Safe & Important Personal Items for Your Next Trip

 Traveling during your period is like adding a surprise villain to a Bollywood movie plot — unexpected, often dramatic, but entirely manageable if you’re prepared. And when it comes to managing periods while gallivanting across India, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a thoughtful choice for your body and the planet. Here’s your guide to packing a sustainable period kit for planes, trains, and the ever-chaotic Indian buses.

The Essentials: Because Forgetting These is Not an Option

1. Menstrual Cup: Your Organic BFF

Imagine a travel companion that’s reusable, leak-free, and takes up less space than your passport. That’s a menstrual cup for you. Whether you’re stuck in a middle seat of an airline or on a bumpy bus ride to the Himalayas, this little silicone marvel will hold its ground. Plus, you can reuse it for upto 10 years — talk about commitment goals.

Pro Tip: Practice using it before your trip.

Check out this sustainable, ecofriendly menstrual cup under 300/- which will make your travel journey a lot more beautiful!

2. Period Panties: Superhero Underwear

Period panties are like chai: comforting, versatile, and always there for you. They’re perfect for those “I don’t trust my tampon” moments or when you’re stuck in a long haul and changing every few hours isn’t an option. Plus, washing them in a hostel sink feels oddly empowering.

Pro Tip: Carry a couple of pairs to swap between train journeys and long sightseeing days.

Now you can explore a wide range of vibrant colors, styles, and designs in period panties to match your unique flow. Who knew there were so many options to choose from!

3. Reusable Cloth Pads: Soft and Sustainable

These are for the folks who like their periods old-school but upgraded. They’re eco-friendly, and comfy.

Pro Tip: Carry a bag for used pads — your train compartment mates will thank you.

Did you know, now there are sustainable, organic and water proof disposable bag available in the market just for sanitary!! We do live in a new world.

4. Biodegradable Pads: For the Commitment-Phobic

Not ready to dive into the reusable game? Biodegradable pads are your halfway hero. They’re great for flights or when you’re trekking and need a disposable option that won’t outlive the Taj Mahal.

Pro Tip: Dispose of them properly — don’t just chuck them out of a train window.

Accessories That’ll Save Your Sanity

1. Pee Device: Because Squats Aren’t Always Practical

Indian train toilets, highway dhaba restrooms and petrol-pump toilets aren’t exactly known for their hygiene. A pee funnel (or stand-and-pee device) will keep you from testing your yoga skills in questionable ways. It’s also a lifesaver when you’re traveling by sleeper bus and the driver refuses to stop to near a toilet with 4 walls.

Pro Tip: Practice at home unless you enjoy slapstick comedy involving gravity and poor aim.

There are disposable and reusable stand and pee devices to make your trip more sanitary, memorable and free from any UTIs.

2. Travel-Sized Mild Soap

Whether it’s for washing your menstrual cup, reusable pads, or your hands after dealing with the aforementioned pee device, a gentle, travel-friendly soap is a must (it makes you look extra responsible in front of fellow travelers).

3. Wet Bags: Keep the Mystery Alive

Wet bags are like your period’s secret compartment. Use them to store used cloth pads, rinsed period panties, or a freshly washed menstrual cup until you can clean them properly. They’re leak-proof, odour-proof, and very unassuming — perfect for nosy co-passengers.

Also read — Journey to 0 waste periods: Sustainable Solutions to Plastic Problems!

4. Hand Sanitizer, Kerchiefs and Napkins

These are non-negotiable. Whether you’re grappling with a questionable train bathroom or an airplane lavatory that’s seen better days, a trusty sanitizer and some napkins will keep you from gagging.

Travel Modes: Periods on the Move

1. Planes: Flying High on Flow

Flying during your period is a delicate dance of planning and improvisation. Since airplane bathrooms are tiny, and turbulence is unpredictable, opt for leak-proof options like menstrual cups or period panties.

What to Pack

- Menstrual cup for long flights

- Biodegradable pads or tampons for quick changes

- Wet bag to discreetly store items if you can’t wash them mid-air

2. Trains: Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham on Wheels

From the chaos of finding your berth to navigating shared toilets, traveling by train during your period is an adventure. Menstrual cups and cloth pads shine here — they’re easy to clean and discreet.

What to Pack

- Period panties for overnight journeys

- Pee funnel for sketchy train toilets

Survival Tip: Befriend the auntie in the adjacent berth — she might have chai and sympathy for your situation!

3. Buses: Bumpy Roads, Steady Flow

Ah, Indian buses. Whether it’s a luxury sleeper or a rickety local bus, bathroom breaks are mythical. Your best bet is to prep with sustainable options that don’t require frequent changes.

What to Pack

- Menstrual cup or biodegradable pads for long rides

- Portable bidet (or jet spray) to freshen up when the bus stops at a dhaba

- Period panties for extra security against unexpected bumps

Survival Tip :ALWAYS Carry a light shawl — it doubles as a blanket and a privacy shield when you’re feeling self-conscious.

Extra Goodies for a Happy Flow

1. Snacks, Because Hangry Isn’t Cute

Stock up on nuts, chocolate, and dry fruits. Whether you’re battling cramps or a delayed flight, comfort food is a lifesaver.

2. Pain Relief: Your Travel MVP

Heat patches, essential oils, or good ol’ painkillers — whatever works for you, don’t forget it. Remember, no one likes a cranky travel buddy (even if your cramps are totally justified).

To know more read: How Common is PMS?: Myths vs Facts

3. Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated — it’s the golden rule for surviving travel and your period. Plus, it’s better for the planet than keep buying single-use plastic bottles as it’s just not bad for the planet but heavy on your wallet too!

For more such sustainable choices: Check this out!

For the Sustainable Fashionista

Traveling sustainably isn’t just about period products. It’s also about your packing choices:

- Opt for lightweight, quick-dry clothes

- Carry dark-colored leggings or skirts to camouflage potential leaks

- Pack a small pouch of baking soda — it’s a lifesaver for stain removal on the go

Parting Words of Wisdom

Periods don’t have to cramp (pun intended) your travel style. With the right sustainable tools and a good sense of humor, you can conquer Indian trains, flights, and buses with ease. Remember: leaks are temporary, but eco-warrior status is forever.

So, pack your period bag like a pro, throw on your best travel playlist, and hit the road. After all, nothing says “adventurer” like managing cramps on a sleeper train while keeping things sustainable. Safe travels and happy flows!