Travelling abroad when you have a medical condition is not always straightforward, but is possible with forward planning. You need to be prepared and travel to some countries will be more difficult than others.

The standard of healthcare varies between countries. Toilet facilities and cleanliness may not be up to the levels you are used to. The key to preparation is to do your research.

Plan everything in advance. Keep yourself healthy before your trip by taking your medications and by doing and eating the right things. Take out health insurance before you travel.

The journey to and from your destination can be the most stressful part of travel if you have a condition like Crohn’s. 

The route and means of transport may be determined by the severity of your condition and how often you need to use the bathroom.

On any trip, take the shortest route with best access to toilet facilities along the way. Eat lightly before you make a trip.

If you are taking a road trip, you might want to plan the route that keeps toilets in relatively easy reach. You need to be wary of traffic delays and plan the timing of your trip accordingly.

When flying book your flight early and arrive for your flight well in advance. Request an aisle seat close to the bathroom. You may need to volunteer that you have a medical condition and would appreciate assistance with seating. Nowadays, with many internet bookings you can pre-select your seat online. This is a good idea and reassuring to know that it won’t prove an issue when checking in at the airport.

Plan your visits to the toilet around the boarding time and takeoff and landing. Make last minute ‘just-in-case’ visits to the toilet if you need to.

Carry all your medications for the trip onboard in case your checked-in luggage goes missing. Bring a change of clothes.

In the case where there are large queues such as security checks, ask politely if it is possible for you to avoid queueing.

In some countries, the general facilities are of the same standard as in Ireland. You shouldn’t have any particular problems when you travel to these countries.

The best way to keep a healthy digestive system when you are abroad is to eat in a good standard of restaurant where good hygiene standards are most likely to be maintained.

Special precautions are needed when travelling to less developed countries where the facilities are not as good. Your pre-travel research should give you a good indication of what to expect.

Minor stomach upsets and diarrhoea are common in travellers to less developed countries.
To minimise the chance of tummy troubles, only drink bottled water, avoid eating shellfish, salads and ice-cream and don’t accept ice in your drinks.

If you are travelling to a high-risk area for picking up a gastrointestinal infection, your doctor may advise that you take a broad spectrum antibiotic with you as a precaution.
There will also be a range of general vaccinations needed for travel to certain parts of the world.

Take prescribed medications in your hand luggage. Don’t rely on being able to buy your drugs when you are away from home.

When you go out for the day, carry the medications you need and leave your main supply back in the hotel.

If you do need to replace medications, bring a prescription with you to take to the local pharmacy or arrange to see a doctor.

Don’t buy medicines over-the-counter without advice from a health professional as certain medications are sold at different doses and strengths in different countries. Brand names differ all over the world, even in countries within the EU.

Seek the help of someone who can speak the local language as well as English if you do need medical advice. This can avoid confusion and misunderstanding.

For information on all your travel vaccination requirements, visit the Irishhealth.com
Travel Vaccination channel