Chapter 11 · Staying Healthy & Living Your Life
Traveling with Crohn’s
Trips, school adventures, and holidays are all still on the table. A bit of preparation goes a long way.
Traveling with Crohn’s gets much easier with a little prep — medication, food, and bathroom-finding all sorted before you go. Check in with your medical team before any big trip so you’ve got a plan in case of a flare-up.
Plan ahead
The more you sort out before you leave, the less you have to think about once you’re actually on the trip. These six categories cover most of what you’ll want to prepare.
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Medication preparation
Pack smart, plan ahead
- Talk with your doctor about taking extra medication in case of a flare-up.
- Some Crohn’s medications can make skin more sensitive to sun — ask your team if this applies to yours, and use sunscreen and shade either way.
- Double-check your medication supply and pack one extra week’s worth just in case.
- Keep medication close to you in your carry-on — never in checked luggage.
- Crossing time zones? Ask your team how to handle medication timing for long-haul flights.
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Contacts & documents
Just in case you need help
- Have your doctor’s contact information readily available.
- Carry your insurance card with you.
- Keep a list of your medications (names and doses) on your phone.
- For international travel, bring a doctor’s letter explaining your condition and meds.
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Food
Snacks, restrictions, and meal plans
- If you have dietary restrictions, pack some snacks and bring your own food.
- If you need specific food, check whether stores at your destination carry it — or whether you can have it shipped ahead.
- Talk with your medical team about whether any diet adjustments make sense for your trip — depending on the destination and how active your Crohn’s is.
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Clothes & toiletries
Comfort kit essentials
- Pack wipes, tissues, plastic bags for disposal, odor spray, and hand sanitizer.
- Bring an extra set of underwear — and consider period underwear.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
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Visiting amusement parks
Accommodations are out there
- Many parks like Disneyland and Universal offer accommodations for guests with chronic health conditions (e.g. keeping your spot in line if you need to use the restroom). Crohn’s is often covered.
- Check their websites in advance and see if a doctor’s note or form is required.
🚻
Bathrooms
Find one fast, wherever you are
- Know where nearby bathrooms are and choose seats with easy access (e.g. aisle seats on planes, buses, or in theaters).
📱 Bathroom finder apps
🌍Toilet Finder (worldwide)
🍎Flush Toilet Finder & Map (Apple)
🌍Bathroom Scout (worldwide)
🌍SitOrSquat (worldwide)
🇬🇧Toilet Map UK (UK)
🇦🇺National Public Toilet Map (Australia)
Want to learn more?
For more tips on traveling and going out with Crohn’s, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation teen guide is a great companion.
TeenHealthInsight is a health education website — not a substitute for medical advice. Any questions or worries about your travel plans or your care should be brought to your doctor or gastroenterologist. Trust your gut (literally) — if something feels off, reach out to your medical team.