search the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s database.
UC shouldn’t limit your ability to stay active. If you want to hike, kayak, or climb a mountain, do it — as long as you’re healthy enough.
Tailor your activity level to how you feel. Don’t try to do too much when you’re in the middle of an active flare. Rest and give your body time to recover.
Tips for travelling with ulcerative colitis include:
- making a checklist of necessary items
- finding the locations of the nearest restrooms
- packing extra toilet paper
- bringing your prescriptions and any antidiarrheal medications
Ways to control bowel movements when traveling include:
- maintaining hydration
- eating enough fiber
- staying active
- remembering to bring and use your prescriptions and antidiarrheal medications
UC shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the great outdoors. You can go hiking, camping, and do just about anything else you enjoy, provided you prepare in advance.
Check with your doctor before you go, look into the bathroom situation at your destination, and bring along all the supplies you’ll need for your stay.