Planning a holiday should feel exciting. But for people managing incontinence while travelling, it can become an anxious time. Worries about access to toilets, leaks during long flights, or how to explain things to others can cloud the experience before it even begins.
At Ontex Healthcare, we’ve created this guide to help. With practical tips and simple strategies, you can prepare for your trip and enjoy your time away without second-guessing yourself at every stop.
This article is for travellers across Australia who want to feel more at ease while on the move. You’ll find advice that supports your confidence, protects your comfort, and helps you travel on your terms.
We’ll cover what to pack, how to avoid common triggers, and how to build travel plans around your needs.
Ready to feel more confident on the move? Let’s get started.
Incontinence While Travelling: What to Pack
We’ve helped many travellers suffering from incontinence prepare for short holidays and longer adventures, and the same question always comes up: what should I pack to feel relaxed and ready?
Don’t worry, packing gets easier when you know exactly what works for you. And when incontinence is part of the equation, even small choices like what to wear or how much to bring can change the comfort level of your entire trip.
Let’s walk through the essentials.
Discreet Products That Keep You Comfortable
From our firsthand experience supporting travellers with continence needs, the most important step is choosing products that balance comfort and performance. Go for pads or briefs that are highly absorbent but still soft and breathable. At Ontex, we have a bunch of affordable products that meet those needs without feeling bulky or noticeable under clothing.
Before your trip, trial a few product options at home. Find the one that gives you confidence, then pack extras. Dark-coloured clothing and longer tops can also offer extra coverage without drawing attention.
Simple Packing Tips for Every Trip
Think of your packing as layers of backup. Keep a well-stocked set in your carry-on bag: pads, liners, wipes, plastic bags for disposal, and a skin barrier cream. It only takes a moment to pull together. Having this ready can save hours of stress if you run into unexpected delays.
In your checked bag, include a large supply of your usual products.
Travel can come with surprises. Having trusted items with you helps maintain your routine and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Seat and Surface Protection for Confidence
Seat covers and travel bed pads are sometimes a necessity. They fold flat, take up almost no room, and make a major difference when you’re staying somewhere new. We’ve seen how much more at ease travellers feel when they know they have reliable options in their bag.
Bladder Irritants to Avoid During Travel
Travel can easily throw off your eating and drinking habits. But even small changes to what you consume can reduce discomfort and help you manage symptoms more easily.
Some foods and drinks stimulate the bladder and can lead to more frequent or urgent bathroom trips. These include acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus, along with spicy or acidic foods in general. Coffee, alcohol, chocolate drinks, fizzy soft drinks, and other carbonated beverages can all make things worse by irritating the bladder lining or increasing fluid output.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 300,000 people experienced severe urinary incontinence in a single year, and poor fluid intake habits often play a role in symptom flare-ups.
Try sipping fluids consistently throughout the day instead of all at once. Carry a water bottle, but avoid drinking large amounts before long travel segments. This helps reduce bladder strain without risking dehydration.
Understanding which bladder irritants affect you most is the main thing. When you avoid bladder irritants that trigger your symptoms, you’re more likely to stay comfortable and avoid surprises.
Stick With Bladder Training While Abroad
A different schedule, new time zones, and long transport days can throw off even the best habits. But keeping up with your bladder training while away helps you stay in control and avoid stressful surprises.
Our team has worked with travellers managing incontinence, and over time, we found that consistency matters more than perfection. Here’s what makes a difference on the road:
- Set gentle reminders that align with your current routine. This helps your bladder stay in sync with your body clock, even if you’re in a new time zone.
- Do a few seated exercises during long flights or drives. Kegel exercises can help maintain pelvic strength without needing privacy or special equipment.
- Drink plenty of fluids in smaller amounts throughout the day. This keeps your bladder active but avoids sudden urgency.
Use tools like the National Public Toilet Map to plan for stops and easy access points, especially during long stretches without facilities. Skipping these steps can make you feel uncomfortable and rushed when you least expect it.
Travel Plans That Support Your Comfort
Feeling unsure about travel is common for people suffering from incontinence, but that doesn’t mean the plan has to be complicated. With the right travel plans, you can create a more relaxed experience from start to finish.
Start by giving yourself extra time between activities, and choose accommodations that make it easy to adjust your routine. These small decisions can ease anxiety and give you back control.
If you’ve been struggling to manage symptoms on your own, this is also a good time to seek professional help. A continence expert can offer personalised advice to improve comfort and confidence while travelling.
