Small Bladder, Big Adventures: Navigating Travel With Frequent Rest Stops

As I boarded my flight to El Paso, anticipating a group tour to Big Bend National Park, I couldn’t help but worry about the long van rides ahead. Big Bend, one of the least visited and most remote national parks in the United States, promised stunning vistas and unique experiences. However, for someone like me with a small bladder—a diagnosis confirmed by a urologist—it also presented a daunting logistical challenge.

NextTribe takes small groups of women age 45+ on immersive adventures across the country (Big Bend included) and around the world. Learn more here.

My small bladder diagnosis makes sense given my petite stature; at not even 5-feet tall, everything about me seems to be on the smaller side. Later, I was also diagnosed with an overactive bladder, though I’m not entirely sure if that’s an accurate assessment. Regardless of the exact medical terminology, the reality is that I’m a 52-year-old who needs bathroom breaks more frequently than most people, which can complicate travel.

Let’s get detailed about the issue to start: The key symptom of overactive bladder (OAB) is a frequent and sudden urge to urinate that can be difficult to control. It affects up to 33 million adults in the U.S., including as many as 30% of men and 40% of women, with (you might have guessed it) prevalence increasing with age. The impact goes beyond inconvenience; it’s also associated with increased risks of falls, anxiety, depression, and social isolation, particularly in older adults.

The impact of a small or overactive bladder goes beyond inconvenience: It’s associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

But OAB isn’t the only cause of frequent urination. There are other factors, which I try diligently to address. Despite faithfully doing Kegel exercises, getting regular physical activity, and managing my weight as best as I can, I still find myself needing to go more often than most. I limit alcohol, caffeine, and liquids in general (though I do have a cup of decaf on morning excursions, a small compromise to feel like I’m not missing out entirely). The shame and embarrassment can be overwhelming, and there’s constant worry about where the next bathroom is. But that doesn’t mean I’m willing to miss out on travel.

“Get Set for Frequent Pit Stops”

As our group assembled in El Paso, I made a decision. Instead of hiding my condition, I would address it head-on with a touch of humor. “Just a heads up,” I announced to our guide and fellow travelers, “I have a small bladder and might need frequent stops.” It was a moment of vulnerability, but it felt liberating to be open about my needs.

Our excursion began, and as we left El Paso behind, the vast Texas landscape unfolded before us. As we made our way towards Big Bend, an unexpected ally emerged in our group: an adventurous woman, older than me, with an impressive 131 skydives under her belt. Her resilience was evident in her tales of horseback riding—a passion she returned to just six weeks after her horse threw her in Kazakhstan, resulting in eight broken bones in her back. Little did I know, this intrepid spirit would soon become my bathroom break buddy.

Not long into our drive, my bathroom break buddy asked for a restroom stop. I sensed a hint of exasperation from some of our fellow passengers.

Not long into our drive, she voiced the need for a restroom stop. “Does anyone else need to go?” she asked. Relieved, I immediately chimed in. While I sensed a hint of exasperation from some of our fellow passengers, I felt a wave of relief knowing I wasn’t alone in my frequent need for breaks.

Bonding Over Bladders? Sometimes, Yes!

As our trip progressed, I noticed that this woman required even more frequent stops than I did—a rarity in my experience. Every hour or two, she’d turn to me and ask, “Tamara, ready for a stop?” My reply was always the same: “Yes, I can always go.” It became our unspoken understanding, a source of comfort in what could have been an uncomfortable situation.

Our frequent stops evolved into something more than mere bathroom breaks. They became opportunities for everyone to stretch their legs, peruse local snacks at gas stations, and marvel at the unique West Texas souvenirs—particularly the ubiquitous cowboy hats.

Our frequent rest stops became a chance for everyone to stretch their legs, peruse the snacks at gas stations, and marvel at the unique West Texas souvenirs.

One memorable stop occurred at a gas station just as the sun was setting. We arrived right at closing time, some of our group locked inside while others were locked out. After some insistent knocking, the group of outsiders were let in. While I made a beeline for the restroom, my bathroom buddy ordered a chocolate ice cream cone to surprise someone waiting in the van. The clerk, despite the late hour, took her time preparing a cone easily four times the size we anticipated. As we finally prepared to leave, chocolate surprise in hand, we realized we’d gotten locked inside. We were held hostage until the clerk found the right keys to allow us to escape. It was a moment of shared looks ranging from disbelief to amusement—the price we pay for our bladders, but also the unexpected prize of travel.

There were times when formal rest stops weren’t an option. At one point, my new friend needed an urgent stop. We pulled over to the side of the road, found some discreet bushes, and were back on our way promptly. Being with a group of outdoor enthusiasts made this impromptu nature break feel less awkward than it might have with other travelers.

Strategies for Managing Bathroom Breaks While Traveling

That said, for those who need frequent rest stops, several strategies can help make travel more manageable.

• Technology offers useful solutions like the iExit Interstate Guide for finding upcoming rest stops and the Flush Toilet Finder app, which contains over 200,000 public restrooms in its database worldwide.
• Planning routes with potential restroom stops in mind, consulting with healthcare providers about potential medications [Rx names include Oxytrol for Women and Detrol], and choosing travel-friendly clothing (sorry, jumpsuits may be too tricky) can make managing these needs easier on the road.
• For outdoor stops, various portable urination devices are available, from reusable options like the Tinkle Belle to disposable solutions like PeeBuddy funnels, which can really help when bathrooms are few and far between. For instance, on our way back, my group passed through Marfa, a small desert city known for its minimalist art scene. Here, we encountered the peculiar sight of Prada Marfa, a tiny, permanently closed Prada store that stands as an art installation in the middle of the desert. With no public restrooms, it was once again time to find some bushes that afforded some privacy and take care of business, which was quite a memorable travel moment for me.

When there are no public restrooms to be found, gizmos like Tinkle Belle and PeeBuddy disposable funnels can really help.

However, with group travel, the best approach might be informing the driver and fellow passengers ahead of time about your need for frequent bathroom breaks, without feeling obligated to provide details about your personal situation. When faced with occasional huffing and puffing from fellow travelers about frequent stops, a simple, honest approach often works best: “I’m so sorry, but unfortunately I have to use the restroom.” You could also be a little snarky and say, “You wouldn’t want me to pee my pants, would you?”

Read more: Savoring Art, Nature, and New Friends in West Texas

The Silver Linings of My Situation

Life presents us all with unique challenges. Some fear flying, others can’t be around spiders, and many navigate dietary restrictions. What matters isn’t the nature of our particular challenge, but how we—and those around us—respond to it. The beauty of maturity lies in learning to accept and support each other’s differences with grace and understanding.

My trip to Big Bend taught me that necessary bathroom breaks often lead to unexpected delights. They become opportunities for everyone to stretch, explore quirky local spots, take in a stunning view of the landscape, and connect with one another. After all, the joy of travel lies not just in the destination, but in the journey itself, unexpected pit stops and all.