“You can add details, such as whether you need to avoid certain foods, which foods you tolerate best, and/or how you need to cook your food (for example, grilled or fried or boiled or raw)” , she said. “This can be very helpful in communicating with the person who will prepare your food.”
If you're traveling somewhere with a primary language you don't know, she suggests having the map translated beforehand to help communicate your needs. (Google Translate is always a handy tool.)
3. Assess the bathroom situation
Whether in a secluded Wyoming restaurant or an elegant Pastry Parisknowing the toilet situation is essential for people with UC. The only way to determine if you will have the access you need is to find out in advance. If you have time in advance, try calling a restaurant to make sure their restrooms have multiple stalls (and are in working order).
On the other hand, if you are in a situation where it may be difficult to plan ahead, such as during a car trip or a visit a new beach– there are other ways to locate nearby toilets. “I highly recommend the We can't wait bathroom finder app,” says Moran. Created by the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, this app helps you locate more than 45,000 publicly accessible toilets in the United States.
4. Communicate with fellow travelers
You don't have to share personal information, but if you're traveling with others, don't hesitate to share your culinary preferences. “When traveling with a group, I often suggest eating at a certain restaurant that I've already reviewed,” Moran says. “Sometimes I even send my travel companions the list of restaurants I researched before the trip. » When family and friends know you are protecting your health, they are likely to graciously accommodate your needs.
5. Do your research on reviews and write your own
Restaurant websites can be helpful, but they are not the only source of information for travelers with ulcerative colitis. Tresca says she often finds social media more useful, as restaurants' Facebook or Instagram pages may have more up-to-date information than their websites. Additionally, social media is a great place to look for reviews from previous customers. Another idea is to check TikTok or Reddit for UC-friendly restaurant recommendations in your destination. Discussion forums on travel sites like TripAdvisor may also contain reviews specific to UC.
While you're there, don't forget to give back to the ulcerative colitis community by sharing your experiences. After visiting a restaurant on your trip, consider writing a review on Google or Yelp with details you wish you'd known in advance. Or please your UC colleagues by posting messages on the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation discussion forums, which include a community travel forum. “We all learn from each other,” Reddy says. “If it's a great experience, share it; if it's a bad experience, share it too, so that the next ones are better prepared.”
