A holiday should be about relaxing, exploring new places and enjoying the sunshine, not worrying about an uncomfortable period. When high temperatures combine with cramps, bloating, fatigue and sweating, managing your period can feel much more challenging.
Whether you're heading to the beach, sightseeing in a new city or spending the weekend at a festival, a few simple changes can help you stay comfortable while making more environmentally conscious period care choices.
Why can hot weather make my period feel worse?
Although the weather doesn't change your menstrual cycle, heat can make common period symptoms feel more intense. Sweating, dehydration and warm nights can leave you feeling even more uncomfortable if you're already dealing with cramps, bloating or fatigue.
During a heatwave, you may notice:
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Increased sweating and skin irritation
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Feeling more bloated or tired
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Poor sleep due to warm nights
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Headaches or dizziness caused by dehydration
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Greater discomfort from conventional period products in hot weather
A few simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference, starting with looking at what products you are using.
How to stay comfortable on your period while travelling
Choose breathable period products
Heat, sweat and friction can make irritation feel worse during your period, especially when using traditional plastic-filled period products.
Choosing breathable period care made from softer, natural materials can help you stay more comfortable throughout the day. Our organic bamboo pads and liners are made without unnecessary fragrances, dyes or harsh chemicals and are gentler on sensitive skin, helping reduce irritation when temperatures rise.
It's also worth changing your period products more regularly during hot weather, as sweat and heat can make them feel less comfortable more quickly.
Try a menstrual cup
If you're travelling, camping or spending long days out exploring, a menstrual cup can be a practical option during the summer.
Because it sits internally, there's no pad against your skin collecting heat and moisture throughout the day. You may find that menstrual cups feel cooler, more comfortable and easier to manage during holidays, especially when swimming, attending festivals or sightseeing.
Our cups are made from medical-grade silicone and come in two sizes, so every flow is covered by the most sustainable choice of period care. For more information on how to insert a cup, read our blog.
They also take up very little space in your luggage, making them a convenient choice for travel (and a smart decision for the hand luggage only holiday go-ers).
Stay cool and hydrated
Looking after yourself during your period becomes even more important in warm weather. A few simple habits can help you feel more comfortable throughout your holiday:
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Drink water regularly throughout the day.
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Wear loose, breathable clothing where possible.
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Take breaks in the shade if you're feeling overheated or lightheaded.
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Use cool showers, fans or a cold water bottle to help regulate your body temperature.
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Listen to your body and rest if you need to.
Choosing sustainable period products
When people think about reducing plastic waste on holiday, reusable water bottles and shopping bags usually come to mind. Period products are often forgotten.
However, many conventional tampons contain plastic in the applicator, wrapper or even within the tampon itself. These materials are not only more uncomfortable in the heat, but can also remain in the environment long after your holiday has ended, contributing to landfill waste and pollution.
Menstrual waste is the 5th most common piece of litter found on European beaches (CIRCABC), your applicators shouldn’t be washed up on the beach long after your flight home. Swapping to sustainable period care is a small area where simple changes can make a positive difference.
Organic cotton alternatives
If you use tampons, choosing organic cotton options can reduce your exposure to unnecessary ingredients while helping minimise plastic waste.
Our organic cotton tampons are made without chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes or pesticides. If you prefer applicator tampons, ours have biodegradable cardboard applicators, offering an alternative to plastic, while our non-applicator tampons are wrapped in recyclable paper to reduce unnecessary waste.
Enjoy your holiday with confidence
Your period doesn't have to stop you making the most of your holiday. By choosing breathable period products, staying hydrated and considering more sustainable options, you can stay comfortable, while reducing your environmental impact.
Small changes, whether it's switching to organic bamboo pads, trying a menstrual cup or choosing organic cotton tampons with reduced plastic packaging, can help make your holiday more comfortable for you and the environment you are visiting. With a little preparation, you can spend less time thinking about your period and more time enjoying your holiday.
