As the vaccine rolls out and travel restrictions start to relax, it’s time to plan the trips we’ve been waiting to take for the past year. There is one pesky thing that seems to get in the way of the perfect vacation… your period. Having your period is definitely a nuisance while traveling, but here are some tips so it won’t be quite as bad.
Tip #1: Plan ahead
If you think that there is ANY chance you will start your period while traveling, plan accordingly. There’s nothing worse than being caught without the supplies you need, especially in a foreign country where they might not have the same products you’re used to.
Tip #2: Make sure you have plenty of supplies
I usually pack about double what I think I will need just so I’m sure I won’t run out. You never know when it will be a really heavy flow.
*Bonus Tip: Using a menstrual cup makes traveling on your period a million times easier. You only need to worry about bringing one thing and it lasts a lot longer than a tampon or pad. Plus, you don’t have to worry about disposing of it. You can read more about the pros and cons of a menstrual cup here.
Tip #3: Have something to deal with cramp pain
Even if you don’t usually get bad cramps, there’s nothing that will ruin a vacation like feeling uncomfortable (or like you’re going to die) the whole time. Bring your Band by The Girls Co., that trusty ibuprofen, or whatever else you use to keep those cramps at bay.
Tip #4: Bring comfortable clothing
Bring pants or shorts with stretch and flowy dresses. Being in tight, stiff jeans while you’re already feeling bloated from your period sucks. If you feel great in your normal clothes on your period, fantastic! But it might be nice to bring some back up clothing just in case you want to feel a little comfier than usual.
Tip #5: Bring your ‘period’ underwear
This might be literal if you use period underwear but if you don’t, make sure you bring the underwear you like to wear on your period. For me this was always my black or dark colored underwear.
Tip #6: Try to plan ahead
If you know you will be on your period while planning your trip, try to plan activities that aren’t as intense and will allow you to take it easy for the first couple of days of your cycle, or have a Plan B in case you aren’t feeling up to your original plans.
Tip #7: Bring extra pants and underwear
Just in case you leak it’s a good idea to have an extra pair of pants and some extra underwear. It always pays to be prepared!
These are a few lessons we’ve learned from traveling on our periods over the years. What are your tips? Share them in the comments below!