Travelling with an ileostomy can feel overwhelming at first. I remember my first trip post-surgery — the what-ifs kept me up at night! What if I ran out of supplies? What if I had a leak in a public place? What if security at the airport gave me a hard time? What if I had a leak in someone else’s bed?
Now, a few years in and several trips later, I can say with confidence: yes, travelling with an ileostomy is absolutely possible. It just takes some extra planning, a positive mindset, and a well-stocked bag. In this post, I’m sharing what I pack, what I’ve learned, and how I’ve built the confidence to travel comfortably — leaks and all.
What I Pack in My Ileostomy Travel Kit
I believe that it’s always best to overpack when it comes to ostomy supplies. I usually bring at least double what I’d need for the length of the trip, just in case of delays, leaks, or heat-related adhesive issues.
Essentials I Pack:
- Extra ostomy pouches (pre-cut or at least pre-marked up using your template)
- Skin barrier rings and extenders (I always take extenders with me as although I do not wear them every day at home, I like the added security they give me in the pool or when I am feeling more nervous about a potential leak)
- Adhesive remover wipes or spray (wipes tend to pack easier b ut I prefer a spray remover)
- Skin prep wipes or spray (I use a spray at home but may take easier to pack wipes on a short trip)
- Disposable bags for used supplies
- Small scissors (only in checked luggage! if you are travelling on a plane)
- Stoma powder or paste (if you use it. I tend to only use powder when my skin is weeping and sore so generally would leave this at home unless it is a long trip)
- Wet wipes and dry wipes (although generally toilet tissue can be used in place of dry wipes if you need to save space)
- Compact mirror for easier visibility in public restrooms or your accommodation bathroom
For Flying:
I would always advise you keep an emergency change kit in your carry on for use on the plane, in the airport and with enough supplies to last a couple of days in case your checked luggage goes missing.
Read my post: Ostomy 101 Flying With an Ostomy: 8 Top Tips
Lessons I’ve Learned from Travelling with an Ileostomy
1. Pack More Than You Think You’ll Need
I have always been a chronic over-packer anyway but for this it is definitely needed! You never know how your stoma will behave in a new environment — heat, food, stress and time zones can all affect output and your usual wear time. You may also be swimming more often if you have access to a pool, hot tub or the sea and so this may increase the amount of changes you have to do.
2. Stick to Familiar Foods When You Can
While trying new foods is part of the joy of travel, I’ve found that easing into unfamiliar dishes helps prevent output surprises. I stick to a more “safe” food list for the first few days, then gradually explore once I know how my system’s handling the change.
3. Hydration is a Non-Negotiable
With an ileostomy, dehydration can happen fast — especially in the summer or on long flights. I always bring oral rehydration packets with me when I go away and keep the fluids up!
Read my post: Dehydration with an Ostomy
4. Leaks Happen – And It’s Okay
Yes, I’ve had a leak in a restaurant. Yes, I’ve changed my bag in a train toilet. And you know what? I survived. You get better at staying calm and handling it discreetly. Having an emergency kit makes all the difference.
5. Public Bathrooms Can Be Tricky
Small stalls, dim lighting, no hooks — you name it. That’s where my compact mirror, wipes, and disposal bags come in handy. I also use accessible toilets with sinks inside when I can — it makes pouch changes much more manageable.
Building Confidence to Travel with a Stoma
More than anything, I’ve learned that mindset matters. The more I’ve travelled with an ileostomy, the more I’ve realised how much I can do — not what I can’t.
If you’re new to travelling with an ileostomy, be gentle with yourself. The nerves are normal. The learning curve is real. But with the right preparations and giving yourself some grace, you will be absolutely fine! And once the first one is out the way successfully there will be no stopping you!
💬 Have any travel tips or must-pack items I missed? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Happy travels!
The Spoonie Mummy 
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