Your Period Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Holiday: A Real Guide
Getting your period on holiday feels like the universe playing a cruel joke. Trust me, I know. My periods are heavy, painful, and show up whenever they please.
But here’s what I’ve learned from years of period surprises: you can still have an amazing trip. It takes some planning and the right mindset, but your period doesn’t have to be the boss of your holiday.
Let me share the tips that have saved my sanity (and my holidays).
Period on Holiday – Packing Tips
The golden rule? Pack twice what you think you need. Trying to explain “super plus tampons” in broken Spanish whilst doubled over with cramps is not the cultural experience you want.
Here’s my period on holiday survival kit:
Sanitary products: Pack your usual products plus backups. Include different absorbencies because holiday stress can make your flow unpredictable. Pack a mix of tampons, pads, and period pants now.
Pain relief: Bring more painkillers than you think you need. Pack them in your carry-on too; nothing’s worse than your luggage getting lost with all your painkillers inside. If you have anything on prescription, it is always wise to bring a copy of your prescription, especially for strong pain killers, to avoid any issues at the airport.
Spare underwear: Pack at least three extra pairs per day of your trip to help yoou if you get your period on holiday. Period pants have been a game-changer for me. They’re brilliant as backup protection or on their own for lighter days.
Emergency supplies: Include wet wipes, plastic bags for dirty clothes, and a small towel or bed pad. It might just help you get a good night’s sleep without worrying about bleeding onto white sheets!
Track Your Cycle (Even When It’s Wonky)
My periods are about as predictable as British weather, but tracking them has helped me sometimes spot patterns. Use a period app or just mark dates on your calendar. Even irregular periods sometimes have loose patterns you can spot over time.
If you know your period might arrive during your trip, you can plan around it. Book that white water rafting trip for a day when you’re less likely to be feeling rough. Schedule your spa day for when you might need some self-care.
Don’t panic if your period shows up unexpectedly, though. Stress and travel can mess with your cycle, so it happens.
Choose Period-Friendly Activities
You don’t have to hide in your hotel room, but being smart about your activities can make everything easier if you have your period on holiday.
Beach days: Dark-coloured swimwear is your friend when you have a period on holiday. Bring a sarong or cover-up for walking to and from the water. If you’re not comfortable swimming, there’s no shame in being the person who reads a book under an umbrella.
City exploring: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that won’t show stains. Map out where public toilets are, especially if you’re somewhere new. Most cities have apps that show toilet locations.
Adventure activities: Don’t write them off completely. Just use your most reliable protection and maybe skip the bungee jumping if you’re having a particularly heavy day.
Always know where the nearest toilet is!
Become a toilet detective. I’m not kidding, knowing where the nearest loo is can save your clothes when you get your period on holiday.
When you arrive somewhere new, make note of:
- Where the toilets are
- Whether they have bins (some places don’t, which is a nightmare for pad users)
- If you need coins or tokens to use them
- Whether there’s soap and toilet paper
- If there are sinks in the cubicle to wash hands in private, if you get messy because of your period on holiday
In restaurants, I always ask where the toilet is as soon as we sit down. It seems keen, but it’s better than frantically searching when you need it urgently.
Embrace the Power of Layers
Layers are brilliant for periods. You can hide any unexpected marks, and you can adjust if you’re getting period sweats or chills.
Dark colours are more forgiving than light ones, but don’t let that stop you from wearing what you love. Just maybe save the white dress for after your period ends.
I always travel with at least one jacket or cardigan I can tie around my waist in emergencies. Another tip is shorts under a skirt to add that extra layer of protection from leaks.
Don’t Let Pain Ruin Everything
Period pain can be brutal. Mine feels like someone’s wringing out my insides like a dishcloth. But I’ve found ways to manage it that don’t involve staying in bed all day when you have a period on holiday.
Heat: Pack a small heat pad or hot water bottle if you have space. Many hotels will fill a hot water bottle if you ask nicely. In warm countries, you could even use sun-warmed towels as makeshift heat pads.
Time your painkillers: Take them regularly, not just when the pain gets bad. Set phone reminders if you need to. Prevention is better than a cure when you have a period on holiday.
Know your limits: It’s okay to have a quieter day or change your plans. I’ve learned that pushing through severe pain often makes things worse.
Move gently: Light walking or stretching can help with cramps. A gentle stroll along the beach beats lying curled up in bed feeling sorry for yourself.
Have a Backup Plan (and a Backup for Your Backup)
Things will go wrong. Accept this now, and you’ll be much calmer when they do. If you get your period on holiday and don’t have enough supplies these tips will help.
Always know where the nearest pharmacy or shop is. Learn key phrases in the local language if you’re travelling abroad. “Do you have sanitary pads?” is useful vocabulary that they don’t teach you in school language classes.
Consider using a local launderette if needed to wash a few items, there are usually self-service machines in most tourist areas so you can always wash anything you need and have less reason to panic.
Keep some emergency supplies in different places, some in your main bag, some in your day bag, and some in your partner’s bag if you’re travelling together.
Listen to Your Body (It’s Smarter Than You Think)
Your body will tell you what it needs if you listen. Some days that might be rest. Other days you might feel energetic despite your period on holiday. Don’t force yourself to do things that feel wrong, but don’t automatically assume you can’t do things either.
When Plans Need to Change
Sometimes you need to accept that your period is going to change your plans. This isn’t failure, it’s being kind to yourself. You can’t enjoy your holiday if you’re miserable, so sometimes the best thing is to rest up so you can enjoy the next day properly.
Make Peace with Your Period Holidays
The truth is, periods are part of life for most of us for about 40 years. If we avoided doing things every time we might get our period, we’d miss out on a lot of living.
Your period might gate-crash your holiday, but it doesn’t have to ruin it. With the right preparation and mindset, you can still have an amazing time. Pack smart, listen to your body, and remember that periods are temporary, but holiday memories last forever.
Do you have any other tips for when you get a period on holiday? If, like me you have heavy painful periods you will know how stressful this can be!
