Dain
How I learned to stop fearing my cycle and start planning around it—plus the game-changing packing system that saved my Iceland adventure.
Set-Up: The Bali Incident That Changed Everything
Picture this: You’re 8,000 miles from home, standing in a tiny Indonesian pharmacy at 2 AM, trying to mime “heavy menstrual flow” to a confused clerk while your Airbnb host waits outside on his scooter. Your period arrived three days early, your “backup” tampon stash got soaked in a sudden downpour, and you’re wearing white linen pants because apparently the universe has a sense of humor.
This was me in Bali, 2019. Rock bottom of period travel experiences.
But here’s what nobody tells you: Your period doesn’t have to be your travel villain. With the right strategy, it can actually become your superpower—forcing you to slow down, tune into your body, and discover a gentler way to explore the world.
Connect, Chat, and Share Globally with Chaty
Looking to connect with people from all over the world? Chaty makes it easy and fun! Whether you’re into casual chats, deep conversations, or making new friends, Chaty has a vibrant community of chat rooms that suit everyone’s interests.
Why you’ll love Chaty:
- Diverse chat rooms: Join conversations on topics that matter to you.
- Seamless features: Effortlessly switch between chats and discover new connections.
- Global community: Connect with users from around the world, anytime, anywhere.
Ready to start chatting? It’s easy! Click below, and Chaty will redirect you to the app store for your device. No matter what you’re using, it’s all set up for you!
Download Chaty now and start connecting with people worldwide:
Why this matters more than ever:
- 73% of women have cancelled or shortened trips due to period anxiety
- The average woman spends 6 years of her life menstruating—that’s a lot of potential adventures
- Period shame costs us experiences, confidence, and authentic connection to our bodies
If you’ve ever looked at your calendar, seen your period coinciding with that dream trip, and felt your heart sink—this is for you.
Journey: From Period Panic to Cycle Syncing My Adventures
The Mindset Shift That Changed My Travel Game
After the Bali disaster, I realized I’d been approaching periods and travel all wrong. Instead of viewing my cycle as an inconvenience to work around, I started syncing my travel style to my hormonal phases.
- Week 1 (Menstrual Phase): Slow travel, spa days, journaling in cafés
- Week 2 (Follicular Phase): High-energy adventures, hiking, exploring
- Week 3 (Ovulatory Phase): Social activities, meeting locals, trying new foods
- Week 4 (Luteal Phase): Cozy experiences, museums, gentle sightseeing
This isn’t pseudo-science—it’s listening to your body’s natural rhythms and traveling accordingly.
Travel with Peace of Mind: Get Covered with VisitorsCoverage
When you’re traveling abroad, the last thing you want to worry about is what happens in case of an emergency. With VisitorsCoverage, you can protect yourself with comprehensive travel medical insurance tailored for international travelers.
Why choose VisitorsCoverage?
- Medical emergencies covered: Stay protected with coverage for unexpected health issues.
- Trip interruptions & cancellations: Peace of mind for any travel hiccups.
- Worldwide coverage: No matter where your journey takes you, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or expatriate, VisitorsCoverage offers the reliable travel insurance you need to enjoy your trip with confidence.
Get your travel insurance today and travel safely abroad:
Click here to learn more and get a quote!
The Iceland Redemption Story
Fast-forward to my Iceland trip last winter. Day 1 of my period coincided with Day 1 of my Northern Lights tour. Old me would have been mortified. New me? I packed strategically and embraced it.
While others were bouncing around the tour bus, I found a quiet spot to rest between stops. While they powered through 14-hour days, I built in afternoon breaks. Instead of feeling left out, I discovered hidden hot springs, had deeper conversations with locals, and saw the aurora through a completely different lens—one of patience and presence rather than frantic energy.
The result? My most transformative travel experience to date, period and all.
Gem: The 4-Phase Period-Proof Packing System
Phase 1: Know Your Flow (Literally)
Track for 2-3 cycles before any major trip:
- Flow intensity by day
- Pain levels and timing
- Energy fluctuations
- Emotional patterns
- Sleep disruptions
The Game-Changing Apps:
- Clue: Best for data nerds who want detailed tracking
- Flo: Great predictions with lifestyle tips
- Natural Cycles: If you want to understand your whole hormonal picture
Phase 2: The Triple-Backup Product Strategy
Never rely on just one method. Pack for your worst-case scenario:
Primary: Your usual products (tampons, cup, whatever works)Secondary: Alternative option (if you use tampons, pack pads too)Emergency: Period underwear that can handle overnight flows
The International Considerations:
- Research product availability at your destination
- Pack extra if traveling to remote areas
- Know the local words for menstrual products
- Understand cultural attitudes (some countries restrict tampon sales)
My Ultimate Period Packing List:
- Menstrual cup (12-hour protection, eco-friendly)
- 3 pairs of period underwear (Thinx or similar)
- Travel-size intimate wash
- Collapsible sterilizing cup for menstrual cup cleaning
- pH-balanced wet wipes
- Small dry bag for used products
- Portable power bank (keep period tracking apps, heating pad apps, and emergency contacts accessible when outlets are scarce)
My Tried & Tested Product Recommendations:
Menstrual Cup: After testing multiple brands, I swear by the Saalt Menstrual Cup – it’s made from medical-grade silicone and has never leaked on me, even during my heaviest Iceland days. Runner-up: DivaCup for first-time cup users.
Period Underwear: Thinx Super Hiphugger can handle my heaviest overnight flow (trust me, I’ve tested this extensively). For lighter days, Knix Dream Shorts are invisible under leggings.
Travel Intimate Wash: The Honey Pot Feminine Wash comes in perfect travel sizes and doesn’t disrupt your pH balance. Essential for cup cleaning on the road.
Sterilizing Cup: This collapsible silicone cup saved my sanity in hostels – boil water, sterilize cup, fold flat. Genius.
Dry Bag: Earth Pak Dry Bag – completely waterproof and has saved my backpack from multiple period emergencies.
Pro tip: Download these apps before you travel, but make sure you have a reliable portable charger to keep your phone powered during long travel days. Nothing’s worse than your cycle tracking going dark when you need it most during a trip.
Phase 3: The Comfort-First Wardrobe Strategy
Forget “cute but uncomfortable”—prioritize pieces that adapt:
Bottoms:
- High-waisted leggings with side pockets (phone, pads, heating pad)
- Flowy midi dresses (hide bloating, easy bathroom access)
- Dark wash jeans (camouflage accidents)
- Palazzo pants (comfortable + chic)
My Go-To Travel Bottoms:
After ruining three pairs of light-colored pants to period surprises, I only pack these now:
High-Waisted Leggings: THE GYM PEOPLE – worth the investment. The fabric is buttery soft and the side pockets fit overnight pads perfectly.
Budget Option: CRZ YOGA High Waist Leggings – 90% as good as Lululemon for 1/3 the price. I own these in black and navy.
Travel Jeans: Lee Women’s Slim Fit Jeans – dark wash hides everything, stretchy enough for bloating, and the Heattech keeps you warm.
Flowy Dresses: Amazon Essentials Midi Dress – under $20, packs tiny, and gives you room to breathe during cramps.
Tops:
- Loose button-downs (layer over heating pads)
- Wrap tops (adjustable for bloating fluctuations)
- Long cardigans (coverage + warmth)
Phase 4: The Hormone-Balancing Travel Kit
Pain Management:
- Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory, reduces flow)
- Magnesium supplements (muscle relaxation, mood support)
- Portable heating pad (rechargeable, TSA-friendly)
- Essential oil roller (peppermint for nausea, lavender for cramps)
- Electrolyte packets (combat fatigue and bloating)
Products That Actually Work:
I’ve tested countless pain management products during my travels. Here’s what made it into my permanent kit:
Heating Pad: Sunbeam Renue Heat Therapy Wrap – rechargeable, TSA-approved, and provides 6+ hours of heat. Used this during my entire Northern Lights tour.
Magnesium: Nature Made Magnesium Glycinate – absorbs better than cheap versions and actually reduces my cramps by 70%. Take with dinner.
Essential Oil Roller: Plant Therapy Cramp Relief Roller – pre-made blend that works instantly. Applied this every 2 hour during my Reykjavik walking tour.
Electrolytes: Liquid IV Hydration Multiplier – individual packets, TSA-friendly, and the lemon-lime flavor actually tastes good. Prevents the period brain fog.
Anti-Inflammatory: Advil Liquid Gels – work faster than tablets and reduce both pain and flow intensity.
Mood & Energy Support:
- Iron supplements (if you have heavy flows)
- B-complex vitamins (energy and mood stability)
- Probiotics (digestive support during hormonal shifts)
- Adaptogenic tea blends (stress management)
Sleep Optimization:
- Eye mask and earplugs (hormones affect sleep quality)
- Melatonin (for jet lag + period insomnia combo)
- Magnesium glycinate (better sleep, fewer cramps)
Sleep Kit Essentials:
Eye Mask: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask – blocks 100% of light and doesn’t smudge makeup. Saved my sleep in those bright Icelandic summer nights.
Earplugs: Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs – comfortable for side sleepers and blocks snoring hostel roommates.
Melatonin: Natrol Fast Dissolve Melatonin – 1mg tablets (lower dose works better), dissolves instantly, no water needed.
Magnesium for Sleep: Natural Vitality Calm Magnesium Powder – individual packets, mixes with water, and tastes like raspberry lemonade.
Get $60 Fi Credit & Unlock Global Coverage!
Why just keep all the awesome features of Fi to yourself? Earn $60 Fi credit and they’ll unlock global coverage in over 200 countries. Whether you’re at home or abroad, Fi ensures seamless service, and you BOTH get rewarded when they sign up!
Here’s how you get your $60 Fi credit:
- Click My Referral Code: Use my unique referral code to get started VCE5JN.
- Sign Up: They must activate a full-service plan and use a compatible device (note: data-only SIMs and group plans don’t qualify).
- Activate & Stay Active: Your friend must activate their Fi plan, keep it active for 30 days, and pay their first bill in full.
- Get $60 Credit: Once you complete your first month, you will earn $60 Fi credit!
Why You’ll Love Fi:
- Global Coverage: Travel freely with Fi’s seamless coverage in over 200 countries—data, text, and calls all work without hassle.
- Perfect for Business & Leisure: Stay connected no matter where you go, whether it’s a business trip or a vacation.
- Reliable & Flexible: No extra charges for international data—just one straightforward plan that works globally.
Ready to get rewarded? Use code VCE5JN
Click my referral link now and both you AND your friend will earn $60 Fi credit once they complete their first month!
Click here to get your referral code and start sharing!
Takeaway: Traveling With Your Cycle, Not Despite It
Here’s what nobody tells you about period travel:
It’s not about hiding or managing your cycle—it’s about honoring it.
When you stop fighting your hormones and start flowing with them, travel becomes more intuitive, more connected, and honestly, more fun. You’re not performing endless energy; you’re experiencing authentic rhythms.
The Ripple Effects I Didn’t Expect:
- Better body awareness led to safer solo travel decisions
- Cycle-synced itineraries reduced travel burnout by 80%
- I started attracting more meaningful travel experiences
- My confidence skyrocketed when I stopped apologizing for being human
Your Period-Positive Travel Action Plan:
- Track your cycle for the next 2 months (download a quality app today)
- Audit your current travel packing (what’s missing from the essentials list?)
- Plan your next trip around your hormonal phases (high-energy adventures during follicular phase, slower travel during menstrual phase)
- Download the “Cycle-Synced Travel Planner” with phase-specific activity suggestions and packing lists
- Join our Period-Positive Travelers community for honest conversations and destination-specific advice
The Question That Changes Everything: Instead of asking “How do I hide my period while traveling?” ask “How can I honor my cycle and still have amazing adventures? “Your period isn’t a limitation—it’s data. Use it to travel smarter, not harder.
Your cycle isn’t your enemy—it’s your guide to feel the pulse of better adventures.
