'Travelling with a sensitive stomach is exhausting. Here's how I handle it.'

January 31, 2026

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I often think of myself as the world's worst travel writer because I never travel anywhere exotic.

It's not that I haven't tried…

Playa Del Carmen — A vibrant coastal town in Mexico, where my most distinct memory was leaping over a giant iguana to make it to the public toilet in time.

Cala Salada — One of the most stunning, tranquil beaches in Ibiza with crystal blue water where I experienced stomach cramps while swimming and did a fart that was, in fact, not a fart.

The Gilli Islands — A trio of secluded islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia where I lost 5kgs in 7 days and watched a gecko crawl across my limp, clammy body as I laid on the bathroom floor and gave absolutely no shits because there were no shits left to give.

Image: Supplied.

Unfortunately, my irritable bowel does not take a holiday when I do. It follows me onto the plane and travels across the world with me, wherever I go.

Paige Carmichael

January 31, 2026

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It isn't just "exotic" destinations either.

During my first trip to New York, I had to run to the toilet mid tour — thank goodness for a Starbucks on every corner.

It is very common to get sick while travelling just by eating the wrong thing or drinking too many cocktails on the beach; however, travelling with a sensitive stomach adds a whole other layer of anxiety.

A holiday is meant to be carefree, but for people with IBS and other gastrointestinal issues, their brains are often working overtime watching everything they eat and anticipating a flare up.

It's exhausting!

Overcoming the fear of travelling to exotic places.

Image: Supplied.

After almost getting eaten by geckos on the floor of my villa in 2017, I swore I would never return to Bali.

That was until 2023, when I was asked to be a bridesmaid in Canggu. I couldn't not go.

So I very apprehensively travelled back to Indonesia with a small pharmacy in my carry on and a suitcase full of two minute noodles and instant porridge.

I stayed at one of the most reputable hotels in Bali and ate bland, cooked food mostly off the kids' menu.

While some people will say this defeats the entire purpose of going on holiday, it allowed me to finally experience the beauty of Bali, and more importantly, walk down the aisle without wearing a nappy.

Image: Supplied.

I have resigned myself to the fact that there are places I will probably never be able to travel, such as India and Africa. I mean It could be downright dangerous to get the shits on safari (I can't imagine the lions would be as friendly as the geckos).

However, thanks to some careful planning, the future of travel is exciting.

I've just booked my first trip to Japan and I couldn't be more excited about experiencing a new culture without fear of a flare up.

My partner is currently planning the itinerary of places to visit, while I familiarise myself with the public toilet network (which I've now heard is very impressive).

Planning is key when you're travelling with a sensitive tummy!

Health-related items I pack in my carry-on luggage.

Mamamia

Watch the video above, or scroll on for some health-related items that I now pack in my carry-on luggage that have really made a difference when travelling overseas.

Travelan — A supplement designed to prevent traveller's diarrhoea. I now don't travel anywhere without it! My mum recently visited Vietnam with two friends. My mum and one of her friends took Travelan before every meal and her other friend did not. They ate at all the same places, but unfortunately the friend who didn't take Travelan got sick at the end of their trip while mum remained in good health.

A strong probiotic — This helps maintain gut health and prevent flare ups.

Gastro-Stop — Provides effective relief of acute diarrhoea within one to three hours after the first dose. My Gastroenterologist specialist also suggested I take it preemptively before a long travel day, however please consult with your GP first!

Peppermint Tea — A natural way to cure bloating and aid digestion, especially on long plane journeys!

Fisherman's Friends Original Extra Strong — This has become a comforting ritual for me in daily life, not just when I'm travelling, as I find the intense flavour distracts me from anxious thoughts. If you don't like the taste, you can also try Lemon Balm, which is a calming herb that I've found can also temporarily aid acute anxiety.

I also pack a sleeve of paracetamol and ibuprofen, Nasal Defence Spray to help protect against airborne germs while flying and Ural sachets in the unlikely event of a UTI because it's not always easy to get to a pharmacy when you're abroad, especially if you don't speak the language.

I'd also recommend speaking to your GP at least six weeks before you travel for personalised advice.

Finally, I feel like I could have avoided a lot of unnecessary pain in my early twenties just by researching what not to consume in the countries I was travelling to.

We're all told to avoid street food, however, seemingly "healthy" things like salads and smoothies can be easily contaminated or cause an upset stomach too.

I may not be the world's most exciting travel writer, but I aim to be the most honest.

And if that means sharing the experience of sharting in a Spanish sea to help someone else feel less alone while travelling, then so be it!

Feature Image: Supplied.