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September 27, 2005

Trip'n Abroad in Paradise

Every IBS sufferer knows the horrible agony of vacation travel. Well, this time, I found my dream vacation (of sorts) - a cruise (around Hawaii). Imagine a whole week trip of totally normal and daily digestion/movements! Its been 20 years since I've been so regular!

This 7day cruise around the Hawaiian islands (Oahu, Big Island, Kauai, Maui) was an amazing trip filled with volcanos, waterfalls, surfing, tubing, snorkeling and hiking. I had delicious island food, traveled in a van tour, and even tried goat cheese! A mention of these activities would normally throw my stomach into spasms, but this vacation was worry free.

Aside from the stress free environment of endless beauty, the entire structure of a cruise turned out to be the perfect remedy for an IBS tripper. I was offered regular and healthy breakfast choices and fresh fruit at every meal. The 24/7 excerise room was well equiped and the convenience made it so easy to put in my 30 min each morning to help stay regular. There was fresh water in my room every day. In fact, because it was so humid, I consumed probably 75% more water - another way that helped settle my stomach. The excursions off the ship were short and required minimal travel (its an island - there's only so far you can go anyhow) so it kept my anxiety level to a medium. The ship even boasted a Mandara Spa, which I planned to use if my IBS acted up (massages settle my IBS - perhaps its something in stimulation of blood circulation), but since it never did I got a deep tissue instead at the end of my trip just as a treat.

Tips:
-Don't even attempt to have a sit down breakfast or wait in the buffet line. I just scouted out the offerings and headed straight to the Muselix or oatmeal from then on.

-Drink lots peppermint/ginger tea during dinner and bring a sweater(!). We all know how great tea can be to settle IBS; this time around its doing double duty. The dining rooms are always chilly due to their food regulations and set off cramps for me the first night.

-The minute you walk into a dining room, especially if you are in a large group, notify the staff about your special diet. Its your vacation and you paid to be pampered. The regular sitdown restaurants were not always able to work with me so try to make a reservation at least every other night to a specialty restaurant - they will always accommodate your requests. I had the best custom made lentil/veggie salad when I told the chef of my diet. The extra $20 is well worth it. Otherwise, I always tried to stick with the buffet.

-Try the goat cheese! Yes, I know you can have goat cheese throughout the US and Europe, BUT where else can you see kid goats 'surf' on old surfboards set out like a playground. At Maui's Surfing Goat Farm, the guide told me that fresh goat cheese is better for sensitive digestive systems and lactose intolerance. So I tried a little. Then a little more. Then bought some and ate an entire round at home. Amazingly, he was right; I never got an attack from it.

-While I'm now a converted cruiser, I'm even more enamored by the Hawaiian Islands. The ethnic Hawaiian food is extremely IBS friendly and the slower way of life, especially on the less populated parts of the islands, soothed my overworked brain.

Posted by Christine at 8:55 AM | Comments (6)