Travel Hacks When On Your Period

Travel can make period cycles unpredictable and even irregular at times, often due to the stress from a change of location. However, having your period while traveling shouldn’t make or break your vacation.

Here are five feminine hygiene hacks to help you avoid those frustrating period symptoms!

Make a Period Kit

There’s no worse fear than getting your period without having the necessary supplies on hand, especially when you’re traveling. If you’re currently on your period or expecting it to come in the near future, it’s a great idea to pack a period kit full of the essentials. Start by packing a small toiletry bag with items like tampons, panty liners, travel size pads, and pain relief medication. You can even include our period travel essentials like pre-packed liners, mini feminine washes, and sanitary wipes! Finally, be sure to include a few extra pairs of underwear in case any mishaps happen (we’ve all been there). This way, you'll be completely prepared in case you happen to get your period on vacation!

Be Prepared With Your Prescriptions

Before heading off on your travels, it’s crucial to make sure any prescriptions you’ll need will last throughout the duration of your trip. This way, you can re-order your medications ahead of time so that you’re ready to go. This is especially important when it comes to your birth control (if you’re on it). If you typically take hormonal birth control, missing multiple doses can disrupt your cycle and symptoms vastly. To be safe, make sure you order your birth control far enough in advance so you have enough before you leave.

Try a Menstrual Cup

If you’re looking to travel light, consider trying out a feminine menstrual cup!  For those of you who don’t know, menstrual cups are reusable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to tampons and pads. Unlike other feminine hygiene products, a menstrual cup can save you time throughout the day because it can stay in place for up to 12 hours. Before choosing this route, be sure you will have the ability to properly sanitize your menstrual cup on your trip.

Bring a Portable Heating Pad

Traveling itself can be uncomfortable enough as it is. Add period cramps on top of that, and it can become pure misery. Fortunately, portable heating pads are an effective solution for traveling with period cramps as they help ease menstrual pain and don't require an outlet. From heating pads that are battery-operated to rechargeable ones, you have plenty of options. These are especially great if you’re traveling for long hours in a seated position.

Pay Attention to Your Salt-Intake

Another uncomfortable period symptom that we’re all familiar with is bloating. This happens because your body retains more water and salt as your progesterone and estrogen levels fluctuate. To help reduce the discomfort, it’s important to avoid salty foods as much as possible because these will cause your body to retain more water. Instead, drink plenty of water to flush out your system and stay hydrated. You can also eat potassium-rich foods such as bananas, avocados, and spinach since they reduce sodium levels.