Whether it's an exciting road trip through the mountains, a relaxing beach vacation by the sea or a varied trip through various cities around the world - the vacation season has begun and with it one of the best times of the year. Even if you have a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, you don't have to miss out. However, good preparation is one of the keys to a stress-free, relaxing and carefree vacation. That's why we've put together some travel tips for people with inflammatory bowel disease in this article.
Depending on the desired vacation destination, it is advisable to take care of the recommended travel vaccinations as soon as possible. The reason for this is that these can only be given if the patient is in good health and should therefore be planned well in advance. Live vaccines may also not be administered to patients who are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, always discuss the procedure with the doctor treating you.
Insurances
In addition to the relevant vaccinations, additional insurance can be useful for patients with a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. If an acute flare-up occurs during a vacation, travel cancellation insurance and trip interruption insurance can help you get your costs reimbursed. However, as the conditions vary from offer to offer, it is advisable to do your research at an early stage, especially with regard to how insurance companies deal with IBD. Additional international health insurance can also be useful. Here too, it is important to clarify the range of benefits in detail beforehand.
Medication
It is also advisable to seek advice from your doctor in advance and to obtain the necessary medication. As some medications or the corresponding accessories require a certificate confirming the necessity of carrying them with you, this should also be issued in various languages by the medical staff before the start of the trip.
Selecting the type of vacation and destination
To make your stay as relaxed as possible, it is helpful to adapt the type of vacation, destination and travel options to your own needs. Among other things, medical care in the destination country, catering options and toilet access should be taken into account.
Culinary catering
Even on vacation, it is important to eat easily digestible food and generally eat a healthy and balanced diet. Especially in distant countries, it can be helpful to try smaller portions first to see how your body copes with the food. If you are aware of certain food intolerances, it also makes sense to ask the hotel staff for alternatives, for example. On the other hand, it generally makes sense to be cautious when it comes to raw food or tap water.
Thrusts
As dietary changes or travel-related stress can trigger relapses, it is advisable to discuss the appropriate course of action in such a situation with a gastroenterologist in advance. Carrying their telephone number with you as an emergency contact and researching doctors near your vacation destination in advance can also help enormously in an emergency.
Sun protection
Sufficient sun protection with sun cream or clothing should also be ensured, even when the sky is overcast. If you are also taking immunosuppressive medication such as cortisone, appropriate sun protection is also crucial, as this can lead to increased sensitivity to light.
Euro key
Carrying a Euro key makes sense not only in Germany, but also abroad, as it gives you access to many disabled toilets in Europe. If you want to know more about this, please read our article How the Euro Key gives people with IBD more freedom on the go. Other travel tips for people with inflammatory bowel disease include downloading toilet finder apps or getting disposable toilet seat covers. Below you will find a list of useful aids for your trip, especially if you have IBD. The list is for inspiration only and is not exhaustive.
Check list:
- CED medications
- First-aid kit
- Clinical thermometer
- Disposable toilet seat covers
- Euro key
- Toilet finder app
- Sun protection
- Disinfectant
Sources:
Fessler, B. Traveling with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. CME 14, 19 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11298-017-6253-1
NIK e.V. Network of Autoimmune Disease Patients. (2025). Traveling with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. https://www.nik-ev.de/blog/reisen-mit-chronisch-entzuendlichen-darmerkrankungen/
Chaudrey et al, Updates in vaccination: recommendations for adult inflammatory bowel disease patients; World J Gastroenterol 2015 March 21; 21(11): 3184-3196
Dignass A et al. Updated guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of ulcerative colitis 2011 - results of an evidence-based consensus conference. Z Gastroenterol 2011; 49: 1276-13
Vavricka et al, High altitude journeys and flights are associated with an increased risk of flares in IBD patients; Journal of Crohn's and Colitis 2014;8:191-199
Vavricka et al, Influence of hypoxia on healthy volunteers and patients with inflammatory bowel disease; ECCO-congress 2016;P676
Rahier et al, Second European evidence-based consensus on the prevention, diagnosis and management of opportunistic infections in inflammatory bowel disease; ECCO Statement OI 8E-8F; J Crohns Colitis; 2014:8(6):443-468
CED Compass. So you can relax on vacation! https://ced-kompass.at/dein-leben-mit-ced/ced-und-reisen/
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