Finding Tampons on the Road Less Traveled, and Other Menstrual Miracles
Flickr Photo Credit: Conor Lawless
Let’s face it, ladies. There are no tampons on the road less traveled. In fact, there are times when it’s fairly difficult to find any sort of feminine hygiene products at all. What’s a girl to do?
Well, the most popular option I’ve read about and tried is called “The Keeper“. It’s an eco friendly alternative to tampons, and you can take it with you wherever you go, using very little luggage space to do so. The company even makes an alternative version in silicone, for those women who are allergic to latex. Word of advice: you’ll definitely want to test drive this option at home for a few months before hitting the road.
In addition (or instead of), you may want to explore the washable cloth pad option. Many of the larger health food stores have them, or you can order them online. You’ll also probably want to spend some time researching different designs that meet your comfort standards specifically. If you are needing to penny pinch in this area, here are some links to help you out:
- Hillbillyhousewife.com A fairly detailed page on the concept and method. Includes directions, images and patterns, as well as links to other sources of information on the subject.
- Kristinsclothpads.com A pattern for purchase to make all sizes of pads, from mini-maxi, and post partum.
- Another how-to page for sewing your own pads. This page has more information on the subject, as well as instructions on the process.
I’ll be honest. This is not a transition I wanted to make. In fact, I made the journey kicking and screaming. And, I’ll probably use the disposable version on the road wherever available. However, after spending nearly an entire day in Costa Rica hunting down a place to purchase any type of feminine product, I decided that I’d best not be counting on finding them in some of the more remote travel locations at all. Hence, my exploration into the world of alternative feminine care.
While I probably wouldn’t have made or even considered this transition if I wasn’t about to spend six months trekking God knows where (we’re going to just see where we feel moved to go), I have to say that it is liberating to not have to carve out as much space in my luggage, and also to not have to plan on spending such an inordinate amount of time tracking down the necessities instead of actually enjoying the trip.
I hope this was helpful, and would be interested in any other road goddess tips on how to manage these items successfully under extreme conditions.
Posted on October 24th, 2006 by Myscha Theriault
Filed under: Tips and Hacks
I’ve just discovered your blog today. As an avid leisure and business traveler, I know how horrible it is to have to hunt for tampons and such. I’ve been using The Diva Cup for the last four years as a result of trying it out for travel. Its great to travel with as it takes virtually no room but when at home, there is no need to think about if you have to run to the store to pick up more supplies because this month it is heavier flow than usual. Have you thought about switching over to alternative methods permanently? Give it a try. Saves time, money, and the environment.
Hi Celine!
Glad you are enjoying the blog. Yes, I’ve used the alternative methods at home as well. We are in transition right now, and so I’m sort of 50-50, so to speak. But they are such cool products, and it’s such a relief not to have to run to the store if I don’t want to. I couldn’t agree more. Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by.
Myscha
Myscha,
This sounds terrible, but it is true. When I was very young, we were so poor that we often had to steal a little toilet paper from service stations each day, or do without it completely. The men in the house never seemed to care, but my mother and I certainly hated the situation. Needless to say, we could not afford pads or tampons. My dear mother would use old dishcloth material folded over and over so it would be very absorbent. Thankfully, time passed, and our living conditions improved somewhat.
I immensely enjoy your writings. The trials and tribulations that you describe are so familiar to myself and many other women. I smile when you seem to doubt your sanity, at times, as you come up with your own unique way of making your way through your world each day. I had to learn at a very early age to improvise, and I find that it comes in very handy in these difficult financial times… I look forward to more journeys along the road with you!
Hi Patricia! Thanks for stopping by, and for your comment. You know, in many parts of the world women go through this all the time, as the poverty is so pervasive that even rice is hard to come by. So feminine products are a luxury many of them can’t even dream about. That being said, once you have the system set up at home, alternative products can be incorporated with less difficulty than you might expect. I’m so thrilled you enjoy the articles. You know, often times I question whether to share a certain level of information, but ultimately believe that if nobody is willing to open up and discuss just how real they have to be to make ends meet, then people who need the strategy or tip won’t necessarily receive the information they need to try out something new. Looking forward to further reader participation from you!