6. Going out or on holiday
Key points
Going out
Being prepared for toilet use when you go out can help reduce worry and make outings more enjoyable. Problems might happen but planning ahead can help manage them.
“Fit the research of where the toilets are into your daily routine because then you feel less anxious about it and you know you can have quick access if you need to.”
Roberta lives in N. W. England
Before you go out, find out where toilets are along your travel route and near to your destination. There are phone apps (e.g. The Great British Public Toilet Map) that show maps with local shop/eatery-based and public toilets. These vary in accuracy so you might want to try a few out or ask friends for recommendations.
Accessible (sometimes called “disabled”) toilets can give you more space and might be easier to use. There are specialist apps showing the location of toilets for people with disabilities. In the UK, you can get a RADAR key to open over 10,000 accessible toilets across the UK. Some charities provide the key for free, or you can buy one cheaply from Amazon. You can also get a ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card from the Bladder and Bowel UK website. This is the size of a credit card and can be shown in shops or other places to give you access to toilets that are usually closed to the public.
Some people find it helpful to know they can easily access a toilet when they are at their destination. If you book a restaurant for example, you could ask for a table near the toilets.
“I need to make sure that when I go somewhere I know where the toilets are. How far away are they? How accessible are they? I like to make sure that there's toilet paper in the toilets.”
Jonathan lives in S. W. England
It can be helpful to have a small bag or rucksack packed for outings with spare supplies in case you are caught short. This could simply be a spare pad, wipes and hand gel. If needed you might want to include a change of clothes (like pants, top and trousers), a plastic bag for any soiled clothes and a small towel.
Practical tips to be prepared for incontinence when going out
- Check where toilets are near and at your destination.
- Get a RADAR key to use accessible toilets and a ‘Just Can’t Wait’ card, for access to toilets not usually open to the public.
- When booking a restaurant, ask for a table near the toilets.
- Pack a bag with items to manage an accident, such as a change of clothes, a spare pad, plastic bag for soiled items, small towel and tissues or wipes.
“I have to go out with my handbag, I've somehow managed to stuff in there a pad, a pair of disposable pants and a pair of knickers. I won't go without them. It's little things like that, learning how to go about that, I think”.
Catherine lives in London
“There was one occasion when I was away when I did soak everything and I had to change my clothes as well. But generally speaking, I only take clean pads, wipes because you want to be freshened up, and sometimes a clean pair of pants.”
Denise lives in S. Wales
Going on holiday
When you have incontinence, going on holiday requires some extra planning. You need to think about access to toilets on your journey, at your accommodation, and at the places you want to visit. Planning ahead can help you manage your days out and enjoy your holiday.
- Travel Tips
If you can, talk openly with your travelling companions about your needs. This can make it easier to plan toilet breaks.
“Me and my friends, we go camping quite a lot. We don't have a toilet on board the van that we use. It's a camper van, so we plan our days out around where the best toilets are. So, as well as sightseeing and enjoying the environment, it's good to know that the facilities are good as well. So, you've not got that stress of worrying about it”.
Roberta lives in N. W. England
Pack extra essentials and keep them handy. This might include spare pads, pant liners or underwear, wet wipes, hand sanitiser, and plastic bags for discreet disposal. For long journeys, use higher absorbency products and wear dark, loose, comfortable clothing.
- Car travel
If you are on a road trip, plan your rest stops in advance. If you are worried about not making it to the toilet you could have a bag in the boot with whatever you need to clean up and change. You could also consider covers for the car seat.
“I think what was important was then to have something in the car, in the boot of the car, which was backup… it was like when you have a newborn or a young child, you carry all that stuff in a bag. So, that was a big wake-up call for me. And so, in our motor car, that's what we have.”
Jonathan lives in S. W. England
“Yeah, it could be just a bin bag, though, at the end of the day, couldn’t it, you don’t have to buy a fancy cover, in fact, a black bin bag doesn’t stand out, and they’ll do just the job and cheap, and you know…”
Anthony lives in Yorkshire and Humber
- Plane, train or coach
A few things to consider when traveling by plane, train or coach:
- Book an aisle seat so you can get out to the toilet quickly and easily if you need to.
- The toilets on board might not be open or usable so use the toilets at the station or airport or at comfort stops if travelling by coach.
- Ask for passenger assistance at the airport to help you get through queues quicker.
- Set an alarm to remind you to use the toilet (e.g. 30 minutes before the plane lands).
- Take spare pads, clothes, wipes etc. in your hand luggage.
“So, on my train journey, I’m going up to [region] so it’ll be a couple of long trains. I’ll have several more (pads) packed and I’ll make sure I go to the loo, not too often, but at least every hour and a half”.
Lydia lives in N. W. England
Staying away from home
Planning ahead will help you to relax and enjoy your trip. For example, you might find it easier to stay in self-catering accommodation than a hotel. If you might need them, try to book accommodation with accessible toilets and washing facilities.
- Protecting furnishings at your accommodation
If you are concerned about night-time incontinence, you may be able to arrange for waterproof bedding to be available at your holiday accommodation. Alternatively, you may wish to take additional bed protection with you. Wear personal protection in bed whilst you are away, such as pads. Take extra plastic bags so that you can ‘double bag’ any soiled laundry and products. This will help contain any smell.