Period on holiday- Life hacks on how to get the most out of your vacation
Getting your period on holiday isn’t the end of the world…
You’re so excited! You’ve packed your suitcase, checked your tickets and made sure that passport is easy to find in your hand luggage. Your new bikini is at the top of the case just waiting for you to strut your stuff on the beach. You’ve been looking forward to this vacation for months – so much so that you’ve been telling all your friends for ages. You’re doing those last- minute checks in the house, just to make sure everything’s ready. You’re ahead of schedule so you can enjoy a cheeky cocktail in the airport lounge before your flight (be rude not to, right?) You’re so filled up with excited energy that getting your period on holiday (or just before) is the last thing on your mind…
BUT THEN YOU FEEL IT!..
That familiar nag in the pit of your belly, the twinge that tells you GO TO THE TOILET NOW! But wait, it can’t be, can it? You’re not due on for another five days and you’ve planned this break around your period specially. It’s two years since you got together, and this was supposed to be a romantic weekend! You go to the bathroom, hoping and praying that it’s something and nothing, but lo and behold, you got your period!
NOW WHAT?
Your best laid plans of a naughty break for two on the continent, suddenly don’t seem so naughty after all. Lazy days tanning by the pool, a quick dip to cool off, followed by dinner at a chic restaurant, then back to the hotel for some adult fun – well, it’s your anniversary! But Aunty Flo just had to call at the wrong time! You feel the disappointment welling up inside you and reach up to the bathroom cabinet to get some supplies. Your excitement is all gone. Oh well, c’est la vie.
Periods on holiday don’t mean no fun!
Sods law isn’t it! And it’s happened to all of us at some point. BUT WAIT….What if I told you that getting your period on holiday needn’t stop the fun? With a few tweaks to your period kit bag, you can still have that romantic weekend you’ve been dreaming about for so long and get to show off that new bikini along with your beach ready body. Stick with me and I’ll explain…
1) Invest in a good pair of period panties
SURVIVING THE FLIGHT DURING YOUR PERIOD
Got a long flight and don’t want the hassle of having to change your tampon or pad every couple of hours? No problem – a good pair of period pants can be worn for up to 12 hours and are leak-free, leaving you to enjoy your flight in peace and focus on the in-flight entertainment instead. They’re comfy, re-usable and don’t move around like pads, leaving stains on your knickers and best jeans. Make sure to buy ones with a 4 layer gusset, especially if you get heavy periods. You’ll save tons of money compared to using tampons and the money you’ve saved can go towards that cheeky cocktail in the airport lounge!
2) Get yourself a menstrual cup
SWIMMING DURING MENSTRUATION
You thought that new bikini was going to the bottom of the drawer? No need my friend – you have your trusty period cup to wear on the beach and for those cooling dips in the pool. Swimming is now back on the agenda and nothing is holding you back. If you’ve never used one of these amazing things, then you’ re in for a surprise! They’re small, foldable cups, made of silicone, which act just like a tampon. Rather than plugging the blood, period cups collect it over 8 hours or so – yes you heard me right, no need to search around for a public toilet for 8 hours! They’re leak-free, meaning you can swim to your heart’s content and still wear that new bikini!
SO CONVENIENT!
Period cups are so easy to use. They last for up to 10 years so no more throwing away money on period products for the foreseeable future. Best of all, there’s no odour as the blood stays inside the cup until it’s emptied. Some people even forget they’re on their period as once fitted, you shouldn’t be able to feel it’s there. Great for sight-seeing on those hot days when public toilets can be a bit thin on the ground and not always the most pleasant places to hang around – if you get my drift….
I would advise buying your menstrual cup a month or so before you go on holiday so you can get used to fitting it and learn how to care for it. Once you make this switch, getting your period on holiday will never be a problem again!
3) Menstrual Discs
PERIODS ON HOLIDAY DON’T HAVE TO MEAN NO SEX
Thought that sex was off the menu? Not keen on first day period mess or have a partner who isn’t really up for fun whilst it’s your time of the month? Worry not! Now, getting your period on holiday doesn’t have to mean no fun between the sheets! Arming yourself with a pack of menstrual discs means you can have that cake by the ocean and not worry about staining hotel sheets or putting your partner off in the heat of the moment.
So, how do they work? Well… as the name suggests, they’re flexible discs which, when inserted, form a seal around your cervix. Once in place, they collect the period blood and keep it in place until emptied. Unlike the period cup, they fit higher up inside the vagina and can be used during sex- so no need to cancel the jacuzzi and prosecco under the stars just yet!
GAME CHANGER
Menstrual discs can take a little getting used to, so practise before you go on holiday. Once you’ve practised fitting them and removing them, you’ll wonder why you never had them in the first place. Some discs are single-use products, so you need to dispose of them once full. If you want to be eco-friendly as well, you can buy re-usable ones too. They’re an absolute game-changer and you’ll never have to miss out on holiday sex again.
So you see, making a few swaps to your period kit can make a huge difference. With a little savvy planning, getting your period on holiday need never be a problem again. So get that bikini packed, get that body beach ready, and don’t forget to send a postcard!
Thank you for reading
Lisa