Okay, so your bags are packed and waiting at the front door. Plane tickets are printed out. Appliances are unplugged. The cats are at your friend’s house. The fridge is cleared out of perishables. You’re ready to go and just have to get up the next morning to go to the airport.
The only problem is that you’ve just gotten your period. It’s the last thing you wanted to deal with on vacation to say the least.
But, there are a few things you can do to make having your period while on vacation slightly less terrible. Here they are:
Travel on your Period Tip #1: Scale Down your Activities, Maybe?
If you have your period while on vacation, you may need to scale down your activities. This of course depends on how you feel.
Some people have few period symptoms at all, while others experience terrible menstrual cramps and serious fatigue. If you fall into the latter category, be easy on yourself. Rest at the beach for the day. Chill at the hotel for a while in the afternoon.
Don’t burn yourself out going crazy on sightseeing if you’re not feeling great because you have your period. Be kind to yourself, okay?
Tips for Traveling on your Period
Travel on your Period Tip #2: Stay Hydrated
It’s very easy to get dehydrated when traveling, particularly in a hot climate. There’s so much going on that we forget to drink water. It also may not be possible to drink water from the tap like back at home, so you’re tempted to drink less to save money.
This is always a mistake. When you have your period on vacation, take care of yourself. The most important thing you can do for yourself is to make sure that you’re well-hydrated.
Here’s a simple test to see if you’re drunk enough water. Your pee should be clear or light yellow. Easy as that!
Remember that by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Drink water gradually throughout the day to avoid this.
Travel on your Period Tip #3: Don’t Forget your Menstrual Cup
A menstrual cup is one of the best ways to deal with your period while on vacation. Here are a few reasons why you might consider using one instead of tampons:
- Higher capacity. Menstrual Cups have a capacity 2-4x more than a jumbo tampon. Deal with your period less with a menstrual cup. Make it through that long plane ride in style!
- No waste. Don’t worry about how to dispose of used tampons in a foreign country. Menstrual cups create no waste at all.
- The fear of running out. Don’t worry about having to buy period products in some small town in the countryside of some random country. One menstrual cup is all you need for your entire period.
Which Menstrual Cup do you Recommend?
One of our favourite new menstrual cups is the Saalt Cup. It’s made in the USA from medical grade silicone and the early reviews of this products are excellent.
In particular, we LOVE the firmness of this thing. It’s firm enough that it should pop open easily inside you. But, it’s also not so stiff as to be uncomfortable.
More details here: Saalt Menstrual Cup Review.
Travel on your Period Tip #4: Get Enough Sleep
Go, go, go! When you’re on vacation, most people want to pack in as much sightseeing and partying as possible. But, if you have your period and aren’t feeling that great, make sure you get enough sleep.
A good rule of thumb is to sleep as much as you would at home. Perhaps even a bit more. You’re on vacation after all, right?
Travel on your Period Tip #5: Don’t Forget the Painkillers!
Okay, so if you get some serious menstrual cramps during your period, and take painkillers to alleviate them, don’t forget to take them with you on vacation.
When they hit, they hit and probably the last thing you want to be doing is finding a drug store in a foreign country. Avoid this problem the easy way—bring your supplies with you!
Travel on your Period: Have your Say
Travel on your period: what’s your #1 tip to share with us? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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