General tips

• Before you book a big, long adventurous trip away, start with short trips away from home to build up your confidence. 

• Before you go, make a checklist of things you’ll need to take with you.

• Check in with your stoma nurse before you go – they may just have thought of something you haven’t considered or didn’t know!

• If you normally use closed pouches, consider taking some drainable pouches in case you need to empty in a hurry but can’t afford a full bag change for whatever reason. Ensure you practice in the comfort of your own home before you travel so you’re comfortable with how it all works.

• Remember you have a legal right to privacy and dignity as an ostomate and person with a disability – an example being you should not have to lift your shirt to show your ostomy bag as proof to airport security staff. As an ostomate, you have protected rights under the international Charter of Ostomates’ Rights.

Before you go

Preparation is key for any traveller, stoma or not, and writing a list of what you need to do well in advance of your trip will ensure nothing is forgotten.

• If your stoma surgery is recent (within six months) of travelling, it is essential you check with your consultant/surgeon, and/or GP that you are fit to fly.

• If you’ve recently had surgery, there’s a higher risk of developing blood clots on long flights, so talk to your stoma nurse about compression stockings and other measures they might recommend for your travels.

• Once you’ve got the green light to travel from your healthcare professionals, it’s time to get excited, and also time to order your supplies at least a month before you leave to ensure they arrive in time.

• Supporting documentation: Before you leave, contact your local STN, stoma association, and or GP for supporting documentation that outlines your condition and need for medical supplies. This will be instrumental in both your trip (for example at airports) and with your travel insurance provider. When you see them, make sure to ask for their top travel tips, and remember to bring a notebook and pen (or your phone) to write things down!

• If your chosen destination is a non-English speaking country, it’s well worth testing out your new language skills (DuoLingo, anyone?) by researching and writing down phrases related to your condition, such as ‘where is the closest toilet?’, or where you can purchase any necessary supplies.

• Details of your supplies: Carry information on all of your supplies, such as the manufacturer name, product code, size, etc. in case you need replacement products at any stage in your travels.

• Important numbers: Keep details of your stoma supplies supplier with you, such as your local STN, and the STN and/or stoma association in the location you are visiting in case you need assistance (which they may or may not be able to help you with). Have them written down in both a physical notebook and your phone, in case you lose one.

• Try new supplies before you travel: If you’re considering any new accessories or supplies, try them out at home before you travel. Most suppliers are keen to send samples.When booking flights – or even trains equipped with toilets – it’s a good idea to choose a seat near to toilet, even if it costs extra. The assurance of being nearby to one, which comes at a cost, is almost always worth it.

• Check the luggage allocation limits for both checked and carry-on luggage for all airlines and/or locations you will use and go to, as they may vary between them.

• NSW Stoma can provide you with a travel letter explaining your stoma and requesting you be provided with aditional luggage allowance. Unfortunaley, this is not guarranteed so check with your airline. 

• Did you know that Australia (and New Zealand) have reciprocal healthcare agreements with some countries? This means that as an Australian citizen or resident you may be eligible to receive medical assistance that covers the cost of medically necessary care when you visit certain countries. Check to see if your chosen destination is one of them before you go – countries include New Zealand, the U.K., the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Belgium, Slovenia, Malta, and Italy. Pretty neat! To find out more, go to Services Australia’s ‘Reciprocal Health Care Agreements’ page here.

Travel insurance

Researching and finding travel insurance isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s travel plans, but as an ostomate it’s especially important you have appropriate cover. Here are some tips to help you do just that:

• Once you have decided on your travel destination, ensure your insurance covers each country/location you are visiting. 

• Before insurers agree to provide cover, you will have to go through the insurer’s screening process. This generally involves completing a medical questionnaire or even a telephone call with a medical advisor. You must disclose your medical history, previous surgeries, and any pre-existing conditions, which will affect your insurance premium and level of cover. If you don’t accurately disclose your condition/s, it may impact the cover and/or rebate you receive if you end up in strife.

• Shop around and be prepared for the price sting. It is likely going to be more expensive than your travel insurance pre-stoma.

• Contact your local STN who may be able to point you in the direction of travel insurers that other ostomates have used.

Time to get packing!

• To reduce weight and bulk, remove as much packaging as possible.

• Consider using packing squares so they’re compact and well-organised. Air-compressing sealed bags is an option, too for maximum space-saving packing.

• Remember to pre-cut your supplies as scissors are not permitted in carry-on baggage.

• Other items not permitted in carry-on include flammable aerosols, powders, and gels, so check what you can pack well before you arrive at the airport. Some things you may need to put in your checked baggage instead.

• Have supplies in both your carry-on and your checked-in bags in case of lost baggage. Delays can also cause trouble, so you will want to have access to at least some supplies in your carry-on/handheld luggage.

• Pack double – yes, double – the amount of stoma supplies you normally go through. Remember: you can never be too prepared, but being underprepared/resourced can prove disastrous! Pack even more if you plan on swimming or spending a lot of time in the water.

• Consider taking adhesive remover wipes and barrier wipes instead of sprays.

• Add toilet paper, plastic bags, and cleansing wipes to your carry-on. They will be your best friends when it comes to cleaning up any messes while flying.

• Remember not all toilet facilities supply a rubbish bin so liberally pack and use plastic bags to limit smell (nappy bags work really well) and double or even triple-bag used items, pushing all air out before you tie them up.

• Pack a spare change of clothes – or two – for peace of mind.

• Be prepared, have peace of mind! A separate small travel kit containing items needed for a bag change should be kept close at hand to make visits to the toilet simple and discreet.

• Take clear, resealable bags for liquids under 100ml

• Pack rehydration sachets and diarrohea medications to ensure you stay hydrated and as regular as you can

• Our top tip? Keep a small emergency kit packed within your hand (carry-on) luggage with everything you need for a quick change. It may be your most valuable travel companion (after your spouse/child/best friend, that is!).

Storing your stoma supplies

• If you’re going somewhere warm – or hot! – ensure to the best of your ability that your stoma supplies – particularly your bags – don’t get too warm as this may affect the adhesive. Avoid leaving in luggage in a vehicle parked in the sun. 

• Keep your appliances in a cool bag or choose the coolest part of your accommodation to store them in.

At the airport
 

It’s not exactly everyone’s favourite place, but by being prepared, you can make your journey through the airport as smooth as possible. Here are our top tips for flying through the airport:

• Wear comfortable clothing to allow easy access to your stoma bag in case you need to attend to it in a hurry

• Arrive early and take your time. Stress and anxiety is not conducive to a good travel experience!

• After dropping off your check-in luggage, go to the toilet, empty your stoma bag, and ensure the base plate is secure

• Newer security scanners at airports usually detect stoma bags. It’s a good idea to tell the security staff before you go through that you have a stoma bag which will likely be detected. They will either do a gentle pat down (over the clothes) and/or a swab with a wand, or ask you to touch your appliance area then swab your hands to test for evidence of explosives. It is your right to request to go to a private room to do this, and they should offer to have staff the same sex as you to conduct the search.

• If you are going to a non-English speaking country, it’s a good idea to have a short, printed statement in their language explaining your stoma bag. 

• Empty your bag just before boarding as this will reduce the likelihood of needing to get up and go to the bathroom during turbulence. You can always request to use the toilet – even when the ‘no movement’ light is switched on – by advising the airline staff that you have a medical condition.

• Remember your sunflower lanyard! You may just find many flight attendants really like the part of their job assisting passengers with a medical condition.

• Restrictions apply to carrying liquids on board. Check with your airline/airport well in advance before departure.

• Request an aisle seat near the toilet. Air travel can make some people more ‘windy’ than usual. Consider using a drainable bag/pouch for this same reason.

• Before flying, it’s a good idea to avoid food which may cause excessive wind. It’s also a good idea to have frequent, smaller meals 24 hours before flying. Avoid spiced or fatty foods and fizzy or soft drinks. Avoid alcohol as this will dehydrate you and could also affect the transit of your food and drink.

• Relax and shop! Eating, enjoying a drink, and shopping duty-free in the airport is all part of the fun when travelling. When dining in the airport, it’s a good idea to eat slowly so you’re not swallowing excess air and avoiding the foods you know make you particularly ‘windy’. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, ensuring it is bottled and not tap water.

• Don’t forget to relax, enjoy the flight and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead!

Travelling by…

Air

• Always have enough ostomy products in your hand luggage, in case of emergency

• Remember to cut and prepare your stoma appliances before packing because scissors can only be packed in the check-in luggage

• Book an aisle seat, if possible, to make it easier to visit the toilet

• Plan ahead. A meal trolley can make it difficult to get to the toilet.

• Try to position the seat belt below or above your stoma

• Eat a light meal the day before to reduce output and gas.

• Pack wipes rather than adhesive sprays

• Most planes, especially larger ones, have baby change tables in at least one toilet cubicle, so ask your flight attendant when you board if that’s the case. Discreetly disclose you are asking as you have a stoma. You will likely find they are happy to help you.

Sea

• Cruise liners usually have medical staff facilities that can help you in an emergency

Rail

• Most trains have toilets but always check before you go.

• Not all trains have buffet facilities, so make sure you bring plenty of fluids to drink (bottled water) and something to eat.

Car/Bus/Coach

Remember there are usually toilets in service areas and petrol stations, so your next pit stop shouldn’t ever be too far away!

• Most coaches have toilets, but it’s a good idea to check before you book your journey.

• Don’t leave your supplies in a vehicle, especially in hot weather, as this can lead to issues affecting skin adhesiveness.

• For this reason, an insulated bag may be a good investment for carrying your stoma supplies.

• When travelling by road, try to plan your breaks around places that have adequate toilet facilities. Do your research before you leave. Most roadside cafes, restaurants, petrol stations, and hotels have toilet facilities, so don’t be afraid to ask if you can use them as you have a stoma and/or toileting disability. You will likely find most people are more than willing to help you.

• Remember to wear loose, comfortable clothing.

• Keep your fluids up.

• Do not miss meals before and during travelling. You may think skipping meals will lead to less output and therefore a reduced need to empty and/or change your bags, but this could actually lead to an adverse effect in your bowel and/or bladder habits that will be more trouble than it’s worth. Talk to your STN and/or GP or other specialist before you go for advice.

• If you get a hire care, it’s a good idea to put a towel or other protective barrier down in the unfortunate event of a leak. This goes for other spills, too, like coffee or other drinks in the car, so it’s not just because you’re an ostomate!

Swimming with a stoma

It’s normal to be apprehensive about swimming with a stoma. But actually, once the bag is wet, the adhesive of your appliance tends to become ‘tackier’ and sticks even better! How good is that!

Swimwear

The type of swimwear that can be worn depends on your personal preference, comfort, and the position of your stoma.

For the ladies

• If you want to wear a bikini, wear one! Be proud of your body and your confidence. If you don’t want to, that’s entirely okay too.

• A good swimsuit lining or double layer fabric supports your abdomen and helps hide your bag too.

• When choosing your swimwear, choosing a bold pattern and design can help camouflage bulges.

• If you choose to wear a bikini, a high-legged or high-waisted one may help cover your stoma. Alternatively, a tankini top (a vest-style-top) can help cover it along with high-waisted bikini bottoms.

• A sarong is a stylish choice to wear on the beach and at the side of the pool.

For the gentlemen

• If you’re happy wearing Speedos, wear Speedos!

• Swimming shorts are a popular choice for men with a stoma as they can be worn above the stoma site and are generally loose-fitting.

• If you can, choose swim shorts with a mesh lining that can help support your bag.

Other hints and tips for swimming with a stoma

• Changing your bag after swimming may mean you find the adhesive stickier than usual so when you try to remove it, it may peel off like chewing gum, leaving residual adhesive. For this reason, it’s a good idea to dry off the bag well and leave it on for a few minutes (or even longer), waiting for the adhesive to return to normal.

• You may opt to change to a smaller bag (such as a stoma cap) when going for a swim.

• If you have a colostomy and go swimming in the ocean, you can even opt to swim bagless! Many ostomates enjoy doing this.

• If you sunbathe or spend a lot of time in the sun, remember to cover your bag as the plastic of the pouch actually magnifies the heat and can affect the stickiness and durability of the bag against your skin.

• Remember no one is paying as much attention to your bag as you are! Enjoy your time at the beach, pool, and the simple pleasure of going for a swim.
  

Injury and illness

• If, unfortunately, you become unwell on your travels it’s important your familiar with your travel insurance policy cover and the local healthcare options, such as medical clinics, urgent care, and emergency departments of local hospitals. Although your travel insurance should reimburse you for the cost, it’s advisable to set an extra amount of money aside for unexpected medical costs.

• If you experience dehydration, reduced or increased output, fever, or any other symptoms of food poisoning or other sicknesses common when travelling, it’s important you seek medical advice after 24 hours if your symptoms have not been resolved. It is better to seek medical advice early than leave it until it gets worse and harder – and more expensive – to treat. Always remember your health is a priority.

• As an ostomate, you most likely have a high threshold of what you can tolerate in sickness or ill health. While you may be undeniably strong, it’s important to recognise when you need to seek medical help. A good way to look at it might be like this: consider what advice you would give to your friend (or an unwell stranger) travelling with you. If they were unwell, wouldn’t you advise they be checked out? Even just for peace of mind? Exactly!

• If the worst happens and you run out of supplies, contact ostomy suppliers in the country you are in (examples include Convatec, B.Braun, Coloplast, Dansac, and Hollister) for help. They more than likely will be willing to help an ostomate in need.

• The following supplies have lists on their website of countries where they have suppliers:

  • B.Braun

  • Coloplast 

  • Convetec 

  • Dansac 

  • Hollister
    

  • Omnigon (distribute Eakin and Welland products)

  • Salts Healthcare 

• The takeaway? There are people to help you, no matter where you roam!
   

Travel within Australia

Australia is a beautiful country which we’re lucky to call our own. No matter where you travel – whether to a city, a regional town, or the outback – there’s some great benefits to travelling our great nation as an ostomate, and many things that may make your travels more enjoyable and comfortable.

• The National Public Toilet Map. There’s an app for that! And a website. Head to toiletmap.gov.au or search your phone’s app store for ‘National Toilet Map’, an online tool by the National Continence Foundation that shows the location of more than 23,000 public and private toilets, adult change, and baby care facilities across Australia.

• Disability Toilet Card. If you choose to use a public wheelchair accessible (disabled) toilet (as is your right as a person with a disability) NSW Stoma can prove you with the following card:

 We proudly provide this card free of charge to all members when they join us. If you haven’t got one, or if you have lost yours, just email us at customer.service@nswstoma.org.au to request one and we will send you one. While the card won’t guarantee access to toilets in all instances, you will find most people and places are happy to help, so it’s well worth having on hand!

• Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) – Your KEY to private independence in public  

• We can provide a letter authorising you to access a MLAK (the Master Locksmiths Access Key), which allows 24/7 access to accessible public facilities for people with a disability.

• With a MLAK, you get access to dedicated public facilities, including facilities in national parks and many Council municipalities, elevators at railway stations, the new Changing Places facilities throughout Australia.

• To order your own MLAK, just email us at service@nswstoma.org.auand we’d be happy to help.

Food and drink

Be careful with what you eat and drink on your travels. A change in diet may just affect your bowel and/or bladder, including the dreaded ‘Bali belly’ or ‘traveller’s diarrhoea’. Here are some handy hints that may help you avoid trouble:

• Always drink bottled water abroad as a change in drinking/tap water may negatively impact you and lead to increased output and/or illness.

• Ensure the seal of bottled water has not been opened or tampered with by holding the bottle upside down to check for leaks.

• Allow fizzy and soft drinks to go flat first in order to reduce wind.

• As well as causing a nasty hangover, remember that too much alcohol will accelerate dehydration which could affect your output, so beware!

Other tips and tricks
 

• Empty often! It’s a good idea to empty a stoma bag when it is one-third to halfway full. It may seem like a nuisance, but it’s a lot better than creating a heavy bag which is more likely to pull away from the skin and cause a blowout or bag leak.

• Always keep your emergency pack within reach, including a hand towel which can be used to clean up quickly if you sense a leak.

• Keep stoma supplies safe. Lock them in your suitcase to prevent them being stolen (especially in so-called ‘developing countries’ where stoma supplies are expensive).

• Medications should always remain in original packaging.

• An accompanying doctor’s note confirming your medication and condition(s) can never go astray. Peace of mind always goes a long way, and it’s always better to be over-prepared than under!

Handy tips from other ostomates, your fellow members

• “Take supplies in carry-on” – Terry

• “Take plenty of supplies. Most airlines will allow extra baggage with medical needs as long as you notify them. We prefer cruising as you can set up in your cabin once for as long as you are there. I declare my stoma verbally on entry to security and bar being wanded and have never had an issue and have travelled a lot of the world. Go, go, go!” – Barry

• “Get a sunflower yard” – Claire’s Mum

• “My worst nightmare happened just recently on a flight from the Gold Coast to Sydney. Shortly after take-off, my bag had a blowout, and because I was in a window seat, I had to ask the people next to me to let me out. I was mortified and so embarrassed. Airline bathrooms are not the best place for a complete change. I decided there and then to never sit in a window seat again. Luckily my carry-on had all of my stoma supplies. No issues with cruising at all.” – Margaret

• “Travel with a letter from your Dr stating what the supplies are, and what your condition is.” – Prescilla

• “Some airlines require you to get preapproval for extra carry-on for medical supplies, so double check terms and conditions before you fly. After six weeks in South America and Antarctica last October/November, I ended up crossing my fingers on a couple of occasions and hoping for the best. I took three times as much as required which equated to 8kgs of medical supplies at the start of the trip… and I came home with around five days’ supply remaining. Don’t worry, I made up for the other 7.5kgs with souvenirs. Also, eat Minties or gummies prior your flight and take your Imodium.” – Lis

• “Double the supplies needed (half in my suitcase, half in hubby’s) in case of lost luggage.” – Kerry-Ann

• “Get travel insurance for your pre-existing condition. It could save your life. I have an end ileostomy. Four nights in ED/ICU in an Indonesian hospital is AUD$10k+. Take plenty of spare supplies. It’s hot in the tropics and even just lugging bags around you will perspire more. I change my bag more regularly. Always get an aisle seat. Drink lots of water before flying. You’re at altitude. It’s already a very low humidity, and air-conditioned environment. It’s cramped on a plane. Get up and walk to the toilet on the plane regularly. Keep things moving! Drink more water. Take lots of Hydralyte with you. Go easy on foods new to your digestive tract. Chew, chew, chew.” – Jeff

• “My set-up [from having a stoma and supplies allows me to be] on the road visiting family, friends, and camping and fishing trips. I can park in truck areas, rest areas, and change my colostomy odds and ends keeping it all neat and tidy.” – Mark

Lastly, something to keep in mind…
 

Work with your stoma, not against it. And remember, without your stoma saving your life – or at least hopefully making it more comfortable and manageable – you wouldn’t be able to travel at all.

go!

Sources

• Dansac 
• Omnigon 
• Salts UK

   

With special thanks to…

• Carol Quast, ostomate, traveller, and NSW Stoma Education Officer
• Renee Constantin, ostomate, traveller, and NSW Stoma Director
• Terry Miller, ostomate, traveller, and NSW Stoma volunteer
• Our members for their top travel tips