Navigating Menstruation on the Road: A Traveller Guide to Using Menstrual Cups on the Go
Explore the freedom and convenience of using a menstrual cup during extended travels. Learn why it's the go-to choice for those constantly on the move in the van life and the travel scene. Periods on the Move: Embracing the Menstrual Cup Lifestyle
I have been on the road for about eight months now. At this time, we haven't stayed in the same place with a fully plumbed toilet for more than three days. I've had to get creative when it comes to having a period on this trip! I was on the pill for years, so I never had to worry about this stuff! But as time went on, it started really affecting my mood, so I came off about four years ago! If you plan to travel or do van life without a toilet or travel around a lot, going overnight and 10+ hours on transport, this blog is for you, as I've done most of it now, all with my trusty £10 Moon Cup. 
7 Reasons to Ditch the Traditional and Go for the Cup
Discover the real talk on why a menstrual cup is a traveller's best friend. From saving money to being the ultimate travel companion, these reasons make the cup a game-changer.
Money: On average, women spend around £10 per period; however, the menstrual cup I bought cost me £10 four years ago, meaning I have saved around £470 on sanitary products in that time!
Familiarity: We've been to many places where I do not recognise any of the cosmetics - the language, packaging, etc, are all different! Which definitely makes buying abroad a little bit more challenging!
Regularity of changing: I typically leave my cup in for around 12 hours if I'm out all day - which is perfectly safe with no risk of toxic shock. This is so useful when travelling and has been the most significant help. In many countries we've visited, the cleanliness of toilets hasn't quite been what we were used to, which is fine! (But when it comes to changing sanitary products, it can be a bit uncomfortable).
Having a menstrual cup has definitely helped me avoid these situations, as well as situations where there are no toilets! The cup has enabled me to change it in the hostel/hotel in the morning, and then we get back!Swimming: A menstrual cup is perfectly safe to use while swimming; it's leakproof, meaning you can confidently transition from swimming to sunbathing without drama.
Wastage: According to Mooncup, one of us alone will use 11,000 throwaway period products in our lifetime. One of the benefits I love about using a menstrual cup is that I don't need to dispose of anything! Many toilets don't have the facilities to dispose of sanitary products, which can be a bit of a nightmare!
Space: Period cups are super lightweight, so you can always have one with you. This eliminates the need to make a special journey to find a shop.
Low maintenance: You can wash your cup in clean water during your period and only need to boil your cup immersed in water for 5-7 minutes before using it for the first time and after you finish your period.
Prep Talk: Getting Cosy with Your Cup Before the Journey Begins
Get the lowdown on why getting acquainted with your menstrual cup before hitting the road is game-changing. Learn how a little prep can make your on-the-go period hassle-free. We left the UK, and on our second day, we were in France; as if we hadn't enough to think about, I got my period. We had no toilet in the van and were also off-grid, which made the sink off-limits. I scoured the internet for help and advice on what to do in this situation but found none! So, here I am to help you to avoid the mistakes I made! Navigating the Road with Your Menstrual Sidekick
Get down to the nitty-gritty of managing your menstrual cup while cruising down the road.
Changing Your Cup
Try to find a toilet; if you'd be more comfortable in a public toilet, see if there's one nearby. If there's not one nearby or it's difficult for you to travel to one, here's what you can do. What to do if you have no toilet (wild camping, vanning, etc.)
Dig a hole: we had a trowel in the van (useful for so many situations), so when I needed to empty my menstrual cup, I would find a discreet place and dig a hole about a foot deep-ish.
Then nip back to the van to wash my hands and remove the cup. Next, I empty the cup in the hole and then go back to the van to wash and insert it; when finished, I fill in the hole.
This sounds very long-winded, but when you only have to do it in the morning and evening, it's so manageable - it takes less than 10 minutes! Public toilets with no sink (we found many of these).
When travelling, I keep an empty water bottle with me, which I can fill when I find water. I can then use the water bottle to wash my hands and the cup in the cubicle! 
Frances making friends with a cow in Kyrgyzstan.
Another reason I'm writing this blog is because the amount of information about this stuff is lacking!
In the chaos of packing up our lives to travel around the world, I didn't even think about how I would travel with my period until it happened. I'd never had a friend or a colleague and couldn't find any accounts of it to read online! And while I'm more than aware it's not the only thing women face when getting out of the country to a different style of life, it can be a bit daunting! I'm here to say it can be tricky, but there are so many ways to make it that little bit easier and less of a dread when it comes around! I had a thought the other day - I was swimming in a bay in Thailand, and we found a cave, so we went on a little adventure - climbing some rocks and getting to the beachy area on the other side. I was climbing at one point, and I thought to myself, I am just the epitome of a Tampax advert right now. On my period but ploughing on - I got what all those dramatic adverts meant growing up. If you don't feel like it, you don't feel like it - BUT if you do, get cracking. 6 Tips for travelling with a menstrual cup.
Get accustomed: Use your period cup before you leave (if you can). This will get you used to using and cleaning your cup (carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions) and make life easier as you'll be relaxed. This definitely helps with more high-pressure situations!! Such as moving vehicles like planes, trains and buses! The more confident you are, the quicker you can be, which is VERY helpful in so many situations!
Secure Your Cup Spot: Make room for your menstrual cup in your travel essentials. Its lightweight design ensures it won't weigh you down, and having it handy means you're always prepared for whatever adventure comes your way. There's no need for special trips to the store – it's your compact travel companion.
Digging Deeper: Embrace the art of digging a discreet hole when nature calls. Equip yourself with a trusty trowel for those wild camping moments, ensuring a quick and hassle-free cup maintenance routine. A little digging and a bit of washing – it's all part of the van life charm!
Hygiene Hacks in No-Sink Zones: Public toilets with no sinks? Fear not. Keep an empty water bottle in your arsenal – a simple solution to tackle sink-less scenarios. Fill it up, clean your hands, and discreetly handle your cup in the cubicle. Hygiene triumphs even in the trickiest situations.
Master the Art of Cup Changes: Timing is everything. With a menstrual cup, you can extend wear time, but mastering the art of timely changes is key. Plan your cup maintenance during morning hostel routines or evening returns to the van, ensuring comfort without compromising your on-the-go lifestyle.
Confidence in Uncharted Waters: Just like that impromptu ocean swim, face your journey with confidence. Your menstrual cup has your back, allowing you to dive into new experiences without the worry of leaks or discomfort. So, go ahead and embrace the unknown – your cup is ready for the adventure!
So, there you have it – a crash course in mastering your period on the road with the trusty menstrual cup. From saving a penny to conquering sink-less situations, this little silicone hero has proven to be the ultimate sidekick for my van life adventures. As I reflect on my journey, I'm reminded of the countless times my cup has rescued me from the unexpected twists of travelling without a fully plumbed toilet. It's not just a period companion; it's a lifestyle saviour. Whether I'm navigating wild camping scenarios or embracing impromptu ocean swims, the cup has never failed to deliver comfort, convenience, and a dash of confidence. As I share these insights, I hope it makes your journey a tad smoother, sparing you the pitfalls I stumbled upon. Because let's face it – embarking on a different style of life can be daunting, but with a trusty menstrual cup by your side, it's a challenge you can face head-on. So, here's to hassle-free periods, adventurous escapades, and embracing the van life with open arms – cup and all! In short, if you can get a menstrual cup, I can't recommend it enough. I've been using one for around four years, so I have become very accustomed to it and have found so many benefits to both myself and the environment.
