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You or a loved one have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis but also LOVE to travel. Or maybe you have to visit Aunt Peg across four states for Christmas. Either way, here are some tips for a stress-free trip when traveling with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Transportation
Traveling by Airplane
First, I recommend eating before your flight. That takes away having to eat something that doesn’t make you feel great or having to buy overpriced health foods.
Make a list of snacks and buy the ones you can in advance. Don’t run to Whole Foods the day before and find there are no good healthy travel snacks you can eat! Especially if you are on AIP and need to read ingredients extra diligently, scour the grocery store and take photos or make a list of the foods you will come back to buy. Traveling with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis doesn’t mean you have to starve or go eat all of the less-than-ideal foods.
My airplane food recommendations: Dried fruit, fresh fruit, jerky/meat sticks, tins of sardines or cans of salmon or tuna (can eat as is or put over a salad), homemade gummies, GF crackers or pretzels, homemade gluten free breads/muffins, olives, travel collagen sticks (use “girlinhealing” for a discount at checkout), mini coconut aminos packets, coconut butter, tea bags, and even food cooked and kept cold with ice packs. *Make sure products are compliant with your needs and read carefully if you’re on AIP.
Other tips: Airports are carrying way more healthy options! Just be prepared to pay. If you have a really long flight that includes a meal, you can ask if there is a gluten free option (call ahead of time). Get aisle seats if you are concerned about being near a bathroom.
Traveling by Car
Traveling with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis is easier in terms of having food at the ready. You can bring all of the airplane snacks plus pretty much anything else you want to eat on the trip. Pack coolers and meal-prep beforehand. May I recommend: Paleo Buffalo Chicken and Broccoli Egg Cups, AIP Turkey Meatballs with Hidden Veggies, and Grain Free Almond Butter Apple Cookies?
Have a list of place you can stop for food, water, and to use the bathroom along the way. If there’s a Whole Foods on your route, some great choices are the plain rotisserie, sushi, avocados, among lots of other snacks and fresh foods.
Where to Stay
Let’s talk about food when you’re staying with family. Depending on how well your family knows you, they may or may not have foods for you. It’s a good idea to bring foods you can safely eat even if you don’t end up needing them.
Staying in a house/apartment (like through Airbnb) or in a hotel room with a kitchenette are the best options when you’re traveling. Locate grocery stores nearby and you can cook your own healthy and safe meals! Don’t forget fats and oils, sea salt, and anything else that you’ll want to cook with.
Eating Out with Crohn’s or UC
Yelp is a great phone app/website to find restaurants in an area you’re unfamiliar with, especially if you want to find places that accommodate different dietary needs. For instance, you can search keywords like “gluten free.” Make a list or a digital document of potential places to eat.
Look for vegetables and proteins. If you can make a simple meal like this, you’re golden.
In addition, you can call restaurants during off hours to talk to a manager and/or cook about your dietary needs.
Ask about what oils are used in the cooking (canola, corn, vegetable, soy, etc. are inflammatory). This is especially important if you are on AIP! If they have 100% olive oil or butter (not AIP), ask them to use whatever works for you.
Be extra gracious to your servers and the kitchen staff. It takes a lot of work to keep a special preparation safe from everything else. Let them know how much it means to you that you could eat out with your family.
Other Tips
Bring extra doses of medication and supplements. Three days extra is what I usually pack for.
Pack a heating pad! It doesn’t take up a ton of room and you’ll be happy you have it if you need it.
Above all, try not to let traveling cause unnecessary stress! Taking a vacation or seeing family should be a time to relax and enjoy the people you’re with.
What advice would you offer to someone who is nervous about traveling with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis? I would love to read your feedback in the comments!
