Periods are great. If you doubt that, wait until you miss them, and were hoping not to get pregnant.
But seriously, periods are vital. They are a woman’s body’s way of saying that everything is happening the way it should. If you are not having regular menstruation, there should be an explanation for that.
Despite this, there are times when periods get in the way of something – like when you are traveling for a vacation or business. If you think about it, what’s worse than having a period on a long train, flight or car ride? As we all know, menstruation can be uncomfortable and can be accompanied by PMS, debilitating cramps, bloating, acne, muscle aches, tender breasts, and diarrhea or constipation. Obviously, these aren’t things you’d wish to experience while traveling.
But the good news is that you don’t have to cancel your trip just because the periods are around the corner. With some proper planning, you’ll be equipped to handle your P’s wherever you go. From hotel rooms to your destination to airports, consider these tips when traveling on your periods.
Always keep your period products handy
As a woman, you always need to have a period kit in your carry on, whether you’re traveling or at home. A period kit makes it all easier for you even when you are not on your period. After all, you never know who may need a hand. And this doesn’t have to be a whole bag, a small packing cube or medium-sized makeup bag can suffice. Some essential items to have in your period-kit include extra underwear, menstrual cap or pads, a stylish period dress or period pants.
Traveling with a menstrual cup makes things a lot easier since you won’t need to worry about the embarrassing odor that’s linked to tampons and pads. You also won’t need to visit the pharmacy to get a new cup since a single one serves you up to a year. What’s more, a menstrual cup can go up to 12 hours between changes and even allow you to have sex while it’s in place. Above all, it doesn’t take up much space.
Have your cramp emergency kit handy too
As mentioned earlier, periods come with different symptoms. So, to be on the safer side, you’ll need to have medications handy just in case you have headaches, cramps, muscle aches, and so on. Painkillers or over the counter medicines can weather the storm, but if your symptoms are severe (or have prescription drugs), then you should carry them along. You can also pack your heating pads to help ease some abdomen and back pain while you travel
Don’t forget to wear comfortably
Comfortable dressing can go a long way in helping you feel confident and relaxed even in the middle of your periods. Imagine wearing some tight clothing on a train with all the bloating and muscle pain for hours. You won’t just be uncomfortable, but irritable as well. Couple that with the PMS, and you will be a ticking bomb. Do yourself a favor and wear some loose and comfortable clothes. It will make the cramping and bloating a little more bearable.
Plan your trip and activities around your period
It’s is easy to downplay your period when planning the tour and travel activities, but if you do, you’ll end up not getting the most out of your travel. Knowing the dates, you’ll be on your periods beforehand can allow you to plan or even suggest the travel dates and activities in general. If your travel mates are debating between dates, you can recommend the date that you won’t be on your periods. Using birth control pills to skip your period is also a great idea. But although this is safe, just make sure you speak to your gynecologist about this first.
Drink plenty of water
Whether you are on your periods or not, you still have to replenish your body with water. However, many people tend to forget about this when on the road, and it’s understandable. If you are that type of a person, you should intentionally take water to ensure you stay hydrated. Pack a water bottle everywhere you go. Besides, having water with you can also come in handy when you have to rinse your menstrual cup.
Take a day off
It is okay to take a break from everything, especially when you feel all drained out or low. So, if you are out on vacation or have been traveling for a while and feel a little under the weather, you can just choose to lazy around in your hotel room and not go out. Don’t beat yourself up for not being able to go out. It’s normal to feel as though you’ve wasted a day, but it will be worth it.