Traveling on Your Period? Tips & Products to Stay Comfortable

Travel tips

May 4

After years of traveling, Ingrid figured out what actually makes a difference when she's on her period. In THis Article we'll share the tips and products that keep her comfortable, and will help you, too.

Managing your period while traveling can feel overwhelming, but with the right products and hygiene tips, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you prefer tampons, pads, or period underwear, each option comes with its own advantages and challenges. In this guide, we’ll explore the best menstrual products for travel, how to stay hygienic in different environments, and tips for making your period stress-free—no matter where your journey takes you.

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Tampons: A Rare Find

Tampons are commonly used in Europe and North America, but in many other countries, pads are the standard. You will always be able to find pads and you shouldn’t worry about it.

In some areas, tampons may be hard to find or expensive as imported goods. We suggest reviewing our packing lists to address any concerns. If you're traveling for just a few weeks, it's simple to stock up and bring as many as you think you'll need.

Trash Cans: Uncommon in Asia & Arabic Countries

Depending on where you're from, this might seem unfamiliar, but in some Arabic and Asian countries (India, Indonesia, Jordan, Thailand) there are no trash cans in the toilets because using toilet paper to clean oneself is not the norm. Instead, it's common to use a bum gun or a bucket with a mug for cleaning after using the toilet. For some menstruators, this can make it challenging to manage period hygiene without toilet paper and a place to dispose of used products.

If you feel comfortable with carrying it in a separate plastic bag until you can dispose it, this might be a solution. You can also bring wet wipes or toilet paper along.

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Menstrual Cup

The menstrual cup is my personal preference because it makes traveling on your period as comfortable as possible. It can be worn for up to 12 hours, which is perfect for long days of sightseeing without the need to constantly worry about changing. I also use a microwaveable cleaning cup, which allows me to easily sanitize it and have it ready for the next use.

The menstrual cup can be easily cleaned with a bum gun or at toilets that have a bucket and a mug, since there's usually a water faucet inside the toilet cabin. It might feel intimidating at first, thinking it could be complicated to empty it in public places or that you might not find toilets with sinks inside. However, it generally becomes a challenge only in hostels where you have to clean it in shared toilets and sinks. But, you can fill the microwaveable sterilizer with water and rinse your cup inside of a toilet stall.

In my experience, the menstrual cup is the most convenient and eco-friendly option. You only need to buy one once, and it lasts for years, so you don’t have to worry about waste disposal or constantly restocking.

BUY | menstrual cup set / microwavable cup

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Period Underwear / Reusable Pads

Period underwear and reusable pads are incredibly comfortable and environmentally friendly, as they produce no waste. The best thing about period underwear and reusable pads is that you don’t have to worry about when to change them or finding hygienic bathrooms, like with tampons or a menstrual cup. You can simply store them in a wet bag, and have them ready for your next laundry cycle.

One of the main advantages of reusable pads is that they're typically made from pure cotton, which helps keep things fresh, especially in warm and humid weather. Plus, you don’t have to worry about microplastics.

On the other hand, period underwear is sometimes made from synthetic fabrics, which I personally don’t find ideal for hot climates, but this might not be an issue for everyone.

BUY | period underwear / reusable pads / wet bags

READ | Our Sustainable Packing List