Travelling for the Holidays? A Complete Guide to Managing Incontinence on the Go

Introduction: Travel with confidence this festive season 

The holiday season is a time for reconnecting with family, exploring Christmas markets, visiting friends, and enjoying a well-earned break. For many people living with incontinence, however, festive travel can bring added stress.

Long journeys, long queues, crowded airports, unfamiliar environments, and unpredictable access to toilets can all trigger anxiety. 

However, with the right preparation and the right products, incontinence should never stop you from experiencing the joy of travelling during the Christmas. Whether you are flying abroad, taking a long car journey, or spending a weekend away, this guide will show you how to prepare confidently and travel comfortably - so you can savour every moment. 

At Novamed, our mission is simple: to help you live life fully, with comfort, dignity, and peace of mind. 

1. Understanding the Challenges of Holiday Travel 

Travelling during the festive period is busy for everyone - but for those managing incontinence, particular challenges include: 

• Limited access to restrooms during flights or motorway travel
• Long queues at airports, security checks, and boarding gates
• Heavy winter clothing that may be harder to adjust quickly 
• Unfamiliar accommodation and sleeping arrangements 
• Anxiety about delays, cancellations, or unexpected disruptions
• Cold weather, which can sometimes increase urinary urgency 

Recognising the challenge is the first step in planning effectively. With preparation and the right mindset, you can travel with confidence and control. 

2. Build your Incontinence Travel Kit 

A well-packed travel kit is one of the best ways to ensure stress-free journeys. It keeps everything discreet, organised, and easily accessible. 

What to include in your travel kit: 

Novamed Pants or Adult All-in-ones - depending on your required level of absorbency 

Body Wipes - for refreshing discreetly on long journeys 

Disposable bags - for hygienic and discreet disposal 

A spare set of underwear & trousers - kept at the top of your luggage 

Travel-sized hand sanitiser 

A small pack of tissues 

A foldable underpad - ideal for long flights, long drives, or hotel beds

Pack these in a small zip bag or pouch that fits easily into your hand luggage or glove compartment. 

3. Choosing the Right Novamed Protection for Travel 

Selecting the right protective product for your journey is essential for comfort and peace of mind. 

Novamed Pants 

Ideal for: 

• Long car journeys 
• Air travel 
• Day trips
• Mild to moderate incontinence 

Benefits: 

- Discreet, flexible and comfortable 

• Quiet material that does not rustled when moving 
• Secure leg cuffs for leak prevention
• Breathable design for long wear 

Novamed Adult All-in-ones (with tabs) 

Ideal for 

• Overnight travel 
• Severe incontinence 
• Long-haul flights 
• Situations with limited restroom access

Benefits: 

• Adjustable fit 
• Higher absorbency 
• Ultra-secure for long periods 

Novamed Underpads 

Perfect for: 

• Sitting for long periods 
• Protecting car seats or train seats 
• Preventing nighttime bedding worries 
• Extra peace of mind during unexpected delays 

Choosing the right product for your journey can remove a great deal of worry and allow you to focus on enjoying your time away. 

4. Travel tips for flying with incontinence 

Flying is one of the areas where people experience the most anxiety. Here's how to make it easier: 

✔ Pre-flight Tips 

• Visit the restroom just before security and again before boarding. 
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to make adjustments easier. 
• Choose an aisle seat when possible - more discreet access to restrooms. 
• Keep your travel kit in your carry-on bag, not the overhead locker. 
• Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol before your flight as both can irritate the bladder. 

✔ During the flight 

- Stay hydrated with small sips rathe then large drinks. 

• Use Novamed pants, all-in-ones or bamboo pads for extra protection during take-off, landing and turbulence. 
• If you feel anxious, practice slow, deep breathing - stress can increase urgency. 

✔ After Landing 

Make a restroom stop part of your arrival routine before collecting bags or existing the airport. 

5. Travel Tips for Long Car Journeys 

Car travel offers more flexibility, but still requires planning.

✔ Before you leave 

- Map out rest stops or service stations on your route. 

• Pack a spare kit within reach - not in the boot. 
• Use an underpad on the seat for extra peace of mind. 

✔ During the journey 

- Stop regularly even if you don't feel urgent. 

• Avoid carbonated and caffeinated drinks. 
• Wear comfortable clothing and choose Novamed incontinence pads for long wear comfort. 

✔ If Travelling with others 

Let the driver know you may need more frequent stops - you don't need to provide any details. 

6. Staying in Hotels, Guest Rooms, or Rentals 

Unfamiliar sleeping arrangements can cause worry, especially during overnight stays. 

✔ What to do before bed 

- Use Novamed high-absorbency product suitable for nighttime. 

• Place a Novamed underpad on the bed discreetly. 
• Keep wipes, a fresh pad, and a spear underwear by your bedside. 

✔ In the morning 

Use your wipes to refresh, dispose of used products discreetly, and make the bed as normal. 

✔ If you feel anxious

Remember: accidents happen to million of people. You ae not alone, and every situation has a solution. 

7. Managing diet and hydration while travelling 

Certain foods and drinks can irritate the bladder. To minimise discomfort: 

Avoid or Reduce: 

- Caffeine (coffee, cola, energy drinks) 

• Alcohol 
• Spicy foods
• Fizzy drinks 

Good options include: 

• Water (small,  steady sips) 
• Herbal teas
• Low-acid foods 
• Light meals before travel 

8. How to handle unexpected delays or disruptions 

Travel doesn't always go to plan - but you can still stay in control: 

• keep a spare product and wipes in your coat pocket or handbag. 
• Use a underpad if waiting in a car or airport for long periods. 
• Stay calm - anxiety can worsen incontinence. 
• Drink water slowly to avoid dehydration. 

Having your kit with you means you are prepared for anything. 

9. Travelling abroad with incontinence 

If travelling overseas: 

Before you go

- Research restroom accessibility at your destination. 

• Look up local pharmacies in case you need additional stock. 
• Pack enough Novamed incontinence pads for the entire trip - quality may vary abroad. 

During your stay

• Maintain your usual routines where possible. 
• Use underpads for hotel beds for peace of mind. 
• Stay hydrated, especially in warmer climates. 

10. Confidence is the best travel companion 

Managing incontinence while travelling is not about hiding - it's about being prepared and knowing that the right products can support you wherever you go.

With Novamed, your journey doesn't need to be disrupted by worry. 

This festive season, may your travels be full of joy, connection, and confidence. 

Bladder and bowel incontinence may be caused by conditions which can be treated medically. Please consult your physician for medical advice and guidance.