Traveling light has become a way of life for many women. Digital nomads, fans of minimalism or adventure enthusiasts are now looking to reduce the contents of their luggage as much as possible in order to gain freedom when traveling. In this quest for simplicity, one detail often goes unnoticed: periods never take a vacation. However, tampons and sanitary napkins can quickly take up valuable space in a suitcase, especially during extended stays or a world tour.
Why the menstrual cup appeals to minimalist travelers
A tampon user consumes nearly 20 pads each cycle. If she gets her period twice during a four-week trip, that’s about 40 products to bring along, with their individual packaging, applicators and papers.
Faced with this accumulation, the menstrual cup appears to be a compact alternative. It fits in the palm of the hand, weighs very little and can replace up to 2,000 disposable products over its lifespan, estimated at ten years.
For long-term travelers, this means fewer purchases to make on site and less risk of having to pay for protection sold at higher prices in certain tourist destinations.
“Those who limit themselves to one piece of luggage do so by choosing wisely what they want to bring, which reduces the carbon footprint and allows them to receive a little freedom in exchange. Menstrual cups are perfect for embodying these values. Once in your luggage, you have peace of mind, whatever the length of your journey or your destination. Our community often shares stories about how switching to menstrual cups has changed their travel experience, not only for convenience, but also for confidence and peace of mind.“, explains Dunja Kokotović, global brand manager at INTIMINA.
Less waste and more peace of mind while traveling
Every year, nearly 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste ends up in landfills and waterways around the world. A sanitary napkin can take up to 500 years to decompose.
Travelers sensitive to environmental issues are already adopting reusable bottles or products that respect marine ecosystems. The menstrual cup fits into this logic by eliminating the need to transport and then throw away used protection.
It also offers up to eight hours of protection, a welcome benefit during long-haul flights, train journeys or day trips. Its waterproofness also allows you to bathe without absorbing water, unlike tampons.
Tips for carrying your menstrual cup with complete peace of mind
Before leaving, it is recommended to sterilize the cup by immersing it in boiling water for five to seven minutes. In countries where tap water is not recommended, rinsing with bottled mineral water is preferable.
Between two cycles, the cut should be stored in a breathable cotton pouch rather than in an airtight box. Noting the expected date of your period before a trip can also help you anticipate needs more calmly.
“Some travel is hard on the body, which also affects the menstrual cycle. Jet lag, disturbed sleep, different diet, increased activity and altitude are all factors that influence periods. This is why it is important to have reliable hygiene protection with you when traveling. Menstrual cups can do the trick very well, because they are compact, reusable and designed to provide long-lasting protection without absorbing body moisture. Many women say this solution is convenient and makes them feel more confident during their long trips and busy days.“, highlights Dr. Susanna Unsworth, gynecologist and INTIMINA medical expert.