Traveling During Your Period: 14 Dos and Don'ts

            Picture this: after months of planning, weeks of waiting, and hours of eagerly driving or flying, you finally arrive at your dream vacation. This is the place you’ve been dying to visit for years, the one mark on your map you can finally cross off. Here you are, in the one destination you were so eager to explore, ready to take on any challenge that comes your way!

           But then that dreaded time of the month arrives. Your period starts. Just like that, your bold adventures and long-awaited experiences have vanished. But is that really true? Is a period all it takes to spoil your vacation? No – of course not! You are stronger than that, and you deserve a getaway untainted by your period. To help you with that, here are 14 Dos and Don’ts to take in mind while traveling on your period.

DO: Plan Ahead

Periods are notorious for being unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean we can’t try (and succeed) tracking them. Downloading a menstrual cycle app such as

Flo

If you’re a little more traditional, there’s nothing wrong with using a calendar, notebook, or planner to track when your period will start. Just remember to write down where you are in your menstrual cycle every day – they won’t track your period for you automatically the way an app would. And remember this: tracking your period can help you be prepared, but every girl is different. Periods can often be spontaneous and inconsistent, so just remember to prepare for anything.

DON'T: Panic

            If your trip to the beaches of Seychelles or the hot springs of Japan is spoiled by a sudden period, try not to panic. Periods are often unwanted, but they are no need to freak out. It’s still possible to have an awesome vacation with them! If you’re up for underwater activities, using a tampon or menstrual cup is still a viable option. And if you don’t have the energy for any physical activities, then it’s ok to cancel your original plans and opt for something more relaxing. Remember: traveling is all about relaxing and having fun. Those should be your top priorities, so don’t get riled up when a period starts.

DO: Bring Extra Clothes

            Going on long, vast trips often require a lot of clothes, but most travelers bring only what they are going to wear. If you suspect you might start your period while on your retreat, bring plenty of extra clothes you can change into. Even if all you can fit into your suitcase are a few more pairs of pants or underwear, it could save you in the long run. Packing an extra long-sleeved shirt or hoodie could also help – if you accidentally stain your pants, you could tie the shirt around your waist to hide it until you have a chance to change. If you can’t fit any extra clothes into your suitcase, or if you want to save plenty of room for souvenirs, take a moment to scout your travel destination online to see if there are any nearby laundromats. You might even want to buy portable packs of laundry detergent or a bottle of hydrogen peroxide to clean up any accidental spills.

DON’T: Wear White Bottoms

        Vacations are the perfect time to strut the lively streets in your newest apparel, but be careful with what you decide to wear. White bottoms, or any bottom made with a light color, are prone to blood stains. In order to save yourself from embarrassment (and save your wardrobe from ruined clothes), wear darker colored bottoms instead. Black clothes are great at hiding blood, so you won’t have to worry about others seeing you. If you want to bring lots of dresses on your journeys, be sure to wear black shorts underneath for extra security.

DO: Plot Out Pharmacies

            Running out of menstrual products or pain medication while you’re on your period can cause a disaster, and that disaster can especially be worse when you don’t know where to get more. Before settling on a place to travel, check online to see if there are any nearby pharmacies or other local stores. These small shops may not have flashy souvenirs or unique characteristics, but having quick access to menstrual products, pain medication, hydrogen peroxide, or any other common tool can help you manage your period in a stress-free way. Some famous destinations, Paris for example, are known for many pharmacies scattered around. Take advantage of these facilities - they are here to help you!

DON’T: Eat Poorly

            Reserving a table at a famous restaurant or drinking all night at the local clubs are thrilling attractions almost all travel destinations have, but be sure to consider what you’re eating and drinking, especially during your period. Certain foods, such as salty foods and excessive sweets, can lead to bloating, dehydration, and more undesirable symptoms. Instead, focus on eating lots of fresh produce, like fruits and vegetables, good sources of proteins, and staying hydrated with lots of water. Dark chocolate can also help: it’s easy to carry and purchase, and it will settle your unyielding sweet tooth.

DO: Consider Online Stretching Routines

            Finding relief from unbearable cramps can seem impossible while you’re on vacation. Being in a cramped hotel room doesn’t give you a lot of space to wiggle, but going out while you’re in pain seems unreasonable. Instead of suffering through your cramps, you could look up a small PMS-friendly stretch routine to help alleviate the aches. The poses are all soothing and comfortable, and they’re perfectly sized for small hotel rooms. Not only that, but most of them are only 10 minutes long and provide quick relief. Even if you’re not flexible or athletic, taking a moment to stretch can help soothe cramps and restore a peaceful mindset.

DON’T: Push Yourself 

            No matter what ambitious hike, long shopping trip, or other energetic activity you have planned, it’s important to listen to your body and only do what it will allow you to do. Pushing yourself beyond what you are capable of could only lead to feelings of stress, exhaustion, or even injury. During this time, it’s important to slow down and treat your body kindly. You’re on vacation after all! This is your time to rest, so make sure you give your body plenty of rest as well.

DO: Schedule Relaxing Events

            For many vacations, long spa days, relaxing swimming sessions, guided meditations, and more soothing events are the standard. But if you usually don’t include these calming events into your vacation plans, consider scheduling one if your period arrives during your trip. Enjoying your trip in a slow, peaceful manner will not only help relax your mind: it will help ease any tension in your body as well. Specific activities, such as massages and trips to hot springs, can help eliminate any pain you might experience from your period. If you’re on a budget, taking a stroll through a park or witnessing the scenic views are other great ways to relax.

DON’T: Consume Excessive Caffeine 

           Avoiding coffee is a challenge, even for me, but it’s important to steer clear of caffeine while you’re on your period. According to

Healthline

DO: Bring a Portable Heating Pad

            Heating pads are always the go-to for convenient and soothing relief from unwanted cramps, but using one during a lively vacation in unfeasible… until now. Portable heating pads are more prevalent than ever, and taking one on your trip is the perfect way to fend off cramps. They are commonly found in grocery stores and pharmacies, but there are plenty available to order on

Amazon

DON’T: Stay Out Too Late

            It’s recommended for the average adult to get 7-9 hours of sleep, but following this health rule is especially important during your period. Your body is exerting a lot of energy during your period, so it’s important to get plenty of sleep. Besides, you’re on vacation. This is the perfect time to get your well-deserved sleep. If you enjoy staying out late and partying during your trips, consider scheduling your vacation outside of your period.

DO: Consider the Other Phases

The actual period is only one part of your menstrual cycle, only one factor of your overall health. It’s important to consider the other phases of your menstrual cycle to determine how you might feel during a vacation. Traveling during more energetic phases, such as the follicular phase and ovulation, will provide you with all the energy and spirit you’ll need for an exciting vacation. The luteal phase, however, often makes women feel slow and lethargic due to a sudden plummet of energizing hormones. Considering how you’ll feel during your vacation can help you schedule accordingly. Take exciting and vigorous trips during your follicular phase and ovulation, and prioritize relaxation during your luteal phase and your period.

DON'T: Avoid Help

If you’re traveling with friends or family, and you find yourself struggling with your period, don’t push their assistance away. There is no shame in needing a friend to get some pain meds from a pharmacy, asking your partner to massage your back, or asking your family for help with cleaning unexpected period stains.

The Bottom Line:

            Traveling during your period doesn’t have to be this daunting, impossible task. It can be just as achievable as traveling during any other time of the month! All it takes a little preparation and planning, but for the vacation of your dreams, the extra care is worth it.