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Pack Extra Supplies
Make sure you have extra pouches, skin barriers and accessories so you're prepared to change and empty your pouch when needed. If you are flying, be sure to put ostomy supplies and a spare change of clothes in your carry-on as well as your checked luggage.
Bring disposable cleansing wipes and disposal bags
Sometimes a pouch change may require a little clean up. Pack rinse-free disposable bathing cloths or wipes that can be used to clean up your body or hands following a pouch change. (Cleansers with moisturizers are not recommended for use around the stoma.*)
Drink up
Be sure to pack your refillable water bottle so you can stay hydrated. Nothing slows down a vacation more than dehydration. Read more about tips on hydration.
Wear a Moldable Skin Barrier
Cut out a few steps while you're traveling to help make pouch changes easier and quicker. Request a sample.
Traveling to a foreign country?
It is a good idea to have key questions, such as "where is the bathroom?", written down in the local language. Google Translate is helpful in almost any language.
Carry a statement from your healthcare professional stating your need for ostomy supplies
You can also download and print our discreet TSA card to show to security officers with questions.
Don't forget to leave your anxiety at home. Travel with confidence
If you have other questions about traveling with your ostomy, contact our me+ team for helpful tips, tricks, support and resources. Call 1-800-422-8811 to speak to someone today, (M-F, 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM ET).
*Consult with a medical professional before using any new products around your stoma.
Tips from our me+ community
In this video, Paula Sojoro talk us through what products she packs for a weekend getaway for her ostomy.
Paula Sojoro, @paulasojoro
Paula Sojoro has been living with Crohn’s Disease since she was 19 years old and has a permanent ileostomy. She is now a world famous content creator spreading the word about living with an ostomy on TikTok and Instagram.
Meet Ryan Decker, Experienced Traveler with an Ostomy
Although he had developed stomach problems in his late teens, Ryan Decker was otherwise a healthy, active young man. At 26, he was a newlywed, had a great job, and—living in Denver—enjoyed a wide range of outdoor activities. From mountain biking and hiking, to running and ATVing, he and his young bride were just starting their journey together. But things were about to change.
"There were so many crazy things to deal with in such a short amount of time. I wondered if I’d be able to ever hike, run, travel or sit in a hot tub again. And what about my job?"
*Consult with a medical professional before using any new products around your stoma.
Featured Articles
10/10/2024
Travel
Traveling with an Ostomy: What to Pack
The idea of taking long trips with an ostomy may seem daunting at first. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime! Here’s our tips below to help make packing for your next adventure a little easier.
Read more10/17/2024
Everyday life
Travel
Road Trips with an Ostomy
Now that you have an ostomy, the idea of taking long trips can seem daunting. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Read more10/17/2024
Travel
Ostomy Travel Tips
Extra security precautions are being taken at airports and other transit hubs worldwide. A little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.
Read more12/2/2024
Diet
Everyday life
Living with an ostomy: Hydration
Drinking more is one of the simplest ways to improve your health and well-being. These tips can help you stay one step ahead of dehydration.
Read more12/20/2024
Fashion
Fashion Tips for Men Living with an Ostomy
After ostomy surgery you can wear the same clothes as anyone else – and do it with style! Here are some fashion tips for men living with an ostomy.
Read more12/20/2024
Fashion
Fashion tips for women living with an ostomy
Here are some practical fashion tips from Jearlean Taylor, a successful model, author, and businesswoman who has never known life without an ostomy.
Read more12/19/2024
Everyday life
Tips for Managing Anxiety After Ostomy Surgery
One of the biggest worries for people who have recently had ostomy surgery is what other people will think.
Read more12/19/2024
Everyday life
Fashion
Returning to Work with an Ostomy
From industrial jobs to the classroom, from long shifts at the hospital to dancers – and all workplaces in between – people living with an ostomy are successfully returning to work following ostomy surgery.
Read more12/19/2024
Everyday life
Back to school with an ostomy
As your child begins to recover from ostomy surgery, it is normal for them to feel fearful or anxious about their needs when going back to school.
Read more11/19/2024
Activity
Exercise After Surgery: Back to Basics
No matter what level of physical activity you want to pursue, ostomy surgery shouldn’t hold you back.
Read more12/20/2024
Everyday life
Bathing or showering with an Ostomy
Showering or bathing with an ostomy should not interfere with your regular cleaning routine. Here are some tips on bathing or showering with an ostomy.
Read more12/19/2024
Everyday life
Peristomal Skin Care
Knowing how to identify irritated skin around your stoma early and keeping it healthy could help avoid greater complications and make for a stress-free experience with your ostomy.
Read moreRegister with me+ today
Community
me+ Community Stories - Dana
In 2015, Kimberly was in the midst of cancer treatments, with a bowel perforation and an obstruction that required emergency surgery.
Community
me+ Community Stories - Meghan
Instagram Star, Meghan Brown, Shares How Easy Pouch Removal is with ESENTA™
Community
me+ Community Stories - Walt
Inspired by stories of others living with an ostomy, Walt Brilhart had dedicated his life to sharing the message of hope and faith.
Community
me+ Community Stories - Ronald
It was late Summer 2014, age 74, when I first learned that I had bladder cancer. Read Ronald's story.
Community
me+ Community Stories - Kimberly
In 2015, Kimberly was in the midst of cancer treatments, with a bowel perforation and an obstruction that required emergency surgery.
Community
me+ Community Stories - Ellyn
For most of her life, 73-year-old Boca Raton resident, Ellyn Mantell, has suffered chronic stomach and bowel complaints.
Community
me+ Community Stories - Lauren
What do you get when you cross a yoga-loving ad exec with a house plant- obsessed fashionista? You get Lauren Beach of Boston, Mass.
Community
me+ Community Stories - Jearlean
Jearlean Taylor has never known life without an ostomy. She has had two ostomies since she was just three years old. But with the support of her family and her own inner drive, she triumphed to become a successful model, author, and businesswoman.
Community
me+ Community Stories - Maggie
My name is Maggie and I received my ostomy at the age of 16. Originally, I had gone in for a resection of my terminal ileum and colon due to Crohn's disease.
Relationships & Intimacy
Date Night with an Ostomy
Are you feeling nervous at the thought of date night after ostomy surgery? You’re not alone. With a little planning ahead, you can be sure to have a great night out.