The Best IBS Travel Tips

By Savannah

This past weekend I took a work trip and fly out to California. Every time I travel it can be difficult to manage my IBS. This can be for a lot of reasons, but primarily because I just can’t control everything.

And by that I mean - I can’t be certain of what I am eating, I don’t have access to my “usual meals” that are 100% certified as non-triggering. I am not always able to maintain my usual routines that help keep my gut and digestive system running smoothly.

Traveling can be so fun! But, also not-so-fun when my digestive system started to act up!

Here’s what I do to help my body stay on track when I’m not able to follow my usual schedule…

Travel Tips and Routines

Be Prepared

I always pack for my trip as if things will go wrong. I bring all my medications (just in case I do have an allergic reactions) with me and vitamins that I use on a daily basis. I always pack a few extra servings as well.

Pack Your Own Snacks

There have been countless times that I’ve been in transit and I need to eat lunch or want to grab a snack and I cannot find anything in the airport restaurants or booths that fits all my allergy needs. Even if they have a possible food, I cannot ensure that it won’t be accidentally contaminated. Sometimes I will just go for it anyways, but other days, I’d rather stay on the safe side!

A simple way to solve this problem is to pack snacks! I’ve found that planning ahead saves me in the long run.

Here are snacks I love to pack:

• Mixed nuts

• Fruit (like apples or bananas - but you have to be careful because they are easily bruised)

• Tea bags (airplanes will always give you hot water for your own tea)

• Jerky (if you eat meat)

• Bars

• Dried fruit

• Cereal (this one is just fun!)

I always pack a bit more than I think I’ll need, just in case.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

As you already probably know…water SOLVES (almost) EVERYTHING! Drink a lot of water as you travel. You’d be surprised how dehydrated most people get when they travel. Additionally, water really helps manage IBS. Traveling can sometimes upset or trigger IBS and water helps to soothe it.

Bring Ginger or Peppermint Tea

I previously mentioned it’s a good idea to bring your own tea bags. Ginger and peppermint are great for soothing the stomach and digestive systems, which can be easily upset with travel.

I hope these tips helped! Enjoy your (future) travels!