Manage your incontinence symptoms away from home

Learn practical travel tips for managing your bladder and bowel symptoms on holiday.

Can you travel if you have bladder or bowel incontinence?

Travelling with bladder or bowel incontinence can feel challenging. Concerns about finding toilets, managing symptoms, or having supplies on hand may make the idea of leaving home stressful. The good news is that many people living with incontinence continue to travel, including long car trips, flights, and holidays, with the right preparation.

Travel tips for managing incontinence away from home

A little preparation before your trip can make travelling with incontinence much easier. Taking practical steps ahead of time can help you feel more relaxed and in control, so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Small steps, such as packing essential supplies and knowing where restrooms are located along your journey, can make travelling more manageable and help reduce stress. Here are some helpful tips to consider when planning your travels:

Create a packing checklist

Make a list of important items such as medications, waterproof bed protectors, continence products, and other personal care supplies. A checklist can help ensure you don’t forget anything important and give you peace of mind before you leave.

Pack a travel kit

Keep a small, easy-to-access bag with essentials such as pads or protective underwear, wipes, hand sanitiser, disposable bags, and a change of underwear or clothing. Having supplies close by can help you feel more prepared and confident during your journey.

Allow extra travel time

Give yourself additional time when travelling through airports or on long journeys so you can visit the toilet when needed without feeling rushed. If you're driving, plan regular stops at rest areas with bathroom facilities. Building in these breaks can help reduce stress and make the trip more comfortable.

Maintain your routine

Try to keep to your normal fluid intake and bathroom habits where possible. Reducing fluids too much can lead to dehydration, which may irritate the bladder. Instead, sip water regularly throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once to help manage urgency.

Notify travel companions

If you’re travelling with others, sharing your needs can help them support you if unexpected stops or extra time are needed. Knowing others are aware of your situation can also help reduce worry during the journey.

A blue circular restroom sign shows male and female symbols with an arrow pointing to the right.

Essential tips for finding restrooms

Before you begin your journey, it can be helpful to identify where bathrooms are located along the way, whether at airports, train stations, service centres, or rest stops. Many navigation apps and airport maps now show restroom locations, which can make planning ahead easier and help you feel more prepared while travelling.

If you are travelling within Australia, the National Public Toilet Map can also be a useful tool. This resource lists more than 19,000 publicly accessible toilets across the country. It provides helpful details such as accessibility features, opening hours, and available facilities, making it easier to plan your route and find suitable restrooms when you need them.

Finding nearby toilets
Searching for toilets in your destination
Providing directions via a map or displaying locations on a list

Access the National public toilet map here

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