The Out of Town Shutdown: it's is a Thing

Every year, travelers around the world know this all too well: you arrive at your dream getaway… and your digestive system decides to go on strike. Known as the Out‑of‑Town Shutdown, this phenomenon describes the constipation many experience when they travel. But in recent months, it’s gained traction not just in hushed hotel banter, but on TikTok, Instagram, and in mainstream health publications.

TikTok creators and Instagram health influencers have been hilariously blunt:

“I literally cannot poop. Like the out of town shutdown is a real thing. Coffee, burrito, anything,,,it won't do it if you get constipated anytime you go on vacation.”

Dr. Joseph Salhab’s Instagram reel even asks:

“Do you get the ‘out of town shut down’ every time you travel on vacation? Here are some poop hacks to get you moving and avoid constipation.”

These blunt, relatable takes have amassed views and comments from users confirming their own poop anxiety while traveling.

Mainstream wellness sites have also begun weaving in acknowledgment of the Out of Town Shutdown:

·       Real Simple’s “Travel Hacks for Managing Vacation Constipation” dives into how disrupted routines, hydration lapses, and unfamiliar toilets contribute to the issue, and offers practical solutions like fiber, fluid, and movement.

·       The Guardian’s recent wellness piece (July 29, 2025) explores how gut issues—including constipation—surface during travel due to diet changes, dehydration, reduced mobility, and disrupted routines. They emphasize planning ahead with fiber supplements and mindful hydration.  The Guardian

·       Real Simple and Self have offered similar advice in recent months. SELF’s 2024 post distilled the so-called “three F’s”: fluids, fiber, and physical activity to stave off travel-related constipation. Self

Experts cited in these articles—like Dr. David Poppers and Dr. Wendi LeBrett—point out that travel constipation is extremely common, even among people who don’t usually experience constipation at home.

How to Deal with the Shutdown: Prevention & Relief

Pre-trip Prep

·       Boost fiber and hydration a few days before you depart—prunes or dried kiwi can help (and of course, Prunies®!).

On the Move

·       Drink water frequently; skip excessive alcohol and caffeine.

·       Walk often—even mid-flight or during long transits—to promote motility.

When Nature Interrupts

·       Don’t suppress urges—holding it in can worsen constipation.

Stress & Timing

·       Understand jet lag, anxiety, or unfamiliar bathrooms can further slow gut motion.

What began as gut-level jokes on TikTok and Instagram is now gaining real attention in healthcare circles. The Out‑of‑Town Shutdown may feel isolating, but if you’re blocked while on vacation, you are far from alone. The conversation has shifted from shame to shared humanity, and practical tips are now everywhere.

Finally, one thing the entire world can unite on: nobody wants to be constipated on vacation.