How to Cope With Your Period on Vacation

Preparing for Your Trip

Bring period products. Whether you use tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup, be sure to pack plenty of supplies prior to your vacation. Overestimate the number of products you will need as you do not want to run out. For example, if at home, you usually use four tampons a day, bring six per day. If you unexpectedly get your period on vacation, visit a drug store to purchase your supplies. Alternatively, you could ask a friend to give you some items. Some countries will not have the same supplies available that you normally use. For example, in Central Europe, it is more difficult to find tampons with applicators and in Asia, it would be hard to find tampons at all.

Pack painkillers. If you expect that your period will start prior to or during your trip, bring painkillers. Ibuprofen or aspirin can reduce cramps. Naproxen sodium (e.g. Aleve) and Midol are also good options. Midol particularly works to reduce bloating in addition to relieving pain. Keep in mind that in some countries (for example, Germany) you cannot buy painkillers over-the-counter. You are, however, allowed to bring medication with you in your checked luggage. If traveling to countries that limit access to painkillers, be sure to pack enough for the duration of your period. Follow the instructions on the medication packaging. Do not overdose. Also, talk to your doctor if you are using any other prescription medication. Although it is not medication, a heat pad can be useful to have. These pads often include adhesive tape and stick to your abdominal area.

Pack appropriate clothing. If you know your period will arrive on vacation, take care to pack correct clothing. For example, add a few extra pairs of underwear to your list. Also, think about what clothing options are the most comfortable during your time of month. Flowing skirts might be preferable to tight skinny jeans. Having extra shorts to wear under your skirts might make you feel more secure as well. Packing for comfort does not mean packing to be sloppy. Keep in mind your destination and any applicable dress codes. Waterproof or period underwear can help you prevent leaks on long days out.

Plan your days wisely. If at all possible, plan your trip to maximize your comfort. This will depend on how you normally feel on your period. For example, if you know the first day of menstruation tends to be very rough, do not plan any adventurous activities on that day. Avoid strenuous hikes or excessively long walks. Going to a sauna where you must remove your swimsuit is also not a great option. Instead, use your first period days to do short walks around your area, go to movies, or do other less active things. Not all vacations offer this flexibility. There are other things you usually can control, however, like how much sleep you get. If you feel extra tired on your period, try to sleep earlier and/or later if possible.

Prepare for sex. If you will be on your honeymoon, for example, and your period arrives, you can still enjoy intimacy with your partner. Pack old dark towels to use, as you might feel uncomfortable having fun on a hotel's white sheets. Look at Have Sex During Your Period for additional tips.

Traveling While Menstruating

Prepare a daily kit. When taking day trips on vacation, it is important to have your period supplies with you in your purse or backpack. Create a daily pack with your tampons, pads, or other menstrual products. Add the number of painkillers you might use plus an extra pair of underwear. Adding a small pack of wet wipes can help you feel clean and refreshed too. If traveling by plane, put these items in your carry-on baggage. If traveling by car, keep your kit in the main cabin rather than in the trunk. If you are hiking or camping and there will not be trash cans, add a resealable plastic bag to your kit. You can use the bag to hold your used disposable products and then dispose of them later.

Stay hydrated. When you are out and about especially in the heat, it is important to drink plenty of clear liquids like filtered water. 2.2 Liters (9 cups) of fluids is the daily recommendation for women. If you are outside in heat, you might need to increase your water intake. Bring a reusable water bottle for plane rides, day trips, or car rides. Be sure to drink plenty of water while flying. The humidity in the cabin can drop to 20%, which can make you feel dehydrated.

Eat appropriate foods. Try to eat nutritious, healthy foods during your period. Although this can be difficult on vacation, opt for salads, fresh fruits, and whole grains instead of fried and salty foods. Make sure you are getting enough protein. Iron deficiency is also possible for people who have very heavy periods. To make sure you are getting enough iron, try eating more: Red meat (beef for example) Poultry Fish Nuts Leafy green vegetables

Schedule restroom breaks. If possible, plan when you will take restroom breaks to check the status of your menstrual products. For example, you might plan to have a morning coffee, lunch break, and afternoon snack. Cafes and restaurants normally have restrooms to use. If you are visiting a location where one must pay to use the toilet, be sure to have suitable change with you. When taking long-haul flights or driving for a long time, be sure to go to the bathroom every few hours as well. This will help your circulation and muscles as well! If you are on a long flight or drive, it's very important to change your pad or tampon regularly to avoid unpleasant odors and Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Swimming While Having Your Period

Wear a comfortable swimsuit. When you have your period, it is best to wear a swimsuit with bottoms that provide a bit more coverage. In other words, string bikinis might not be a good choice! Choose a swimsuit that is not super tight, as you might be bloated. If you are concerned about leakage, choose a dark-colored bathing suit or wear waterproof shorts over your bottoms. Athletic shorts can work well for this purpose.

Use a tampon or menstrual cup. To avoid bleeding into the water or having leaks when you exit the pool, try using a tampon or menstrual cup. They will help keep your flow contained. If you prefer to not use a tampon, see the article Swim on Your Period Without a Tampon.

Sunbathe. If you are not feeling well and don't want to go in the water, consider sunbathing. Be sure to wear sunscreen! Relaxing in a chair might be the best thing for menstrual cramps. For more tips see: Swim when You Are on Your Period.