How to handle your period while traveling

We’ve all been there. We plan an amazing vacation for six months from now and when the day finally comes, our periods start! Starting your period right before or on your trip can be an inconvenience if you let it. In this article, I am going to walk you through some period hacks while traveling. Enjoy your vacation girl without letting that time of the month stop you. 

Period hacks while traveling

#1- Pack extra pads and tampons

When you travel while having your period to a new place, it can be hard to find a store that sells exactly what you need. This is especially true if you are traveling internationally. Make sure you have your own products with you that you have tried before and know works. Pack extra. Think about the normal amount that you use while on your period. Do you typically use 5 tampons within your 3-day cycle? If so, bring 10 tampons with you. Double the number and be prepared to have extras with you in your purse while you’re out exploring. 

Side note: I recently made the switch from Always Infinity to Ladybox Boutique. The reason why is because I really want to help the environment more. This is a personal mission of mine that is so important to me. Ladybox Boutique sells organic period products, pads, tampons, and panty liners.  I know that chemicals won’t be entering my body plus it feels cleaner to use. What I also like about Ladybox Boutique is that they have subscription boxes and will send you a 90-day supply directly to your door so you have more than enough with you while traveling. If you want to try their products use promo code: YOURLIFETRAVEL at checkout for 50% off your first 3-month subscription. ​

#2- Bring wipes ​

I cannot stress this enough. Having wipes with you for those sticky situations is important. You may not use it a lot at home but if you’re constantly moving around while on your period, you’ll notice just how messy you can get in public. Having those extra wipes on hand will allow you to clean yourself up in a jiffy. You’ll feel fresh and ready to handle anything that comes your way. 

#3- Start birth control to skip periods ​

Most OBGYN’s will tell you that you don’t have to have a period in order to be healthy. There is no scientific reason to have one other than to create life. Skipping periods is easy with birth control. In fact, I went 3 years of my life without having a period because I was using birth control. Birth control can help in many ways but please note it cannot protect you against STDs and UTIs so it’s important to ensure that you are still practicing safe sex if you are not wanting to catch ANYTHING.  

When it comes to travel, if having a period is something you just don’t want to bother with at all then consider switching over to birth control. Keep in mind that birth control can also work differently for different people. When I first started birth control, I bled for almost a month straight before my body got used to it and stopped my periods. I am not a doctor so take my advice loosely but try it for 3-4 months before you decide to travel on it, just in case your body reacts similarly to mines or worst. 

P.s. There shouldn’t be a shame around using birth control. Many women use it for multiple reasons. Whether it is because you’re sexually active and don’t want to get pregnant or you have terrible periods that you want to help relieve your feelings are valid. It’s okay to take birth control for a variety of reasons. 

Side note: If you are looking to try birth control try SimpleHealth. This company will allow you to get birth control directly to your door month after month. A doctor will write your prescription and help you get the best birth control for you. Click the link above to get a FREE consultation valued at $20.00. Personally, I like this company and how easy it is to get birth control from them compared to other online companies or visiting the doctor. 

#4- Adjust your mindset ​

As women, we have been taught to hide our periods, not use the word vagina, and have been conditioned to be embarrassed when mother nature comes to visit us. So much so that we are afraid to travel while on our periods. Honey, your period is normal and natural. It’s something all women experience and it is nothing for you to be ashamed of. I know that is easier said than done. But the next time you find yourself hiding the fact that you have your period ask yourself “why?”. Remember that your thoughts create your reality. If you have the mindset that you can travel while on your period and it won’t hold you back then that’s what you’re going to experience. If your mindset is negative, it can ruin your vacation and cause you to miss out on activities while you’re exploring. 

#5- Purchase a wearable heating pad​

Okay, this is something new that even I just discovered. For the longest time, I have used heating pads that you warm up in the microwave and then have to hold against your uterus area. But not since I discovered wearable heating pads. They have ones you can wear as underwear so your hands are free and you can check off all of the items on your list. They also have sticky heating pads that you just stick to your uterus. Whichever, you choose, make sure it works for you before traveling with it. 

Side note: My favorite one is made by The Girls Company. I am not in any way sponsored or endorsed by them but I LOVE their product. This is one I used for my wedding day since I was experiencing cramps. I honestly thought I was going to start my period that day but my period didn’t show. Overall 10/10 would recommend. This was a hit and even some of my bridesmaids used them and loved them. 

#6- Purchase travel insurance

Travel insurance can be very helpful for many reasons, one of which is the need to cancel your trip. Regardless of the reason, you have to cancel most travel insurances will work with you to get your money back. This includes the reason for having your period. I get it, periods aren’t easy for everyone. Some women get extremely sick when they go through menstruation or have period cramps that make them feel like they’re dying. I’ve been there. Before going on birth control many years ago, I actually used to get fevers along with extreme menstrual pain that would cause me to miss school and work. That’s the whole reason my doctor suggested I use birth control to skip my periods altogether. 

I personally find travel insurance to be worth it if you are experiencing a range of symptoms and emotions and I know it can be hard to always know exactly when your period will start and end. For those reasons, I truly recommend trying travel insurance, it can save you should you have to end your trip short, cancel, or even end up needing medical attention.

#7- Use a period tracker 

If you have a smartphone (let’s be real, most of us do in 2021) then there are a number of period tracking apps that you can use. These apps strategically and scientifically can plan out the exact day you’ll have your period and how long it will last. You can even track your symptoms in most of these apps and when/if you have sex. By knowing exactly when your period will start you can plan trips around your period if you’re against traveling while on your period. 

Side note: My favorite app is called ‘P Tracker’. Clue is also a really great app if you have access to it through your Google Play Store or Apple App Store. These apps are perfect for tracking your period. (I am not endorsed or affiliated with any of these companies)

#8- Bring extra painkillers

Speaking from experience here, it is a pain in the butt to try and find painkillers in another country, especially if you don’t speak their language. You can carry with your medication in both your carry-on and checked-in baggage according to TSA regulations but it must be screened. If you need painkillers to get you through your period, then I suggest arriving at the airport early. Give them enough time to properly screen your meds and make sure you are not carrying illegal drugs. 

P.s. This rule of thumb is for American flyers only. If flying outside the United States please check with your countries regulations to ensure you are compliant.

#9- Wear comfortable clothing

I don’t know why I didn’t make this item number one but I can’t stress this enough! Periods suck and are uncomfortable. There is no need to be uneasy under your clothes and in your clothes. Put on loose clothing that you can easily take off to go to the bathroom. No rompers that look pretty but make you have to get fully naked just to change your pad or tampon. Wear leggings or stretchy pants. Keep the jeans at home, they totally suck! Wear flowy dresses, if that’s your style. Just put on anything that will make you comfortable while you and mother nature go to war over your uterus. 

P.s. When traveling to a new place try to ensure you are not wearing bright color clothing. This can cause you to stand out and be a target for theft, sexual assault, and more. Stay safe and stay aware. 

#10- Know where you’re going 

My final period hack while traveling is to know where you are going to determine if you should even travel at all. Some countries do not allow you to visit their mosque while you are bleeding. In some parts of the world, you are not even allowed to talk about your period. Research the customs of the places you want to visit before you go while on your period. It’s important to be respectful to other cultures that may be different than our own cultures.