Travelling With Reusable Period Products: A Practical Guide

16 min read
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Travelling with reusable period products can be straightforward with a little planning. The best setup depends on your flow, the products you already feel comfortable using, access to toilets and clean water, laundry facilities and the activities you have planned.

Menstrual cups and discs collect menstrual fluid internally, menstrual sponges absorb it internally and cloth pads absorb it externally. Each option has different cleaning, storage and drying needs when you're away from home.

You do not have to rely on one product for your entire trip. Taking a backup can make long flights, road trips, camping and unfamiliar bathroom situations much easier to manage.

Choosing reusable period products for travel

The best travel product is the one that suits your body, flow, comfort and plans.

You might choose one product for everyday sightseeing and another for swimming, hiking or long travel days. If you already have something that works reliably for you, travel is usually not the ideal time to experiment with an unfamiliar product.

Menstrual cups and discs

Menstrual cups and menstrual discs collect menstrual fluid inside the vagina and can be convenient for travel because they take up very little luggage space.

They work best for travellers who are comfortable inserting and removing an internal product and who have a plan for handwashing, emptying and cleaning.

Wear time is a maximum, not a target.

Menstrual cups supplied in Australia must have instructions specifying a maximum use time of no more than 12 hours, but your flow and the capacity of the cup may mean you need to empty it much sooner.

Menstrual disc wear times vary between products, so follow the instructions for your particular disc rather than assuming every disc can be worn for the same length of time.

Our guide to how long you can wear a menstrual cup or disc explains this in more detail.

Menstrual sponges

Reusable menstrual sponges are compact and can also be useful for travelling, swimming and active days.

Natural sea sponges and synthetic menstrual sponges vary in their materials, recommended wear times, cleaning instructions and replacement schedules, so follow the instructions for your particular product.

Our guide to menstrual sponges explains the differences between reusable natural and synthetic options.

Reusable cloth pads

Reusable cloth pads come in different lengths and absorbencies and can be a good option if you prefer external period care.

The main consideration when travelling is washing and drying. Pack enough pads to cover the time between washes, along with separate storage for clean and used pads.

A wet bag or other suitable storage bag can help keep used pads separate until you are able to wash them.

Period underwear

If you already use period underwear, it can also be practical while travelling. The trade-off is that you may need several pairs, plus reliable access to washing and enough time for the absorbent layers to dry completely.

Period Shop does not currently stock period underwear, but it can still form part of a mixed travel setup if it works for you.

Mix and match if that suits you

You do not need to use the same product every day.

For example, you might use a cup or disc for a long sightseeing day, a menstrual sponge for swimming and a cloth pad as an external option later.

If you're unsure which type may suit you, start with the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub, read our guide to choosing between a cup, disc or sponge or browse our travel-friendly period care options.

Practise before you leave

If you're new to a menstrual cup, disc or sponge, learn how to insert, remove and clean it before your trip.

For cups and discs, a dry run lets you practise insertion and removal without also dealing with a busy airport bathroom, campsite or unfamiliar accommodation.

If you use a cup, you can also try different cup folds beforehand to find one you can use confidently.

Before travelling, make sure you are comfortable with:

  • inserting and removing your product
  • recognising when it needs to be emptied or changed
  • following its cleaning instructions
  • using it in a public bathroom if necessary
  • using any removal aid or accessory the product requires

For cloth pads or period underwear, wear them during a normal day before travelling. Check that the fit and absorbency work for you and take note of how long they usually take to wash and dry.

If a product is uncomfortable or difficult to use at home, you do not need to force it into your travel plans.

What to pack in your period travel kit

A small organised kit makes managing your period easier when toilets, clean water or laundry facilities are not immediately available.

Depending on the products you use, you might pack:

  • your usual period products plus clean spares
  • the cleanser recommended for your reusable product
  • clean water for rinsing if access may be limited
  • soap for handwashing
  • hand sanitiser as a backup when handwashing is not immediately available
  • separate bags for clean and used items
  • a small amount of suitable laundry detergent
  • clean underwear
  • tissues
  • sealable bags for rubbish
  • a backup period product if you want one

You can browse our cleaning products and period product storage options when putting together your kit.

If local tap water is not considered safe, use clean water that is suitable for personal hygiene and follow your product manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

When flying, keep at least your essential period products and a change of underwear in your carry-on luggage so you can access them during the journey and are not left without them if checked baggage is delayed.

Period Care Storage Bag

Flights and long travel days

Long flights, train journeys and road trips can mean limited or inconvenient bathroom access, so think about timing before you leave.

  • Empty and clean your cup or disc before boarding if it makes sense for your flow.
  • Think about when you will next have a practical opportunity to empty or change your product.
  • Do not extend beyond the manufacturer's maximum wear time because bathroom access is inconvenient.
  • If crossing time zones, track wear time by the number of hours that have passed rather than relying on the local clock.
  • Keep clean underwear and a backup period product within reach.
  • Check airport and airline restrictions if you carry liquid cleanser or other liquids in your hand luggage.

A product's maximum wear time does not mean it will necessarily manage your flow for the entire journey. Heavy-flow days may require more frequent emptying or changing.

Cleaning menstrual cups and discs while travelling

Cleaning instructions differ between manufacturers, so follow the directions supplied with your particular cup or disc.

When you have access to a private sink

  1. Wash your hands.
  2. Remove your cup or disc and empty its contents into the toilet.
  3. Clean or rinse it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  4. Remove any cleanser residue before reinserting.
  5. Wash your hands again.

Do not assume that ordinary hand soap, fragranced washes, oils or antibacterial products are suitable for every reusable menstrual product.

In a public toilet

If the sink is outside the cubicle, planning ahead helps.

Depending on your product's instructions, options may include:

  • emptying the cup or disc and carefully wiping it before reinserting, making sure no paper fibres remain
  • carrying a small bottle of clean water so you can rinse the product inside the cubicle
  • using a wipe specifically intended for menstrual cups or discs if the manufacturer allows it

Clean the product thoroughly according to its instructions when suitable facilities are available.

Our public bathroom guide for cup and disc users has more practical tips.

Do you need to sterilise your cup or disc while travelling?

Some cups and discs have instructions for boiling, steaming or otherwise sanitising between cycles.

Follow the method and timing specified for your product. Do not improvise with a microwave, kettle or another heat method unless the manufacturer says it is suitable.

If your accommodation does not have appropriate facilities, plan ahead and use the cleaning method permitted by the manufacturer until you can complete any recommended end-of-cycle sanitising.

If you prefer a dedicated device, our cup and disc steriliser comparison may help.

Travelling with menstrual sponges

Menstrual sponges take up very little luggage space and can be useful for travel, swimming and active trips.

However, different sponges have different wear-time, cleaning and replacement instructions.

When travelling with menstrual sponges:

  • pack enough clean sponges for your plans
  • follow the wear time for your specific product
  • use clean hands for insertion and removal
  • follow the manufacturer's cleaning method
  • allow reusable sponges to dry appropriately between uses where required
  • keep clean and used products separate

Do not assume that cleaning advice for one natural or synthetic sponge applies to every other product.

For more detail, see our Period Sponges: Types, Safety, Use & Cleaning guide and menstrual sponge comparison chart.

Washing and drying reusable cloth pads

Cloth pads require a little more planning because several may be in use or drying at the same time.

Follow the care instructions for your particular pads. As a general travel strategy:

  • carry enough clean pads to cover the time between washes
  • store used pads separately until you can wash them
  • wash them thoroughly according to their care instructions
  • avoid detergents, softeners or heat treatments the manufacturer advises against
  • allow the pads to dry completely before storing or wearing them again

Humidity, cool weather and shared accommodation can all increase drying time. A portable clothesline can be useful when travelling for several days.

If a pad is still damp when you need another one, use a clean spare rather than wearing one that has not dried properly.

Camping and hiking with reusable period products

Camping, hiking and remote travel require more planning because water, toilets, privacy and laundry may be limited.

Before your trip, check the rules and facilities for the specific park, trail, campground or land you are visiting.

Cups and discs

Carry the cleaning supplies recommended for your product along with clean water if necessary.

Use toilets where they are provided.

If there are no toilets, follow the land manager's instructions for human waste and wastewater. Rules vary between locations, and some areas require visitors to carry waste out or use an approved portable toilet.

Do not assume menstrual fluid can be emptied into a cathole simply because that method is permitted somewhere else.

If you cannot determine what is allowed, carrying the contents out securely is a safer option than leaving them in the environment.

Menstrual sponges

Bring enough clean sponges for your trip and plan how you will clean and dry reusable ones according to their instructions.

If you will not have access to the water or facilities required for safe cleaning, consider whether another product would be easier for that part of the trip.

Cloth pads

Pack enough clean pads to cover the time between washing opportunities, along with separate storage for used items.

If you cannot wash and completely dry reusable pads during the trip, keep the used ones contained until you reach suitable facilities.

Dispose of waste responsibly

Carry used wipes, tissues, disposable pads, tampons, packaging and similar rubbish out in a sealed bag unless the land manager specifically instructs otherwise.

Do not assume something labelled biodegradable or compostable can be buried or left in the bush. Materials can behave very differently in different climates and environments.

Toxic shock syndrome: what to know

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare but serious.

Menstrual TSS has been associated with internal menstrual products, including tampons and menstrual cups. Menstrual cups supplied in Australia are required to include information about TSS.

Possible symptoms include:

  • sudden fever
  • vomiting or diarrhoea
  • dizziness or fainting
  • a widespread red rash
  • confusion
  • severe muscle aches
  • suddenly feeling very unwell

If you think you may have TSS, remove the internal product if you can do so easily and seek urgent medical care.

In Australia, call triple zero (000). When travelling overseas, use the local emergency number.

Read more in our guide to toxic shock syndrome.

Why a backup can be useful

Even when you are confident using reusable products, having a backup can make travel easier.

You might carry:

  • an extra reusable cup, disc or sponge
  • a few disposable pads or tampons
  • an additional cloth pad
  • spare underwear

A backup gives you options if your flow is heavier than expected, a product becomes uncomfortable, you cannot clean something properly or laundry and drying take longer than planned.

A backup is not a sign that reusable period care has failed. It is simply a practical way to stay flexible while travelling.

Reusable period travel checklist

  • I've chosen products I'm already comfortable using.
  • I know the maximum wear time for each internal product.
  • I know how each reusable product should be cleaned.
  • I've packed clean spares.
  • I have separate storage for clean and used products.
  • I have handwashing and cleaning supplies.
  • I've considered access to safe water.
  • I've planned for washing and complete drying where needed.
  • I've checked airport liquid rules if I'm flying.
  • I've checked toilet and waste rules if I'm camping or hiking.
  • I know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome.
  • I've packed a backup if I want one.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear my menstrual cup for a whole long-haul flight?

Possibly, but do not plan around the flight length alone. Menstrual cups supplied in Australia must specify a maximum wear time of no more than 12 hours, and your flow may require you to empty the cup much sooner. Check your own product's instructions and plan when you will next be able to access a bathroom.

What about a menstrual disc on a long flight?

Disc wear times vary by product, so check the instructions for your particular disc. Do not assume that every reusable disc has the same maximum wear time as a menstrual cup.

Can I take a menstrual cup or disc through airport security?

Yes. Menstrual cups and discs can be packed in carry-on or checked luggage. If you are carrying liquid cleanser or another liquid product in your hand luggage, check the security requirements for the airports and airlines on your itinerary.

How do I clean a menstrual cup or disc in a public toilet?

Wash your hands before entering the cubicle where possible, empty the product into the toilet and follow the cleaning method allowed by its manufacturer. Depending on the product, you may be able to wipe it carefully or rinse it using a small bottle of clean water. Clean it thoroughly when suitable running water is available.

What if I can't clean my cup immediately?

Temporary handling depends on the manufacturer's instructions. Clean hands are important, and some products can be emptied and reinserted temporarily before being cleaned properly when suitable facilities are available. Do not use a cleaning method that the manufacturer advises against.

Do I need to sterilise my cup or disc while travelling?

Check your product's instructions. Some manufacturers recommend boiling or another sanitising method between cycles rather than during every emptying. Follow the method and timing specified for your product.

Can I travel with menstrual sponges?

Yes. Menstrual sponges are compact and can be useful for travel. Follow the wear-time, cleaning, drying and replacement instructions for your specific product, as these vary between natural and synthetic sponges and between brands.

Can I wash cloth pads in a hotel sink?

Usually, provided you can wash them according to their care instructions, rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before wearing or storing them. Carry enough spares in case drying takes longer than expected.

What should I do with period waste while camping?

Use toilets and rubbish facilities where they are provided. In remote areas, check the rules for the specific park or trail before your trip. Carry wipes, tampons, disposable pads and other rubbish out in a sealed bag unless the land manager specifically instructs otherwise.

Is it worth taking disposable products as a backup?

It can be. A few disposable pads or tampons take up little room and can be useful if you cannot clean a reusable product properly, your flow changes or your travel plans do not go as expected. You can also carry an extra reusable product instead if that suits you better.

The bottom line

Reusable period products can work very well for travel, but the easiest setup depends on where you are going and the facilities you will have available.

Cups and discs take up very little space but require clean hands and a plan for emptying and cleaning. Menstrual sponges are compact but have product-specific wear and care instructions. Cloth pads are simple to use but need enough washing and drying time.

Practise before you leave, know your product's wear and cleaning instructions, take clean spares and have a backup plan for days when access to bathrooms, water or laundry is limited.

If you are still deciding what to take, start with our Menstrual Products Comparison Hub or take our Find Your Best Fit Quiz.

Related reading

Sources

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Follow the instructions supplied with your period products and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional if you have symptoms or health concerns.