Before going away

• Ensure you have an up-to-date travel insurance policy.
• Order adequate products for your journey, and make sure you order them well in advance, the last thing you want to do is run out when you're away!
• If you're travelling on an aeroplane, divide your supplies in different bags, just in case your luggage is lost or the flight is delayed.
• Note the name of your product(s) on the travel certificate and/or Coloplast around the world – taking a picture of them may also be a good idea.

Pack a smart kit

• Pack a smart kit including everything you might need in case something happens. Whether you are flying, driving or travelling by plane it is nice to have a your most needed supplies and personal belongings close.

TIP: It can be a good idea to order some compact catheters to bring along. Compact catheters have three main advantages on the go:

• Compact catheters are pre-lubricated, so they are ready when you are. This also minimised the chances of bacteria and thus UTIs.
• You can toss it in the trash or save it in your inner pocket after usage – discreet, simple and clean.
• It can hide in plain sight

Download a packing-list – and arrive with everything you need

We've created a packing list including must-haves, what to bring for a holiday by the beach, in the city or maybe outdoors, supplies, personal items and hygiene, clothing & accessories, gadgets, etc. – download it here

The temperature has an impact on your products, so think about how to pack, moving your supplies from the glove compartment in the car and bring some in your hand luggage if travelling by plane. Also, when using them be respectful of the impact of the climate and pay extra attention.

Storage of intermittent catheters

We recommend that you store your products at room temperature at all times. Shortly storing the products at extreme temperatures (below 0 degrees Celsius and above 60 degrees Celsius) though will not impact the quality of the product. Thus your catheters can be in the aircraft hold though it is cold. Be aware though that the colder the catheter is stored the stiffer it will feel. It may be a good idea to heat the catheter with your hands before usage. On the other hand; the catheter will be softer if stored at a warm place.

Hot climate affects urine bags

If you are using a urine bag and is spending time in a warmer climate, be aware that the sheath may stay shorter than usual as you will be producing more sweat. Thus it is important that you bring more sheaths than you are used to. 

When booking your ticket

When booking your ticket it might be a good idea to book a seat in the back row near the bathrooms as it might help take away some of your concerns and make you feel more confident as well.

Plan your visits to the bathroom – e.g. it can be a good idea to catheterise as close to boarding as possible, so that you don't have to worry when in the air.

Feel safer going through security

Prevent trouble at security by bringing a travel certificate - it explains your condition, the medical supplies you are carrying and why you might need support and privacy as you go through security.

Liquids in your hand luggage

None of the Coloplast catheters holds more water that the allowed limit.

It is possible to see the catheter through the packaging when your luggage goes through x-ray at the airport, which means that you do not have to open any of the catheters to show it.

Remember that there are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage. Liquids include: all drink, liquid or semi-liquid foods, cosmetics and toiletries, sprays, pastes, gels, contact lens solution and any other solutions and items of similar consistency*.

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage: containers must hold no more than 100ml, containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person.

For more information look at the website of the airport you are travelling from before going.

Be well-prepared

Check out all the places you want to visit to see if they have restrooms .This may be especially useful if you need one that is wheelchair accessible. You can find them on the internet or give them a call if you are in doubt. Also check if it is common to pay a fee for using restrooms and make sure to have small change in local currency on you.

Learning the word for “restroom” in the local language can be very helpful.

If you have a disability, it might be possible to get a card you can show. Ask your healthcare provider or your local association about it. 

Using a catheter – plan your schedule

Plan all bathroom visits during your stay/the day allowing time before or after an event. Set a watch or phone alarm, if you worry that you might forget when it is time.

Wheel-mate

The WheelMate app can help you locate restrooms and parking in many parts of the world. Not only can it help you find a restroom, previous visitors to that restroom can rate it and post on the site - and so can you.

Download WheelMate™ for iPhone/iPad or Android device

We can all allow ourselves to “cheat” occasionally, e.g. when we are on holiday, but the holiday can be cruel to our stomachs. Get tips on what to eat and drink for a carefree holiday.

When you travel in hot climates you risk becoming dehydrated. Most people should try for 1.5-2 litres of water per day – unless your healthcare provider says otherwise, and if it's hot outside you need to drink even more water. Drinking enough water is very important.

Water commandments

• If you are not sure about the quality of the drinking water, buy bottled water.
• Don’t brush your teeth in tap water – buy a bottle of water instead.
• Make sure to drink enough water (avoid too much alcohol, caffeine and sweet drinks as it increases chances of dehydration).
• You may also need to be careful with ice, fruits and vegetables depending on where you are travelling
• Keep a water bottle handy so you can take frequent sips of water.

How do you know if you've consumed enough water? One way to gauge your hydration level is to look at the colour of your urine. If you're well-hydrated, it will probably be pale and you'll be urinating more frequently.

What to think about when eating

• Whatever you eat, make sure it’s well prepared – especially fish and meat.
• Try to eat food which is high in fibre
• Don’t eat raw vegetables washed in tap water.

It can be very helpful for some people to eat pills including probiotics.** 

If you use an irrigation system

If you are going to use the system abroad, use bottled or cooled boiled water in places where the tap water is not safe to drink. Remember in different time zones your body may take a while to get used to a new routine. You may also be eating different types of food, which can affect the bowels.

It is well worth the trouble to find out in advance where and how you can get medical assistance at your travel destination. If going on a longer trip, you should check whether it is possible to get the supplies you need locally where you're going. Your regular supplier might even arrange delivery abroad for you, if you ask well in advance.

Also, take a look at the ‘Coloplast around the world’ and know who to contact at your destination for support.