Problem: Article: While this step may seem like a given, make sure you pick a place that relaxes you. If you're not the type to want to spend your whole vacation with a detailed itinerary, pick something less stressful. Stress can irritate IBS, so sticking to somewhere relaxing is key. If you're traveling to another country or even within your own country, you need to make sure you are covered. You don't want to be caught with a medical emergency and no way to pay for it. You can get medical travel insurance if your regular insurance doesn't cover you. One place to check is on the local American embassy's website, usually under "American Citizens Services." You can also find doctors on the website for the American Board of Specialists. If you're staying in a motel or hostel, make sure that your room has an ensuite bathroom. That way, you can use the restroom whenever you need it, rather than having to wait for others to finish. If not knowing what's going to happen stresses you out, make sure to get as many details as possible. Call the hotel if you need to do so to ask questions. Check with the airline if you have any qualms about traveling. Make sure you know how you're getting from point A to point B. Smoothing out the details can help relieve your stress. Where possible, it's a good idea to travel in your own car instead of taking public transport. That way, if you have urgent need of a restroom, you can find a place to pull over. Make sure you take all of your medications with you in a plastic bag. Be sure to keep your medicines in the original bottles and carry your original prescription. You should also take water, snacks, and fiber if you need it. Remember to include a change of clothes, baby wipes or toilet wipes (to clean up), and your doctor's name and number. Your doctor can prescribe you prescription medications for IBS. If you need more than a 30-day supply for your trip, ask your doctor for help, as she can help you get enough to last the whole time. Don't forget to bring a few days extra, just in case you get stuck somewhere. Don't forget to carry over-the-counter medications, too, such as pain medications, anti-diarrhea medications, and medications for gas. Place the spare change of clothes in a plastic bag; that way, you will have a place to put your soiled clothes in case of an emergency. It's also good to make sure you have distractions with you. For instance, try a book or music on your smartphone. These little distractions will keep you occupied, lowering your anxiety. Since anxiety can contribute to IBS, they can make the trip easier. All you need to disclose is that you have a bowel disease. Note that you really need to go to the bathroom, and thank the person for being considerate. When you have a bathroom emergency, try handing it to the first person in line if you need to cut and don't have time to explain why. On the morning you're supposed to travel, pick a food that you know won't upset your stomach. Stick to something such as rice or applesauce. That way, you minimize your chances of having an accident. If you know things tend to loosen up in your bowels when you travel, try taking a medication before leaving to preemptively take care of the problem. For instance, you can take loperamide (Imodium) before leaving; just be sure you know how you react to these medications before you try taking them on a trip.
Summary: Pick a relaxing destination. Check with your insurance. Know how to find medical help where you're going. Choose accommodations where you will have your own restroom. Know the details of your trip. Consider driving. Make an emergency kit. Keep some distractions on hand. Try typing up an emergency bathroom note card. Eat light on travel day. Take medication before leaving.

Problem: Article: This should be marked on the packet of envelopes, or on the envelope itself. Size 14 envelopes measure 5" x 11.5" and are considered the standard size. They will be rectangular in shape and will often be sold in packages at your local post office. You can also mail a letter in an envelope that is smaller than a size 14, such as a size 10 envelope (4.125" x 9.5"), with a regular stamp. If possible, fold your letter so it fits in a standard rectangular envelope, as this may cut down on the price of postage. Envelopes larger than size 14 are considered large envelopes, or flats, and will be more expensive to mail. Card sized envelopes, made for small greeting cards or wedding invitations, will also likely have additional postage fees. This is because pieces of mail that have an odd shape or are square shaped and made of rigid card can jam mail processing machines and need to be processed separately. You can do this at the post office or on a small office scale. The weight and size of your letter (plus the envelope) will affect the price of postage, or how much you will pay for a stamp. Often, the heavier the letter is, the higher the price of postage will be. Letters in a standard envelope that weigh less than 13 ounces can be sent via First Class Mail at one flat rate. Letters in a standard envelope that weigh more than 13 ounces will be upgraded to Priority Class Mail, and the price for postage will be more than the flat rate. There are three basic levels of mail, according to the US Post Office. First Class Mail is often what is used to send letter-size pieces that are rigid and square. To send a letter First-Class, it must weigh no more than 13 ounces. The price for sending First Class Mail is the same, regardless of the distance the letter is traveling. The arrival time for First Class Mail is two to three days for destinations within the U.S. Sending mail First Class is ideal for a single letter as all you need is a standard stamp and access to a post box. Priority Mail is ideal if you want your letter to get to the addressee by the following business day. To send a letter by Priority Mail, it must weigh no more than 70 pounds. At the post office, you can add on extra services to your Priority Mail item, such as USPS Tracking and Registered Mail, especially if your letter contains legal or sensitive information that must reach its destination. The price of Priority Mail postage is based on the distance the mail must travel; the further the distance, the more you will pay for postage. This is broken down by nine "zones". For example, "Zone 1" is local, or the area close to you, and "Zone 9" is the furthest distance away from your location. Standard Mail is used for larger quantities of mail, at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail at one time. Envelopes must weight less than 16 ounces. Large envelopes, also called flats, cost more than letters. People use Standard Mail to send flyers, advertising documents, newsletters, catalogs, and bulletins. You can only send domestic mail by Standard Mail and you cannot send one single envelope through Standard Mail.
Summary:
Check the size of your envelope. Weigh your letter. Decide if you want to send the letter by First Class, Priority, or Standard Mail.