EXPLORING NEW PLACES AND EMBARKING ON ADVENTURES IS THRILLING, BUT DEALING WITH YOUR PERIOD WHILE TRAVELING CAN BE CHALLENGING. DON'T LET IT HINDER YOUR PLANS! WITH A FEW HELPFUL TIPS, YOU CAN MANAGE YOUR PERIOD WHILE ON THE GO.
1. BE PREPARED FOR YOUR PERIOD
As is true with most things in life, a little planning ahead goes a long way in easing the task of having your period — especially while traveling. Check out the plans that you have. Will you be traveling mostly through cities and hotels, or will you also be visiting more rural areas? There are typically bathrooms shared when staying in hostels. Especially when traveling abroad, not every supermarkets provides the same brands.
2. USE REUSABLE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS
There are few things more convenient than tossing your compact, lightweight, 100% reusable menstrual cup or menstrual disc in your luggage or carry-on. Choosing reusable products to manage a vacation on your period means no dealing with trash, no panic purchasing or searching for your brand of tampons or pads, and more space in your luggage.
3. ALWAYS PACK BACKUPS
Extra pairs of regular underwear, reusable cloth pads, and period underwear. It's a good idea to carry an extra pair of underwear in your day bag or purse so you can quickly change into a clean pair in case there is any leakage or overflow. Additionally, it allows you to immediately rinse your underwear to prevent blood stains.
Bonus Tips ‘On-The-Go Period Emergency Kit Essentials’: Menstrual Cup, Backup Products (period panties, pads or tampons), Extra Underwear, Pain Relief Medication
4. KEEP MOVING, BUT BE GENTLE WITH YOURSELF
Staying active has tons of health benefits, including staying active during your period week, but it’s totally okay to take it easy and skip out on the high-intensity exercise if you’re not up for it.
Engaging in mild physical activities such as walking, hiking, swimming, or yoga is a great way to maintain blood flow, keep your body moving, and increase feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in your brain. If you're planning a vacation, think about scheduling a guided walking tour. You'll be able to enjoy the sights at a relaxed pace, which is good for your menstrual health!
5. PLAN OUT YOUR PAINKILLERS
If you’re someone who’s prone to period cramps during your menstrual cycle, you’ll definitely want to be able to find some comfort and relief from them — especially on vacation! Changes in elevation when flying or visiting different places can also affect period symptoms like cramps and headaches.
Having aspirin or ibuprofen on hand for pain treatment is a smart idea. It's possible that pharmacies in different locations won't stock the brands, items, or dosages you're used to. Put your favorite pain reliever on your packing list right away to avoid the anxiety that comes with forgetting where you left it. If you have a prescription for pain medication, set yourself a reminder to get it filled before you leaving.
