4 Period Products for Travelling That Will Change Your Life

Are you having nightmares about going travelling and your period arriving at the worst possible time?

Or do you just want some tips on how to manage this monthly funfest easier, when exploring the world?

I’ll share with you the 4 period products for travelling that will keep you sane on the road.

Even when it often doesn’t feel like it, a period is something to be grateful for. And what a joy it is, arriving in the middle of a 15-hour travel day!

I kid.

It’s every traveller’s nightmare, because even if you are not the one dealing with the period, you might still fall victim to its… effects, shall we say.

Thankfully, there are products you can buy that make this monthly funfest so much more doable.

In this post, I won’t just tell you what those products are.

I will also share which brands I use and tell you all about the different things you have to think about when managing your period on your travels

Here are the 4 must-have period products for travelling that you will want to pack for your next trip.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please read our Disclaimer.

Here’s a little bit about our journey, if you are new here! If you know us, feel free to skip this part.

After leaving our old life in Scotland in March 2022 (it rains too much there), we travelled full-time for almost 2 years. Sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Well, it was. If you think that carrying overpacked backpacks in 45°C heat around streets that aren’t even on Google Maps is fancy. And that’s just 1% of all the fun we had! 😆

During the 2 years we volunteered in Italy and Bulgaria (free travel while learning new skills, anyone?), explored other amazing European countries and backpacked Southeast Asia. Even our secret wedding was more of an expedition than a wedding. 😅

And, of course, we researched and planned everything ourselves, because you gotta keep the budget low, right? If you are like us, you’ve come to the right place, because we want to share all the useful tips and info with you!

Excited? Good. Let’s get into it so you can go on your own adventures too!

Hi!

Since we are talking all things period today, I thought I would write this post in my name and start it by introducing myself – in case you don’t know me!

Hi! 👋

I’m Mirka, the Slovak half of Our Enchanted Journey.

I am the one who is:

• Always craving chocolate (and double so when my period arrives 😬)
• Forever plotting what gigs we can go to
• Doing all the stressing and worrying in our marriage (compensating for Daniel’s chilled out British nature 😄)

I am also the one who seems to have all the bad luck and, in general, struggles with life a lot more. 😅

So, if you think your periods are awful and there is no way you can travel during that time of the month, welcome to the club. 

We can cry and eat chocolate together.

Just raise a hand in the comments below or drop me a message on our Instagram. It’s a joint account, but if you shout “MIRKA!” right at the start, I’ll know it’s a message only for me. 🫶

Something for female travellers

If you are a woman exploring the world, I’ve got another post that you might love.

In this one, I share the 17 essential travel items that I use when travelling. These are all my favourites, and I’m so grateful I’ve discovered them, because without these hacks, I would probably have a meltdown while on the road daily. 😅

So have a look – maybe you’ll find some new hacks there for yourself!

Period products for travelling

When we were getting ready for our full-time travels, we were debating periods a lot with Daniel. 

Because they have always been a pain for me (literally), and we wanted to make sure we could handle them on the road.

So I did what I do best – a lot of research, until I found these 4 period products for travelling that changed my life – no exaggeration.

I honestly don’t know how I managed without them before.

If you are now thinking: “But I am not planning on going full-time travelling”, I am here to tell you that it doesn’t matter.

Who should get these 4 period products for travelling 

One thing I want to clarify is that these period products for travelling are for any kind of travel, not just the one where you lug an overweight backpack around for years on end and pretend you are not completely physically and mentally exhausted. 😅

Actually, you will probably end up using some or all of these when at home, too – they are just overall great period products.

So read on, whether you are a casual traveller or a long-term explorer.

Period product no. 1: Period cup

Let’s start with probably the best of the 4 period products for travelling: a period cup

99%* of women I came across say that switching to a period cup was life-changing for them.

As we started planning our full-time travels, though, I realised that there must be a way to manage your period on the road better than tampons or pads. 

I noticed a few female travel bloggers listed a period cup on their packing lists, and so I started researching them.

*made up stat but it feels like pretty much everyone aside from a few people who say the cup didn’t work for them.

Why do you need a period cup for travelling?

This, obviously, depends on what kind of travel you will be doing and what kind of period products you currently use.

But here are some things to consider:

• Many travellers say they struggled finding the right tampons abroad, especially in places like Asia
• Sanitary pads and tampons can be quite bulky – you will need space for them in your luggage
• If you will be travelling in hot climates, certain products might not be comfortable to use, while with the cup you don’t feel anything (if it’s working right that is!)
• The period cup can last up to 12 hrs – perfect for long travel days, hikes or other activities where you might not have an easy access to a good toilet
• You can swim with a period cup so you don’t have to worry about limiting yourself during water activities (more on this later)
• Period cups are healthier for you – there is a ton of research on how bad tampons are, so if you are not aware of this, do look it up
• Period cups are also better for the planet, so if sustainability is your goal, this is definitely something to consider
• A cup can last you up to 10 years, so imagine how much money it will save you vs buying 10 years’ worth of tampons – if you are travelling on a budget, this is definitely an important point

How to choose the right period cup

Do you remember how I said the cup doesn’t work for every single person?

I do believe many of the people who tried a period cup and then gave up on it just didn’t do enough research.

It’s easy to see a brand in your local drugstore, pick one of the two sizes usually available and think it should work.

As with many things in life, though, things are not that simple.

The bad: there is a lot to consider and research

The good: there are many options available, so everyone can find their perfect cup, or as it is called, their “Goldilocks” cup.

There are different sizes, capacities, shapes, firmness levels, even materials and other aspects to consider.

Now, this post isn’t about selecting the right period cup, it’s about the 4 period products for travelling you need to get. 

I am also no expert – just someone who had to research A LOT and then buy 4 different period cups before finding one that fits. Did I mention my bad luck and struggling with life? 😅

What I will do though, is point you in the direction of someone much more knowledgeable than me, when it comes to period cups.

A helpful resource

There is a website called Put A Cup In It, which is a fantastic resource for information about period cups. You can:

• do a quiz to find out what cup might suit you the best
• see a comparison chart of different cups
• learn more about using a period cup and much more

This was my go-to source of information when I started looking into getting a period cup, prior to our travels.

Bonus tip

Depending on your skills and experience, getting started with a period cup might be a fast or a long process. Of the 4 must-have period products for travelling, this one is the most complicated one to use – not to discourage you, just something to be aware of.

Basically, don’t leave it till the last minute. You don’t want to be travelling around South America, with all the sights to see, food to eat, but also all the daily challenges, WHILE also trying to learn how to fold a little silicone miracle into the right shape.

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to familiarise yourself with the cup and also to work out how much you can rely on it.

It should not leak.

But it might. 

It’s again something that’s better figured out in the comfort of your home than on an overnight bus in Vietnam.

If you are worried about the cup leaking, though, I’ve got a solution.

Enter number 2 on our list of period products for travelling

Period product no. 2: Period underwear

You might have heard of period underwear before. It certainly feels like the number of brands offering this cool invention had doubled in the last few years.

I’d like you to consider period underwear in two different ways:

1. As an alternative to a cup
2. As a backup for a cup

Let’s talk more about each of these options.

Option no. 1: As an alternative to a cup

Not everyone is happy using a period cup.

As much as many swear by it and I, myself, also think it’s one of the best period products for travelling.

It might be that you find it uncomfortable. 

It might be that you have health conditions preventing you from using it.

It might be that you find it too weird, messy or even icky.

In that case, you might consider reusable period underwear instead.

There are many great things to be said about it:

• It’s sustainable
• It’s comfortable (no, it doesn’t feel wet. At least it shouldn’t, if you get a good product)
• It’s healthier than many other options (looking at you, tampons)

Personally, I don’t think it’s the easiest option for travelling, though.

Let me explain why.

Challenges of period underwear

With period underwear, you have to, ideally wash it right after use.

While a hand wash is enough at first, you do also have to properly machine wash it afterwards, to sanitise it.

Now, this means a few things:

• It means you have to have enough pairs to last you your whole period, unless you have a constant access to a washing machine. 
• More pairs means more things you have to carry in your limited luggage and that doesn’t go with packing light.
• It does also mean spending more money, especially since most of period underwear is not cheap. The investment cost is definitely higher than with, for example, a cup. 
• Period underwear also doesn’t last that long. Compare 2-3 years that the average, good quality underwear lasts for vs 10 years that a period cup gives you.

My main issue, though?

Washing clothes when travelling is not like washing clothes at home.

The washing problem

First, you might not have access to a washing machine exactly when you need it. Your period might be finished, but you might not have an apartment with a washing machine booked for another week. Now you have a bag of unsanitary underwear waiting in your backpack. There’s something I’d rather not be dealing with. 😬

Second problem – following care instructions is not always possible.

Why?

• Washing machines in accommodation come with different settings, which might not match what your underwear requires
• Sometimes you might not even know what the settings are, actually – we’ve had washing machines where everything had been rubbed off or where we just plain didn’t know what the symbols meant – we were basically just guessing
• Often, you won’t be able to change the settings. Have you ever been to a laundromat in Asia? There are often 2 settings to choose from: hot or hotter, and you have to be happy with them. Try finding a mild, cold wash with no fabric softener there. Hah
• You won’t even be the person washing your clothes half the time! Sometimes it will be a nice lady down the street from your hotel. And do you think she will specifically run a cold wash just for your period underwear? (I think you know the answer)
• Even if the above doesn’t apply and you can choose the setting you need, you still have to run a full wash just for your period underwear, with the specific settings. And then you have to possibly do another wash of your actual clothes. Trust us, sitting in laundromats is not how you want to be spending your travels
• The same issues apply to the products you use, like a detergent. Yes you can carry your own, special products, that are suitable for period underwear, but you might not always be able to use them (laundromats often come with their own products. So do laundry ladies)

To me, this washing palaver is something I am not willing to be dealing with, and so I went with option no. 2.

Option no. 2: As a backup for a period cup

In my opinion, this is what truly makes period underwear one of the must-have period products for travel. 

There are 2 things to consider here:

1. A cup can leak.
2. You might sometimes need to empty it, before it overflows, but you might not be able to.

Here are some situations for you to consider:

Situation 1

You are travelling on an overnight bus and it gets stuck in traffic. You need to empty your cup, because while it’s still safe to use it (you are under your 12-or-so-hour limit), you know it will overflow soon. You don’t want to use the toilet on the bus, because it’s too small and disgusting to faff with a cup there. 

What do you do?

Situation 2 

You booked a sunrise hike up a volcano (these always sound like a fun idea the day before and not so much on the day when your alarm goes off at 3am).

Your period unexpectedly arrives the night before. 

You know you will be hiking for hours with no access to a proper toilet and your cup will overflow.

What do you do?

Situation 3

You know your cup tends to leak on day 1, despite your best efforts. You have a food tour booked in a new city (yum!). There are bathroom breaks, but not whenever you want, of course. There is a whole tour group to consider. 

What do you do?

These are 3 very real situations from travel life, and ones that I had been thinking about before we went travelling. And that’s not even because I am an overplanner (although I am, at least according to others who are a lot more child out [aka weirdos 😝]), but because years of being a woman teach you that you always have to be prepared when it comes to your period.

So what would I do?

I would definitely get period underwear as a backup for the cup. It would solve all of the above situations.

Personally, I decided to go for 2 pairs of period underwear, just to have a back up of a back up option (is this overplanning??).

It’s great to know that I’ve got period products that I can rely on when travelling – the cup is my main, but I do have a plan B too.

What brand of period underwear do I use?

I got my period underwear from WUKA.

They are a fantastic company that I am sure you will love.

Here is just some info – don’t tell me this brand isn’t epic:

• WUKA stands for Wake Up Kick Ass and they champion the mindset that period shoud not hold you back from living your best life
• The underwear is designed in the UK – in fact, it’s UK’s first ever reusable and leak-proof period wear
• They’ve got a female founder, of course
• As period wear is their focus, you will find a fantastic variety on their website – meaning everyone can find something that suits them and you don’t have to settle for “close-enough” – so rare, especially when it comes to female products
• WUKA is not just about selling period wear though, you can find a ton of educational material on their website too
• They cater to everyone – from teenagers to menopausal women
• The brand cares – being eco-friendly and supporting different causes and initiatives – check out their social media channels to see what cool stuff they are up to these days

I was so excited when I discovered WUKA, and not just because they are always running some cool promos so you can get started with period underwear for less. 😄

As I have shared at the beginning, “normal” products often don’t work for me. This is why I didn’t have faith in just picking up a generic, drugstore brand period underwear and hoping it actually does what it should.

But a brand that is focused on period wear, so really knows how to make it? One that is all about supporting you during your period, with the best period products for travelling and day-to-day life? I was over the moon when I found WUKA that’s why I want to spread the word – it might just end up changing your life!

Pro tip

The one mistake I made was that I did not properly look at the thickness of the underwear. 

There are many different types, and the ones I chose are quite thick.

Now, while super comfy, they do take a while to air dry.

And this is another thing to think about: not just the washing machine and the products for washing, but also the drying.

Will your period underwear dry in time, if you are always on the go and you can’t put it into a dryer?

When choosing your underwear, definitely think about shape, material, absorbency and all those features that are usually the main things highlighted on the website or packaging.

But care instructions should be equally important. See what the brand says. Read reviews. Ask questions about thickness and drying time.

And then go for underwear that is as thin as possible and as easy to wash as possible.

A little note

By the way, none of the challenges I listed are to discourage you from using period underwear.

If it works for you, great. I, personally, think that it’s one of the best period products for travelling.

But I did want to make sure you are aware of all the issues you might encounter, so you can decide for yourself, whether they are something you can manage, before you go spending money on period underwear.

Period product no. 3: Period swimwear

3rd on our list of period products for travelling is period swimwear.

This is usually the most surprising product that people don’t know about.

But yes, you can have swimwear that is period-proof!

Isn’t that fantastic?

What do you need to know about period swimwear?

Now, period swimwear is like period underwear.

You can use it in two ways:

1. On its own, as an alternative to a cup (or a tampon)
2. As a period cup backup (what I do)

Discovering period swimwear was life-changing for me because swimming or other water activities were always difficult to plan, especially with an irregular period.

Yes, a period cup changed everything, but it used to leak for me big time, especially when I started using it.

So I was still worried about being in water, and when you are a full-time traveller, chances are, you will be in water a lot!

But then I discovered period swimwear and my worried mind could rest at least when it comes to water activities, because we’ve got a plan B now, girl! Love a backup plan.

What should you think about when buying period swimwear?

Similarly to period underwear, there are a few main things you should consider when picking the right period swimwear for you:

• Absorbency/flow – for example, I went with a light flow option as I only ever planned to use the period bikinis as a backup to my period cup, so I didn’t need ones with a higher absorbency.
• Shape and style – don’t think you’ll have to settle for some ugly, grandma-style swimwear if you want it to be period-proof! There are so many cool options available – look!
• Wash and care instructions – I don’t want to be repeating myself here, but basically, the same challenges that come with period underwear also apply here, so remember to think about how you will be washing your period bikinis BEFORE you decide to buy.

Pro tip

If you are going to be a full-time traveller who is packing light, buy a versatile bikini bottom. That way, you will be able to combine it with any of your bikini tops. I went for a simple, plain black bottom, which goes with everything, and it looks just like any other bikini bottom, so no one would even suspect it’s period swimwear.

What brand of period swimwear do I use?

The period bikinis I have are from Modibodi.

Similarly to WUKA, the brand is super cool – here are some main facts:

• The founder is again female and started the company because of a personal issue (you can read more here)
• They are B Corp certified, which means they’re committed to doing good for people and the planet – not just making a profit
• Everyone is welcome – you can see the diversity reflected in their advertising and conversations 
• They offer a risk-free trial so you can test out one of their products without worrying that it won’t work for you

Modibodi also sell period underwear, so choose which brand speaks to you more.

If you are already in love with WUKA, they do also sell swimwear! I haven’t tried it, because when I was buying mine, I don’t think WUKA had their own swimwear collection, so if you give it a go, please let me know in the comments your review!

You can buy both, period underwear and swimwear, from one brand, or be like me and mix and match!

Period product no. 4: Little pot

The problem

Here’s the thing. Say you are travelling longer (like a full-time traveller. Or a year-long backpacking adventure. Or even a 2-week holiday). How will you sanitise your period cup?

This was a question that worried me for ages, so I did the thing I always do in these situations.

Yep, you guessed it.

Research.

One thing everyone agreed on is that, if possible, you should plan your accommodation accordingly.

The solution

What do we mean by planning your accommodation accordingly? We mean having a place with a kitchen or at least a hob at the time when your period will be finished and you will need to sanitise the cup.

Now, I know that when travelling long-term, that can be impossible to figure out, but try, the best you can.

When travelling full-time, what we do is book an apartment with a kitchen, ideally private, for a few days around the time when my period should be finished. That way, we are covered even if it doesn’t finish exactly on the one day when it should, according to my period calendar (lol on this because I am special and so is my period, apparently).

Pro tip: always check the list of amenities in the accommodation and confirm via pictures too. Sometimes the listing says “kitchen” but what they actually mean is a small fridge and a microwave. Not exactly useful in this situation!

Shared kitchens

Now, a little side note on kitchens that are not private. 

Sometimes it might not be possible to get a place with a private kitchen.

If you are not comfortable with sanitising your cup in front of people, try to figure out when the kitchen is empty. We usually go super early in the morning or quite late at night.

This is why it’s also important to bring your own utensils (more on that shortly). You don’t want to be known in the hostel as the chick who boils her period cup in the pot that Greig from England uses to make his pasta in. 😬

Okay, so the big solution?

Take your own pot.

The period product you need

When I say take your own pot, I don’t mean an actual big pot with a lid that you cook rice in at home, of course!

That would be a packing regret and a half. 😅

Get something portable.

Like a camping mug.

I got this one from SportsDirect – yes, it’s meant for making tea while camping, but it’s great for sterilising your period cup in too!

What you are looking for when choosing your mug is something:

• lightweight – remember, packing light is the key
• not too big, so it doesn’t take up space in your limited luggage
• deep enough so that the cup can be properly sterilised in it 
• cheap, but good quality. The SportsDirect one is less than €3, but you know it can withstand heat, as it’s a camping mug

With these 4 period products for travelling, your favourite time of the month should become at least a bit easier. Or maybe they will completely change your life – that’s how I felt when I discovered them.

These are my 4 favourite period products for travelling – can’t imagine doing full-time travel without them.

Do you have any other period products or hacks that you can recommend? Let me know in the comments – you can never have enough tips for surviving periods!

— Mirka