7 Smart Tips for Traveling with Incontinence

Travelling with incontinence can be hard, learn how Elitone can decrease your leaks to make travelling easier.

We receive questions all the time about summer vacations (and incontinence), so we thought we would address the biggest concern :

Traveling should be something you look forward to. A change of scenery, time to relax, and moments you want to enjoy without worry. But if you deal with bladder leaks or urgency, the thought of traveling can bring stress instead of excitement.

Long flights, unfamiliar bathrooms, disrupted routines, and limited access to care can all make incontinence feel harder to manage away from home. The good news? With a little preparation, travelling with incontinence can feel far more manageable, and even empowering.

What’s the best way to handle traveling with incontinence?

Clinical research and personal experience have taught us that women who suffer from urinary leaks frequently stay close to home or only visit places where they know there’s an accessible bathroom. With Summer here, beach trips and family events are fast approaching. For those of us with urine leaks, this time of year and the thought of venturing out to the beach and new locations can create a lot of anxiety.

Elitone stimulates weakened pelvic floor muscles to reduce bladder leakage.

Life SHOULD NOT be dictated by your bladder. And your leaks SHOULD NOT get in your way of living life to the fullest and spending time with family. Here’s how to prepare for your next trip with incontinence.

Pack Extra Clothing: Even if you don’t think you need it or it means paying extra in baggage fees, having extras of essentials like pants and underwear will give you some much-needed peace of mind. Vacation isn’t supposed to be stressful! Also, if staying at a hotel, consider calling ahead to see if there are guest laundry facilities, or ask the receptionist the location of the nearest laundromat.
Be Prepared With What You Typically Use: Whether you’re going on a road trip or taking a flight, make sure you have incontinence products at the ready. If you use pads, make sure you bring more than you think you’ll need. This especially goes for if you’ll be in a foreign country or without a car. You might also consider bringing extra toilet paper or tissues in case you run into a poorly maintained rest area. Travel-size items like hand sanitizer, baby powder, or toilet seat disinfectant could also come in handy.
Be Airport Ready With Your Carry-On: Flying isn’t what it used to be, so take some extra precautions to make it as comfortable as possible. If you won’t have access to your luggage, make sure you have an extra change of clothes in your carry-on.
Know Where You Are & The Location of Restrooms: Keep tabs on any public restrooms you see and consider downloading an app like Flush – Public Toilet Finder for fast help finding a public bathroom or restroom near you.
Eat & Drink Smart: While you should always try the local cuisine, don’t overindulge in spicy or acidic foods that could irritate your bladder. If you must, try to do it at dinnertime, so it won’t compromise a day full of activities. When en route to your final destination, you’ll try to stay away from liquids. Having a few pieces of hard candy to suck is a great way to curb your thirst until you’ve reached a location where bathrooms are more accessible.
Know How to Handle An Emergency: If your leaks can be severe, keep a small bottle of white vinegar or rubbing alcohol on you. Both will kill germs and neutralize odors without damaging upholstery and can usually be found just about anywhere you go.
Begin Treatment to Reduce Your Leaks: It’s possible to give up leaking; not travel. Female stress urinary incontinence solutions like Elitone have been proven to reduce and possibly eliminate urinary leaks in as few as six (6) weeks. Think, if you begin treatment, you’ll be on your way to regaining control and confidence!

Did we miss a tip for traveling with leaks?! Send us your tips or tricks and we’ll make sure to pass them along.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel if I have bladder incontinence?

Yes. Bladder incontinence does not prevent you from traveling safely. With a bit of planning, such as packing backup supplies, staying aware of restroom access, and managing common triggers.

Why do bladder leaks feel worse when I travel?

Travel can disrupt your normal routine and affect bladder function. Sitting for long periods, increased stress, changes in hydration, and consuming bladder irritants like caffeine or alcohol can all make symptoms feel more noticeable.

Should I drink less water when traveling to avoid leaks?

No. Reducing hydration can actually irritate the bladder and worsen urgency. It’s better to sip water consistently and limit known irritants rather than cutting fluids altogether.

What should I pack for incontinence when flying or driving long distances?

It’s helpful to pack absorbent liners or pads, a spare pair of underwear, wipes, and a small disposable bag in your carry-on or purse. Having supplies easily accessible can reduce anxiety and make travel feel more manageable.

Are there exercises I can do to help bladder control while traveling?

Pelvic floor exercises can help support bladder control, but many women find traditional Kegels difficult to perform correctly. Consistency is also challenging when routines change during travel.

What type of clothing is best for travelling with incontinence?

Comfortable, breathable fabrics and darker colors can help boost confidence. Choosing clothing that’s easy to change can also provide peace of mind during long trips.

Does stress make incontinence worse while traveling?

Yes. Stress and anxiety can increase muscle tension and bladder sensitivity, which may worsen symptoms. Feeling prepared and supported can help reduce this stress and improve overall comfort.