How to Travel with Incontinence

Holidays can be joyful, but for those managing bladder or bowel leaks, they can also bring new challenges. Warm weather, long travel days, and disrupted routines can all affect continence. The good news is that most problems can be prevented with simple planning, and an understanding of how the body works.

Here’s what the research and continence experts recommend for a comfortable, confident holiday season.

1. Plan ahead – it reduces stress and accidents

People living with incontinence report that preparation is the biggest factor in preventing anxiety while travelling. Packing more than you think you’ll need helps you stay in control if plans change or delays occur. Include Advance® Pull-Up Style Briefs for travel or long days (easy to change and breathable), Advance® Male Guards for lighter protection, and Advance® Underlays if you’ll be staying away from home. Advance® Booster Pads are also useful as add-ons for overnight or extended wear when changing may be difficult.

Advance® products are designed for discreet, breathable protection, ideal for travel or warmer weather. For shorter trips, choose travel-friendly packs or free samples to test new fits without overpacking.

2. Stay hydrated – your bladder depends on it

Many people reduce fluid intake before outings to avoid leaks, but that can backfire. Dehydration causes urine to become concentrated and more acidic, which irritates the bladder lining and increases the urge to go. It can also raise the risk of urinary tract infections.

Experts recommend maintaining steady hydration, around 6–8 glasses of fluid a day, especially in warmer conditions. Sip small amounts regularly instead of large drinks at once, and balance caffeine or alcohol (both bladder stimulants) with plenty of water.

3. Keep bowels regular – constipation affects continence

Constipation is one of the most common triggers for bladder leakage. When the bowel becomes overfull, it presses against the bladder, reducing capacity and causing urgency. During holidays, changes to diet and daily rhythm can make constipation more likely.

Fibre-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, keep stool soft and regular. The Continence Foundation of Australia recommends at least 30 g of fibre daily, along with 1.5–2 litres of fluid, to maintain normal bowel function. Light physical activity, even short walks, also helps keep things moving.

4. Choose comfort and breathable protection for travel

Heat and humidity can increase sweating and skin irritation. Breathable continence products, like Advance® All-in-One (Adult Diapers) or Advance® Pull-Up Style Briefs, help air circulate and wick moisture away from the skin. Choosing the right fit is equally important, a product that’s too tight or too loose can cause leaks, friction, or odour. For additional security, an Advance® Booster Pad can be layered inside to increase capacity without bulk.

Changing regularly helps prevent irritation, and keeping wipes, barrier cream, and discreet disposal bags close by can make travel changes simpler and more hygienic.

5. Protect your skin – moisture and friction cause damage

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is common in warm or humid weather. It occurs when moisture, friction, and bacteria weaken the skin barrier, leading to redness, soreness, or infection.

Prevention starts with managing exposure: keeping skin clean and dry, changing wet products promptly, and using a gentle barrier cream to create a protective layer.

Avoid soaps or wipes with alcohol or fragrance, which can dry and damage the skin. To help protect skin, use a gentle cleanser like Advance® Cleansing Milk instead of soap, followed by Advance® Moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated and resilient. These products are pH-balanced and formulated for delicate or frequently washed skin, ideal for preventing irritation in warm or humid conditions.

6. Know your options for discreet support

ContinenceCare makes managing incontinence simple, with discreet home delivery, free product samples, and personalised advice from a local team that understands Kiwi customers.

If you’re unsure which product is best, try our Product Finder Tool or call 0800 72 66 33 for friendly, confidential guidance.

Good planning and the right products make all the difference.

This summer, stay confident knowing your comfort, skin health, and dignity are well cared for, wherever the holidays take you.

Advance® products featured in this article

REFERENCES

• Continence Foundation of Australia, Life with Incontinence: Travel Tips (2024)
• Harvard Health Publishing, Tips for Travelling with Incontinence (2024)
• Continence Foundation of Australia, Constipation and Bowel Control (2022)
• NICE Guideline NG210, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Prevention and Non-Surgical Management (2021)