Anne-Charlotte PasseraLet’s be honest, traveling on your period is a pain in your back or lower abdomen. While that part is a fact, the truth is that it sucks. Big time.
My first experience with my period showing up unwanted was during a road trip with my dad. I was 15. We were traveling from France to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic for 2 weeks. I was not prepared. Internet yet alone cell phones didn’t exist back then. I couldn’t call my mom for help. And forget talking about my dad about it. I was way too embarrassed. So I did what most of us had to do at least once in our period life (hopefully, I’m not alone on this one). I used toilet paper to make a pad.
Afterward, I was on the pill for about 20 years. Hence, my period was pretty much kept on a tight leash. When I decided to stop the pill, that’s when the flow hit the fan. The last 6 or so years have been rock and roll. There isn’t one trip abroad I’ve taken with my husband where I didn’t have my period.
It turns out, I’m actually premenopausal despite being in my ‘early’ 40s. It took over 2 years before I could get the official diagnostic. I had used an app to keep track of my period but that was mostly because my husband and I were trying unsuccessfully to conceive. We got 2 dogs instead. But even with an app, my period came and went as it pleased.
My husband’s theory about me getting my period right before or while traveling is that it’s due to stress. There is some truth to that. After all, I did get my period once when I was a teenager because I was so stressed out about a stupid math test.
Fortunately, there are ways, even more now, to prepare yourself for the unexpected period while traveling. The more we talk openly about our period, the more we are aware of it, the more prepared we will be.
The forbidden truth of your period
Depending on how old you are and where you are from, you might have found it odd when I mentioned that I was embarrassed at 15 about my period. That’s because the subject was a little tabou in my family. Talking about sexuality and periods wasn’t my family’s forte.
Luckily, the next generation and my husband being younger than I have made it ok for me to not blush every time I mention the word PERIOD. I still hide my pad in my bra when I go to the office bathroom though. Don’t you?
Although I have become more comfortable to openly talk about my period, it’s not something that I would go and talk about with my male bosses. However, it is something that I did have a conversation about with my kids, especially my youngest, both boys. I believe that no matter what their sex, kids should know about this natural phenomenon. It happens to every single woman in the world. There shouldn’t be any shame around it.
The thing is, in other parts of the world, women’s period is still tabou. It’s seen as something nasty, dirty, smelly, embarrassing. Periods need to remain hidden.
So if you are traveling abroad, you might have to take into consideration the fact that your period should not be a public matter, but a private one.
Traveling abroad with your period
If you are traveling to a foreign country and get your period, finding hygienic products might be hard to come by depending where in the world you are. North America, Europe and in big cities of Latin America or North Africa you should be fine. For the rest, your guess is as good as mine.
While I was traveling through Vietnam with my mom, I had my period. It started before my trip so I had packed my necessities. However, it lasted for the whole 3 weeks I was gone and beyond.
My flow decided to follow me everywhere.
Vietnam doesn’t have supermarkets or at least I didn’t see any. I had run out of supplies and needed something other than toilet paper to get by. While we were in the old port town of Hoi An amidst tailor and lantern shops we set out to find me some pads. We found an improvised corner pharmacy. Ok cool. But how do you say period pads in Vietnamese? No freaking clue. The woman didn’t speak French nor English, yet somehow she pulled out a pack of pads, 5 to be exact. What an odd number!
Relieved, I bought the pack of 5 pads and brought it back to our hotel. I pulled one of the pads out, unfolded it, again and again. I swear, I thought the unfolding was going to last forever. It wasn’t a regular pad, and it felt like a freaking diaper. It covered the front, the middle, and the back of my you know what. At least, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about any nightly overflow.
I’ve never really been a tampon girl but for those of you who are, this tip is for you. In some countries, you won’t find tampons sold with an applicator. So don’t hop on a plane without yours.
Luckily, things are (slowly) starting to change in some countries where hygienic products are made readily available (for FREE) in toilets of public buildings. It started in schools and has now moved on to city halls and libraries.
Where to find FREE hygienic products around the world
Scotland was the first to start with the FREE offering of hygienic products. I did not know this until my podcast co-host Caroline told me about it. How cool is that? I don’t necessarily believe they should be free, even though I wouldn’t mind, but they should at least be TAX-free and less expensive. Don’t you agree?
In 2018, it first started with Scotish schools and in 2020, a bill was passed to provide these products in all public buildings.
In 2019, Whales hopped on that bandwagon and then came along England. France is very slowly starting to do the same thing but only in schools for now. In Germany, certain cafés and museums provide FREE tampons in their bathroom.
What about Canada? Nothing. Well not exactly, but I’ll tell you about that further down below. However, a pharmacy in Halifax, Nova Scotia, does provide FREE hygienic products. They are able to do so through generous donations from the public.
The United States still has some ways to go. Certain states such as Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, and California are starting to provide free feminine hygiene products in schools or for women who live below the poverty line. It’s a start.
Vacationing on your period
Traveling can be stressful and bring on an unwanted flow. Long plane rides and jet lag can mess with your cycle.
Prior to heading out to a “wild” destination, you might have to check if you can visit while on your period. For instance, in Indonesia, on Komodo Island, home to the Komodo dragon, you can’t visit it while on your period. Unless, you want to be attacked! These big lizards are drawn to the slightest smell of blood. They will see you as their prey. Perfume is not recommended either.
Period supplies can be difficult to get your hands on while traveling.
Period tip when your flow shows up unannounced. Don’t panic. Place a sock in the inside pocket of your underwear or use toilet paper. It will work as a temporary pad. If you can, double up on panty liners. Then, find a pharmacy!
Hiking and camping with the flow
I’ve grown unfortunately accustomed to traveling on my period.
While we were in the Canadian Rockies, I had my period. BIG TIME. As usual, it came unannounced a few days into our trip. But this time, I didn’t even get a fair warning.
I had a huge overflow hit me in the middle of the night while sleeping in a king size bed with my husband and Blondie Bear. We were spending one night in a very nice resort. I felt super bad for staining the white sheets but there was nothing I could do. I didn’t know my period was going to show up like that.
This was by far one of my worse case period stories.
I tried cleaning the sheets as best as I could but in vain. Blondie Bear didn’t even wake up during the whole process. I cleaned up, changed underwear and placed a towel on the bed, just in case.
The next day, with stomach cramps and Niagara Falls between my legs, we hiked to the teahouses of Lake Louise. A 16km hike!
By the end of the day, I didn’t feel half bad. My 2 Advils had kicked in, I drank a pretty good amount of water while hiking and tea at the tea houses. Staying hydrated and exercising helps reduce the pain.
Little hiking and camping tips
If you are planning on going camping or on a long hike, here are some tips:
- On trails, there aren’t usually trash cans.
You’ll have to observe the pack it in and pack it out rule. Meaning, whatever trash you bring, you have to leave with.
- If you are lucky, you might find dry toilets.
If you are using disposable hygienic products, either use a reusable and washable bag to place your soiled items in or a compostable poopie bag.
- Bring toilet paper or napkins. Always. Even if you don’t have your period, it might come in handy when #2 comes knocking and has nowhere to go but out.
- Instead of wet wipes, use wash cloths that you can wet with your water bottle to clean yourself up. Then, put it in your reusable bag and wash them when you get home.
- Although having your period doesn’t attract bears, your used hygienic products might.
Use unscented tampons. Apparently, they attract bears way less.
- It’s best to hang your period pieces in a bag along with toothpaste really high up. Let me tell you, it was embarrassing to watch my husband pull my period trash way up into the air.
Of course, the one time we went camping in the outbacks I got my period. To get to our car and back to civilisation we had to paddle in a canoe from our island for at least 30 minutes.
On top of that, we didn’t find the dry toilet, which was an actual box and not a hut in the middle of the forest, until the next day after our arrival. Yes, I marked our territory in blood.
Urban periods
Getting your period in a city is not half bad. You can use the toilet paper trick or a handkerchief wrapped in toilet paper.
Another one of my period stories is about the dreaded overflow. This time during the day. It happened at work. At work!!!! OMG! Thank god I didn’t stain my desk chair.
Have you ever used the sweater around the waist trick? Well, I did just that with a coworkers sweater to hide my blood stain in my butt region. That’s why I never wear white pants or shorts other than because it makes my ass look big.
Luckily, I worked near tons of stores and a pharmacy. Good old H&M did the trick. I went and bought a new pair of undies and a dress. I still wear that dress and undies today. Money wasn’t wasted.
Shopping on a lunch break to buy new underwear and outfit for work.
For bad menstrual cramps far away from home, you can create your own heating pad if you have access to a microwave.
- Simply fill a sock with cereals or rice. Place it in a microwave for 2 minutes. Close it with a rubber band or a string (don’t put it in a microwave) and place it on your belly.
Water flow
Getting your period when you are at the beach is probably the worse. It’s frustrating as you are looking at the pristine waters and worrying about spoiling them. Here are some random facts:
- Well, water pressure temporarily slows down the flow. Did you ever notice that? However, once you get out, it’s best to have your or a hygienic product on hand.
- You can swim in seawater with your period. There is no risk of infection. Water doesn’t get inside your vagina whether you have your period or not.
- Moreover, swimming relieves cramps due to endorphins released while you are exercising. I’ve read that and I’ve been told that. It never really worked with me.
- Contrary to popular belief, period blood does not attract sharks as it’s also made of other components from your uterus. At least there is nothing that proves that a woman was attacked by a shark because she had her period.
- If you use tampons, change them every time you get out of the water to prevent UTIs. This will prevent the risk of bacteria.
- Menstrual swimsuits do exist! Knix makes some but they recommend you use a tampon or a menstrual cup along with it when it’s a big flow day. They are not half bad looking. Check them out HERE.
What to pack for your flow
You should always pack a period kit when you travel abroad. You know, just in case. Also, always have a plan B or C.
Also, always bring it as a carry on onto the plane. Having had the unfortunate experience of a lost luggage, you don’t also want to have to worry about buying hygienic products in a foreign land.
Pain relievers & comfort
- Pain relievers. They always come in handy, even when you don’t have your period. Either put some in a smaller container or in an old lipstick tube. I tell you about that HERE.
So what should you bring for comfort? It goes without saying that comfortable clothing is a must when traveling on your period. Or, at least something that isn’t too tight around the waist.
Personally, on a trip, I found that long dresses do the trick. I’ve also hiked by unbuttoning my shorts for more comfort, as I didn’t have much choice.
I don’t bring anything special for my period in terms of outfits. I always have something that will do the trick since my fashion style is pretty relaxed.
- Water bottle
A water bottle is always needed on a hiking and camping trip. If you are traveling to a destination where you can’t drink tap water it won’t be as handy, at least not in a city. That was the case when we travelled to Colombia. There was nowhere to refill our reusable water bottle. So we had to buy bottled water.
Nonetheless, you should always have water with you when you are far away from a local store.
Cleaning
- Unscented Savon de Marseille. This is by far one of the best soaps there is on the market. And I’m not only saying this because it’s French. This soap has been around for ever. Think the era of Louis XIV, 18th century.
The Savon de marseille is a purely vegetable soap. It is renowned for its natural virtues: biodegradable, hypoallergenic, nourishing, without coloring or added perfume, unalterable, anti-moth, and bactericide. It was one of the hygiene products that contributed to the decrease in infant mortality and infectious diseases in the 19th century.
article from LePoint – July 14th, 2013
Not only you can use it to wash your body and face with it but also to remove blood stains from your clothes. Simply use cold water, rub the soap on it in. Let it sit for a few minutes or over night. Extra step: scrub the stain with a little brush or toothbrush if you have one to spare. Rince with cold water.
Alternative: Pour cold water on the stained clothing and salt. Let it sit overnight. Rinse. Hydrogen peroxide apparently also helps removes stains but I don’t travel with that in my bag.
- A laundry bag
You’ll need a washable bag that can go in the wash to put your used pads or underwear. It’s a good way to protect them. Also, the bag can come in handy when you are out hiking and need to dispose of your used period pieces.
- Travel Towel
They are practical as they don’t take up space in your luggage. You’ll need one if you go to the beach or if you are not staying in a hotel. It will come in handy to protect your bed from a nightly overflow. They are easy to clean and even faster to dry.
Eco-friendly hygienic products
As mentioned before, Canada does not provide FREE hygienic products, at least not to my knowledge. That being said, if you live in Montreal, you might be able to get a refund when you buy eco-friendly femine hygiene products, just like for cloth diapers.
I discovered this subvention program while discussing about this topic with the founder of Ta Grand-Mère Approuve.
You can check HERE if your district or town offers a refund on a purchase of an eco-friendly menstrual product.
It’s a local company based in Quebec, Canada. The idea came about in 2020 to have all the different eco-friendly menstrual options in one place. It makes sense!
Ta Grand-Mère Approuve also offers monthly boxes from 35$ to 135$ with various menstrual products, stories written by women to create a community, natural pain relievers, and other goodies.
Speaking of natural pain relievers, I found one in Hoi An, Vietnam called: joyful belly. It’s made of different essential oils such as: ginger, lavender, peppermint, bergamot etc…. It was pretty effective. Luckily, I don’t get my awful menstrual cramps anymore. Small win.
Period underwear
Period underwear has become ever so popular. I finally jumped on that wagon at the end of 2020. The ones I got are from Knix. They are silky smooth, comfortable and I don’t feel like I have a diaper between my legs. When I wear them, I forget that I have my period. I still feel sexy. They are a way nicer alternative to my granny period underwear. You know the ones you wear for your flow days. Also, Knix provides a small laundry bag when you buy their underwear.
When traveling, you can shower and bring with you your used panty to wash at the same time. They dry fast but it’s best to always have another one (dry) as spare.
Of course, other brands exist such as Madame L’Ovary, but I have not tested them. Underwear is personal. That’s why you can look at your different options on the website of Ta Grand-Mère Approuve. Visit the store HERE.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups have been around for a while and don’t come cheap. But all you need is one!
Mine came in handy when I went to Vietnam. It’s not something I use often but I’m glad I had it with me then.
I’m more comfortable using it at home as I’m always afraid that it’s going to overflow! Also, I still have trouble inserting it into by hoohah and finding it afterward, well that’s another story.
You’ve probably heard of the Diva Cup but what about Nixit? It’s supposed to be super thin and comes without a stem. Apparently, it makes it less bothersome. You try it, and then let me know how it feels.
Menstrual cups are great and you can even swim with them. However, you need clean water to wash them.
Buy bottled water if you are traveling to a country where hepatitis A & B vaccines are required or don’t bring it. Hepatites A is transmitted through water.
Menstrual Pads
I have yet to buy some. But with my flow, I probably would need to buy a dozen.
I discovered OkoCreations while attending the Montreal zero-waste festival. The Oko-Pads seemed of great quality, cute, and easy to use. They are made of hemp fleece which is ultra-absorbent and have a breathable waterproof liner to prevent leaks. I especially liked the fact that they had thin snaps. There is nothing worse than the feeling of a fleeing menstrual pad between your legs. These snaps will keep it in check.
Tampons
The following products I discovered while during my research for this article. As I said, I’m not really a tampon girl but if you are, these might be of interest to you.
- RE.T.A, a reusable silicone tampon applicator by Thinx.
It accommodates regular *and* super tampons and is designed with medical-grade materials (source: website Thinx)
- Imse Vinse make reusable tampons.
These reusable tampons are made of 100% organically cultivated cotton, are Oeko-Tex certified, and free from chemicals! Visit their website HERE.
If you are crafty, which I’m not, you could make your own. Some women purchase cotton baby socks and use these rolled up as tampons.
In any case, traveling with your period is a nuisance for sure, but with a little knowledge and some preparation, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy your vacation.
Do you have a traveling on your period story? Drop your story in the comment box below.
I hate traveling on my period, haha. These are some awesome products to make it easier! Thanks for sharing.
It is the worse! I’m glad you found it useful!
Guys just don’t know what women go through. Lucky for me I had a hysterectomy in my late 20s and don’t have to worry about this any longer. LOL!
Oh whaowh! Admittedly, when I found out I was premenopausal, it made me sad. I felt like I wasn’t a woman anymore. Now, I’ve gotten over that feeling and can’t wait for it to be completely over.
This is such a handy post! I have terrible timing and always seem to start my period just before getting on the plane, which is the worst thing ever.
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