I love planning my vacations and I did plan them to fit my monthly visit from mother nature. It’s no joke but my period ALWAYS decides to show itself while I am on vacation. EVERY-FREAKING-TIME. When I was 14, I went skiing for the first time (no, this isn’t about skiing and I can’t ski at all, even now!). I wore a pristine white outfit to match the surroundings. It was indeed beautiful. But, later on, I started feeling a bit achy and wondered, what is happening? Until somebody hushed in my ears that there was something on my pants. Needless to say, not a lot of skiing happened and my time was spent sitting in a corner and crying out of Fomo. But, around 8 years later, I have learned to live and travel with them with no discomfort. Here, I will share with you the ultimate guide of traveling with the crimson wave!

Does travelling affect your period?

It is quite common for us ladies not to have our period or experience delays while travelling. Normally, this tends to send us in a state of panic but fear not! Ultimate control of our period cycle resides with the hormones secreted by hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Well, to explain it simply, any change in our emotional or physical health which includes lack of sleep, change in diet or stress can affect our hormonal balance which leads to irregular period. The two most important hormones which control and determine our cycle are: cortisol and melatonin and they are directly related to travel and stress. When the level of these hormones changes, it affects the period, making it come earlier or later than expected. Things like early flights, jetlag, different time zones, and the added stress affect these hormones.

What do I do if I don’t get my period on a vacation?

There is no need to panic! This is very common. But, if your period is delayed by a few weeks and there is a chance that you could be pregnant, it is wise to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are readily available all over the world. But, if your period is delayed and there is no chance of you being pregnant, there is nothing to worry about, it is just due to hormonal changes experienced while travelling. It is advisable to check with your doctor after you skip 2 of your cycles.

What are some tips for travelling with the period?

1. Track your period
   This is not just a tip for travelling but for life in general. Nowadays, I use the app “Flo” to track my period. It has the data of my period for over 3+ years and it uses that to accurately predict my next period. There is usually a margin of +/- 1 day in my case. This has really changed the way I travel. Before, there was always a surprise to see the crime scene in my pants. Now, if I am crying for no reason and feeling irritated and snappy, I can just check the app and realise that no wonder I was feeling like that. I can also stock up on my guilty pleasure foods – chips, cookies, and chocolate before. In addition to predicting your period cycle, it even gives you health insights and forums to discuss anonymously with others.
   Apps recommended – Flo, Period Calendar, Clue
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2. Birth Control methods
   There are several hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods that can be used to either better plan and predict your period or even avoid them altogether. Avoiding your period is usually not recommended but in some cases like when you have to do something physically straining like hiking, walking, snorkeling, etc and if you have a lot of period-related cramps and pain, it is advisable to skip it for a month altogether. I have tried it myself when I went on a vacation with a beach and swimming and I had no problems. In fact, an added advantage of being on birth control pills is virtually painless period and that is very valuable for a girl like me with PCOS.
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3. Workout and Eat Well
   The first thing which I hear at every Gynaecologist visit is – do light exercise on your period. Just a little bit of yoga or stretching can relieve cramps and period pain. Eating a diet that replenishes your body like leafy green vegetables, beans, and lentils and nuts, which are rich in iron is generally considered good. Drink plenty of water and snack on fruits. But please avoid coffee and alcohol. It is commonly regarded that coffee tends to make cramps worse, make you dehydrated, and also give digestive issues. Alcohol gives hangover, which comes with a huge list of problems.
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4. Learn about different cultures and their attitude towards the period.
   In some cultures, menstruation is a taboo topic. Many religious or cultural practices forbid menstruating women from practicing in religious ceremonies. In South Asia and Southeast Asia, it is common for menstruating women to not be allowed inside a temple or kitchen.
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5. Find out beforehand where to find menstrual products
   Globally, access to menstrual products varies substantially. Developed countries tend to have a wider selection of products such as tampons, pads, period panties, cups, and what not! But in some areas in Africa and Asia, access to them, especially disposable products, is limited. Tampons, which are used the most in the West, are not available in many countries. If you do find tampons, there is a big chance that they will come without an applicator. In many countries, you will not find period products in supermarkets but in pharmacies. It is also very uncommon for women to work in pharmacies and most men working there do not understand menstruation. Informing yourself beforehand will make your life easier.
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6. Planning activities around your period
   Prepare your itinerary in such a way that you can do something relaxing and less intense and taxing on those days. Maybe go shopping? Or indulge and try different foods. Watch a show, a local show, or check out local channels! The choices and experiences are endless.

Here, you will find a period packing checklist which will make your life simpler!

1. Your menstruation product of choice and especially if it is hard to find overseas.
2. Comfortable clothing because I use my period as an excuse to dress like a Hobo.
3. A heating pad.
4. Pain relief medications that work for you.
5. If you take birth control pills or specific medication, your prescription.
6. Tons of underwear, just in case.
7. Wet wipes and tissues.
8. Disposable bags.
9. FAVORITE SNACKS OR TEAS OR WHATEVER! I always have chamomile tea with me because I have found that it relaxes me.

What are some sustainable ways to make my life easier while travelling on the period?

The first menstrual product which we are usually handed when we are first visited by aunt Flo is a pad. Later, we graduated to tampons. We go through at least thousands of those in our lives. They are all great but did you know that they are mostly just plastic? Pads, tampons, liners, packaging, etc. are single-use products and generate 200,000 tonnes of waste in a year! We really need to address the way we deal with our periods.

Let’s talk about reusable menstrual products and especially menstrual cups and period panties. I switched to a menstrual cup 3 years back from tampons and I haven’t look back ever since. I have had the best experience with it and the environmental impact is just an added advantage. Now, I travel with it everywhere and never face the situation of potentially running out during my period.

A menstrual cup is a cup (duh!) which is usually made of rubber or silicone which, when inserted into your vagina, catches all the period fluid. Period panties are underwear designed to wear alone, without tampons and then washed. These are the most widely used products. There are several pros and cons to these.

PROS:

• Less waste.

• Lower cost.

• Lasts for a long time during the day than pads and tampons.

• No leakage.

CONS:

• Can be messy.

• Can be a bit uncomfortable for a few.

• Difficult to clean in some situations.

This is what I recommend:  Do not use a reusable product on your vacation for the first time. Try it before and let your body adjust and figure out how it works. Find what works for you because each cup will not work for you. The cup which suits you depends on your age, your flow, and whatnot. Initially, when I tried the menstrual cup, it was a mess. I did not insert it properly and needless to say, there was a mess that scared me from trying it again. However, with a little practice and YouTube videos, I learned. I am a firm supporter of it!

How to fly comfortably on your period!

It can be quite tricky and uncomfortable to travel long distances while on your period. One of the most eventful flights of my life happens to also be the longest one I ever took. It was from New York City to Mumbai. It was 15 hours! I not only had my wisdom teeth decide to prove its existence and give me the worst pain of my life, but I also got my period. I learned to be prepared for it on a long flight. Here are some tips:

• Get in an aisle seat so that you don’t end up bothering people around you every time you need to use the bathroom.

• Drink loads of water.

• Pack your period kit in your carry-on luggage and if possible, keep it in your bag which you can keep with you instead of stowing it up.

• Wear comfortable clothing.

• Remember to change your tampon every 4-5 hours.

• Do not drink alcohol.

• Try and get tons of sleep!

This is something only we experience and our period should never ever stop us from travelling. After all, there is nothing more empowering than traveling on periods and it is always a great reminder for how strong and badass we women are!