I have touched five continents and more than 40 of our fine states, and yet I still pick up traveling tips.  Last month I learned not to wear skirts with little fake coins sewed onto them.  The set off the alarm and I end up spending time with the security agents.  Inevitably, I have to mention the ostomy when they feel it but luckily, I've never had to do a show and tell.

In August, the week I turned fifty, I participated in the GYGIG (Get Your Guts in Gear) ride, along with Mark Kennedy of Hollister, which kicked off near Seattle.  I trained a year to ride 210 miles in three days.  Ironically, my ostomy was the least of my concerns.  My knees, my body, my balance on the recumbent bike and the hills far outweighed them.  This kind of travel was new for me and I intend to keep it up, but on flatter land.

If I had been scared to travel with an ostomy, I would have missed the picturesque parks, the spectacular views of the Puget Sound, and all the people I met along the way.  Don't let you ostomy stop you from traveling to places you've dreamed of.  Just like the man I helped in the airport, people will help you along the way.

Brenda's helpful travel tips:

• Wear shoes that slip off easily since feet may swell on long flights, so go for comfort instead of fashion.
• Pack half of your supplies in your checked-in luggage and the other half in your carry-on bag in case of luggage loss.
• Drink lots of water (bottled water purchased in the airport after passing through security is now allowed).
• All carry-on liquids must be less than three ounces each and visible in a one-quart see-through bag.
• Know that air pressure will stir up some gas in your pouch; it's best to use a pouch with a filter when flying.
• Have another pouch handy just in case things go awry.
• If the seat belt on a plane fits too snugly over your stoma, ask for a seat belt extension.
• Bring twice as many ostomy supplies as you think you'll need.  You may end up getting diarrhea from trying some adventurous foods, so be prepared.
• Many state campgrounds have handicapped accessible bathrooms which offer complete privacy and often include showers.
• Request a shower chair at your hotel to use for irrigating.
• Use a twister seal in lieu of an S-hook for draining equipment.
• If the sink and toilet are in two different locations, pack collapsible cups to use when water is required for your pouch.
• If you wouldn't drink the water in a foreign country, don't use it for irrigation.  Use bottled water at room temperature.
• Relax, put a smile on your face and have a blast!