Travelling While on Your Period: Hacks for Comfort and Care

Let’s be real—periods don’t pause just because you’ve got a flight to catch. Travelling while on your period can be a juggling act of discomfort, unexpected leaks, and zero access to your favourite creature comforts. But with a little prep (and the right products), it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. At Dandy, we’ve rounded up the smartest hacks, go-to essentials, and gentle reminders to help you feel human—wherever your cycle takes you.

Dandy Apr 15 2025

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There’s nothing quite like meticulously planning a dreamy getaway, only to realise your period is scheduled to arrive right on departure day. Whether you’re heading off on a long-haul flight, a hiking trip, or a city break with your best mates, menstruation can feel like an uninvited guest tagging along with your suitcase.

But it doesn’t have to derail your experience.

Travelling while on your period doesn’t have to be a stress-fuelled saga of leaks, cramps and last-minute pharmacy runs. With a little prep and a few clever hacks, you can stay comfortable, confident and ready to enjoy your trip — even if your uterus has other ideas.

Here’s how to travel smart during your cycle, and actually feel like yourself while you’re doing it.

First Things First: Know Your Flow

Before you pack, take a moment to map out your cycle. Apps like Clue, Flo or Moody Month can give you a heads-up on when your period’s likely to arrive, how long it might last and what symptoms you might experience.

If you’re someone who tends to be caught off guard, keeping a light emergency kit in your carry-on (even when you don’t expect your period) is a solid move. Because as anyone with a uterus knows, your period loves to show up early when you’re wearing white linen trousers in a foreign country.

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Pack Like a Menstrual Pro

Let’s talk travel essentials. Here’s what you might want to stash in your bag if you’re on or near your period:

1. Period products that work for your lifestyle

Whether you prefer pads, tampons, menstrual cups or period pants, bring more than you think you’ll need — especially if you’re headed somewhere where your go-to product might not be available. Period pants are particularly handy for travel days when you might not be near a toilet for a while.

Pro tip: if you’re flying, stash a few products in your handbag or personal item in case your luggage goes missing.

2. Pain relief

Don’t forget your trusty painkillers. Ibuprofen and paracetamol are travel MVPs for cramps and headaches. If you prefer a natural route, consider magnesium supplements or a small heat patch that can be discreetly worn under clothes.

3. Wet wipes and hand sanitiser

For those less-than-glamorous airport bathrooms or roadside rest stops, these will be your saving grace. Choose unscented wipes that are gentle on sensitive skin.

4. Spare underwear and a sealable bag

Things happen. Being able to do a quick change without drama (and having somewhere to put the evidence) is a total game-changer.

5. A dark, comfy outfit

If you’re travelling on a heavy day, a relaxed-fit outfit in a darker colour can help ease any anxiety about leaks — and comfort is king when you’re bloated and just want to melt into your seat.

Navigating Flights and Long Journeys

Flying while menstruating is its own special brand of challenge. Between the cabin pressure, dry air and general discomfort, it can feel like your period symptoms are turned up to 11.

Here’s how to make it easier:

Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly to help with bloating and fatigue. It’s boring but it works.

Move when you can: On long flights or train journeys, try to get up and stretch every hour or so. It boosts circulation and can ease cramping.

Wear loose clothing: Tight waistbands and synthetic fabrics are not your friends. Go for breathable materials and elasticated waists if you can.

Don’t be afraid to double up: Wearing both a tampon and a pad or a pair of period pants under your leggings can give you peace of mind if you’re worried about leaks.

Accommodating Self-Care in Your Travel Itinerary

You don’t have to press pause on your plans just because your period is along for the ride — but it’s okay to build in a little more rest, too.

Choose your own pace: You’re allowed to skip the sunrise hike or say no to back-to-back tours. Honour your energy levels and don’t feel guilty if you need an extra hour in bed.

Embrace gentle movement: Light yoga, stretching or even a short walk can help ease cramps and boost your mood.

Snack smart: Keep a stash of travel-friendly snacks like bananas, dark chocolate, almonds or oat bars. They can help stabilise blood sugar and prevent that hangry-meets-hormonal crash mid-museum visit.

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Travel-Friendly Period Products Worth Knowing

If you’re looking to level up your menstrual travel kit, here are a few innovations worth exploring:

Menstrual cups: Great for long days when you don’t want to keep finding toilets. They take some practice but are super convenient once you’ve got the hang of them.

Period pants: Brands like WUKA, Modibodi and Thinx offer reusable knickers that absorb your flow without needing any other products. Great for flights, hikes or light days.

Discreet disposal bags: If you’re heading somewhere where toilets don’t always have bins, biodegradable disposal bags can be a lifesaver.

When Things Don’t Go to Plan

Sometimes, despite your best intentions, your period doesn’t cooperate. You get an unexpected start, you forget to pack something, or you find yourself in a toilet with no bin, no paper and no dignity.

Here’s the thing: it happens. To everyone.

The best you can do is be kind to yourself, laugh when you can, and remember that travelling with your period is normal. It might be a bit messier, a bit moodier, and involve a bit more strategic sitting — but it’s also totally manageable.

The Dandy Takeaway

Travelling on your period doesn’t have to be a drama. With a little prep, the right products and a flexible mindset, you can feel comfortable, confident and totally capable of embracing whatever your trip throws at you.

So pack the tampons, wear the comfy pants, and don’t let your cycle steal the spotlight from your next adventure. Periods may not care about your itinerary, but now you’ve got the tools to care for yourself — no matter where you’re headed.

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