I take a little plastic baggie of suppositories and use them just before going to bed, by morning everything is A-ok. That way I am not out and about when "it" happens. And they are not harsh either.

Tomatoes. pass right through you

I am a nutritionist and I have read all of these answers. I think the best one (and what works for me) is eat plenty of fruits (apples, figs, or anything citrusy-no bananas). Especially in the morning (half hour before breakfast)and in between meals and not with things like protein-they do not mix well. Also, try not to drink too much liquid while eating-it hinders proper digestion. But drink plenty of water otherwise, especially with lemon in it (citrusy). Fibercon and things along those lines can make you gassy and hurt the natural balance in your intestines.

I drink lots of water and go on a vegetarian diet for a day or two (vegetarian--hindu meals on planes) and never have a problem (used to a lot). A day or two of vegetarian is really easy--pasta or pizza, goat cheese salad, etc.

Well.... I sympathize... since I once let constipation get out of hand on a trip and ended up with an impaction. NOT fun....To all the above advice I'd add.... drink lots of water on the plane traveling to your destination. Try to limit wine, alcohol, etc. (I drink a glass of water for each glass of wine.)If you have problems at home, take the remedy with you and start on it immediately (I travel with Kellogs All Bran.) Also found that Italian drug stores sell wonderful non harsh laxatives. Not like the bombs I've found at home. Good luck!!!

Two things work for me, everytime.<BR>1. pancakes <BR>2. Browsing in a book store.

Fleets suppositories. They take effect on me anywhere from 1 minute to 15 minutes. Either first thing in the morning or at night. <BR><BR>Try not to make a habit of it. I took 2 while I was in Paris for two weeks. That was all I needed because after a few days I became pretty regular.

Easy... just drink the local tapwater once or twice. Worked for me... boy did it work ! ( Guidebook said water was OK ).

many health food stores have Psyillium husks packaged in capsule form. They work well. Drink lots of water. Also yogurt is good to take both before and during travel to ward off alimentary problems. Magnesium tablets also work well in loosening the stools.

try a stool softner such as colace if the bulk preparation does not work. it is not a laxative but a softner that can be very effective without the distressing urgency of other preparations

Wow. I thought it was just me! Yes, i'm regular at home, never give it a 2nd thought.but traveling can be uncomfortable.<BR>Thanks for the tips,too.<BR>

Bill, I had to laugh. Your No. 2 (no pun intended) works infallibly for me, too.

Stick your hands in hot water and jump up and down a few times. That should loosen things up. If that doesn't work, I've heard that sitting on the toilet with a washcloth held between clenched teeth works. Or the aroma of juniper. Good luck--I've got to be "moving" along now.

Warning... Colace is not for everyone. That's what got me into trouble!! (Added bulk... but didn't move..) Check with your doctor.

Black coffee is all you need.<BR>A few cups of the European coffee should do the trick, and you will have more energy to run right back to your room too! <BR>

The last time I went to Europe I ordered ahead of time a fruit salad, as I was "fasting" on a jet-lag diet. The first salad was fine, but from then on, every flight served me a fruit salad and I had the opposite problem! I have the constipation problem, usually. I asked my doctor. He gave me a perscription for Lactulose Syrup. I tried it out at home. It REALLY worked; more than I would want it to on a trip. I think the apricot suggestion is good. I find that dried prunes work too.

Re taking apricots or other dried fruit to London, are we permitted to take fruit into England? Or is it just fresh produce which is prohibited?

I never have problems with constipation. My problem is the opposite. Any suggestions for diarrhea?

Probiotics! Keep your digestive flora in top shape, especially if you are drinking alcohol. You'll find them refrigerated at the health food store. The friendly bacteria doesn't live long without refrigeration, but can last a few days. Also use digestive enzymes and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. This allows your body to break down the food properly. And, by the way, it helps with the opposite problem as well.

The water thing is extremely important because if you consume a lot of fiber without consuming a lot of water, you're going to have a big problem (think in terms of hardened cement).<BR><BR>And this is weird, but I've also found that very cold water works better, even though warm water is used for enemas.