Share this page with friends

Things to Keep in Mind When Travelling with Incontinence

When you're heading off on holiday, it's always worth thinking ahead. Not just about your destination, but about how your usual routine might change. A few simple considerations can make a big difference to how confident and comfortable you feel whilst you’re away.

1. Pack for flexibility, not just familiarity

If you usually rely on one type of pad or product, it might be worth packing a mix. A higher absorbency option from the same range can give you extra reassurance for long journeys or days out where toilet access is limited.

Supplementary products like booster pads can also be a handy addition. These products work alongside your usual products to increase their absorbency without needing to switch sizes or styles.

2. Think about discretion

Holidays often mean being in closer quarters, from shared accommodation to long flights and packed day trips. If discretion matters more while you're away, consider trying slimmer or more subtle incontinence product ranges. 

Many options are designed to offer the same protection with less bulk, so you can relax and enjoy your time without giving it a second thought.

3. Prioritise all-day comfort

Travel days can vary greatly depending on where you’re going. Sometimes it can mean being more active, other times it could involve sitting for longer periods. If you’re lucky enough to be going somewhere tropical, it could also mean dealing with increased heat and humidity. 

If your usual product is great at home but less suited to long days out, try a different shape, fit or material that’s designed with movement and comfort in mind.

4. Don’t overlook personal care

Even if you don’t normally use them, products like incontinence wipes, skin cleansers, and barrier creams can be a real help while you’re away, especially if you’re changing less frequently than usual. 

They’re compact, travel-friendly, and help keep you feeling fresh and confident throughout the day. We will cover these in detail later, to give you an idea of what is available. 

5. Plan ahead for peace of mind

Perhaps the most important thing to do, as it requires no purchasing in advance; before you go, think about your travel plans. Are toilets easy to access? Will you be able to change when you need to? 

Take on the role of a detective, most public spaces will have information on toilets and changing rooms that you can look at online, in advance. If apps are your thing, there are even a few you can download on your phone that have over 200,000+ public toilets in their databases to help you plan ahead. Try out Flush or Toilet Finder, which you can find in your app store.

Having a plan, then packing accordingly, will mean fewer surprises and more time to focus on enjoying your time away.

Travel-Friendly Incontinence Products: What to Pack and Why

Discreet Pads

Disposable Pants

Washable Pants

Booster Pads

Product: View Booster Pads

When to use them: When you’re worried about the absorbency of your pads or pants. Great for days when access to the toilet might be limited.

If you’re travelling and don’t want the stress of trying out new products whilst you’re away, booster pads can help increase the absorbency of your existing products.

Booster pads are designed to be worn with another incontinence product, not on their own. They do this by adding an extra layer of absorbency, which can come in handy for travel days or longer outings. 

If you’re unsure what the day holds, popping a booster into your usual pad or pants gives you extra time and reassurance before needing a change.

Travel-Friendly Personal Care Products: What to Pack and Why

When you're travelling, staying fresh and comfortable should be effortless and simple. For days spent travelling, having easy access to personal care products can make spending long hours in the car or plane a lot more pleasant. 

That’s where personal care products come in. Encompassing everything from wet wipes to supplements, these products are often compact, easy to use, and designed to support your skin and wellbeing, wherever you are.

Bladder Supplements

Product: View Vivactive Bladder Supplements

When to use them: 6-8 weeks before you travel. These are great for people who find themselves waking up to use the toilet frequently at night.

Supplements are a proactive way of managing incontinence before you’ve even hit the road. You can start taking them before you go away, as they usually take a few weeks to kick in, so getting your hands on these early can make travelling in the future far simpler.

If you're managing an overactive bladder, supplements can be a helpful part of your routine, particularly on holiday, when changes in diet, hydration or schedule can make leaks more unpredictable. 

Vivactive’s bladder supplements are designed to support bladder health naturally and are easy to take alongside your usual products. Rigorous testing has found that these natural supplements can reduce leaks by up to 73%.

Wet Wipes & Dry Wipes

Wet Wipes: View Our Wet Wipes

Dry Wipes: View Our Dry Wipes

When to use them: Handy essential to have at all times. Perfect for overnight travelling or where access to showers is limited. 

An absolute essential when you're on the go. Incontinence wipes are larger than standard wipes, making them perfect for quick clean-ups between changes. Wet wipes can be used on their own for a quick and thorough cleanse, meanwhile dry wipes can be combined with cleansing foams for a deeper clean.

They’re also kinder to sensitive skin, meaning you can clean up and get on with the rest of your day without worrying about irritation or feeling uncomfortable in moments where you can’t shower or bathe. 

Body Cleansing Foams

Product: View Cleansing Foam

When to use them: When you’re looking for a head-to-toe clean, but don’t have access to water or shower rooms. 

Body cleansing foams are a gentle, no-rinse alternative to soap and water. Designed to lift away residue, they help soothe skin and reduce the risk of irritation or infection. 

These are perfect when combined with dry wipes for a thorough clean, whilst you’re travelling, or when you will be wearing your pads or pants longer than usual. You simply apply the cleansing foam and then wipe it away with your wipes, leaving behind residue-free, soft skin. 

Wet Wash Gloves

Product: View Wet Wash Gloves

When to use them: When you won’t be able to shower or bathe during travel, or when you need to assist someone you care for. 

Think of these as the spiritual successor to the wet wipe - designed for a thorough clean without needing soap or water, wet wash gloves are ideal for freshening up between changes or at the end of a long day. 

Wet Wash Gloves are great for cleaning intimate areas or for helping to clean someone you care for. These ones from Vivactive even include a barrier cream to help protect the skin against irritation caused by moisture throughout the day, particularly helpful if you’re prone to rashes and if you’ll be able to change less frequently whilst you’re away.

Shampoo Caps

Product: View Shampoo Caps

When to use them: While you’re travelling and won’t have easy access to water, but still want to freshen up. 

If you’re travelling and won’t have access to water, shower caps can be a great way to freshen up without fuss. These are particularly useful if you’re on a long journey, camping, or have limited access to showers during your stay.

You just warm the cap (if desired), pop it on, massage through the hair, and towel dry. No rinsing needed. If you’re travelling with someone with limited mobility, this hassle-free approach to hair care can make a big difference. 

Ready to Travel with Confidence