I'm planning my first RTW and I am a little anxious about having a period on the road. I've searched the BootsnAll site and found nothing regarding how women have delt with this matter. I cannot forsee myself packing a years worth of feminine supplies, and I am a little concerned about what kinds of products will be available in different countries as well as disposal of the used stuff. Advice and experiences, anyone?

It really depends on where you are. If you're travelling in Europe, Australia or North America, then no worries. You'll find feminine supplies just about anywhere. Likewise for large cities in the developing world. It's a little tougher in the developing world. I once had to buy some in a small Brazilian village. 'Twasn't pretty. I could only find massive mattress-like things.

So, if you're planning on travelling off the beaten track in South America or Africa (don't know about Asia, as I've never been there), carry as many as you need, especially tampons.

You might also want to check out the Keeper: www.keeper.org

A little strange when you first look at it, but quite ingenious when you really take the time to think about it. I bought one, and unfortunately it didn't work for me, but I know of many women who love it.

Cheers,
Stephanie
bolt.icestorm.com/lyric

I find that OB products, since they are so small and compact, are ideal for long term travel. They take up 1/4 of the space than others would do. On my last trip I packed 3 months worth in a small ziplock bag. Packing for a year may not be as practicle. Perhaps someone can post reinforcements to you when you get to countries where products are not available.

Well, I can offer what I have observed when I was travelling last year--

In major cities in China, you can definitely get lots of choices on maxi pads (thin, normal, whatever). They were widely available in supermarkets or drug store type places.. in random places like display cases at train stations or hotels.

But I found that tampons were really, really hard to find-- the only place I found them in Beijing was in one of the western department stores (near the Luftansa center I believe. But even there, they were realllly expensive and had only one type in a 24 pack). Surprisingly it was easier to find tampons w/out applicators. So if you want tampons with applicators, better stock up on those before you head to China.


If by any chance you are going to Pakistan, you might want to stock up on even maxi pads (not sure if tampons exist at all) even before you arrive in their big cities. It was my impression that women there usually made their own.

Hi
Purchasing sanitary pads will not be a problem in India, even in smaller towns, chemists do stock them, though the range may be limited.

You will find tampons, only in the metros and that too in select chemist shops, not in general departmental stores (on the other hand, even general dept stores stock up on a wide range of sanitary pads).

Hope this helps
Happy travelling

I have found in my experience that if you are not able to dispose of your sanitary products immediately (i.e. backpacking, no garbage cans, etc) that carrying a ziplock baggie half full with baking soda (to absorb smell) and duct taped around the clear plastic is a great way to transpost waste until you can get to a trash can.

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I find that OB products, since they are so small and compact, are ideal for long term travel. They take up 1/4 of the space than others would do.

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Also, since they're wrapped in plastic rather than paper, they won't go all useless in case it rains very hard and everything inside your backpack get wet (which happened to me on a camping trip in Poland, had to throw all the tampons I took away, since that time I only take OB when travelling)

I am planning a long trip through Asia (overland from Bangkok to Moscow) next year, and was wondering if there would be any places where I can stock up on tampons (Bangkok? Hong Kong? Irkutsk?) since it doesn't seem very practical to take a 9 month supply with me from the beginning.

If you can get to clean water for rinsing, then a great option is a sea sponge. Carry one or two extras in a baggie or plastic case, like a soap dish. This way you can do a swap in a bathroom or stall or behind some bushes, and then you can rinse the used one afterwards.

I started using sea sponges when I lived in Florida, where I could buy them cheaply. The ones marketed in health food stores as tampon alternatives are more expensive. You can also look in health food stores at the makeup applicators, which often have packs of sea sponges. You can cut them down with scissors, maybe a thicker one for heavier flow, etc.

You use them like a tampon, wetting them and wringing them out before you put them in. There is no string but I've seen some with an all-cotton string attached. I assume that would be ok, but I imagine it could rip the sponge.

One thing I really had to get used to was wringing one out in a public restroom, and I will sometimes wait until everyone leaves just so I don't bother anyone. But I really like the sea sponge alternative. Also, you will definitely become a lot more "familiar" with your body when you use a sea sponge... you do have to reach in and take them out.

BTW my OB-GYN said they are fine as long as you rinse them thoroughly. I soak 'em in vinegar in between periods, but be careful to rinse them thoroughly so you're not getting vinegar in you the next time you need one.

Christina.

I know that there are tampons available in the touristy section of Kathmandu (Thamel)

Has anyone besides Stephanie tried the keeper? I'm intrigued but hesitant...
S., why do you say it didn't work for you? (and were you able to return it?)
Amy

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www.keeper.org

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I checked out the site, but I don't think it's the right one

http://www.keeper.com is perhaps what you're after.

the keeper is great. it does take some getting used to, however. i found it quite uncomfortable until i figured out exactly how to manouever it.

its amazing for travelling. small and discrete, can be left inside for several hours. but you'll probably wanna be around some clean water when you do take it out for emptying or whatever.

its fully refundable if you return within three months and is available for purchase at some health stores.

really, you just have to try for yourself to see if its something for you. hope this helps.

Thanks, everyone, for all of the good advice. I've tried the Instead cup and found it works great, however it is difficult at first to learn to use properly. Like tampons and pads, they are not reusable.

I took the above suggestion and purchased The Keeper. It is shaped differently than Instead but works just as well and is reusable. It also takes time to get used to. (Figure it out in the comfort of your own bathroom, long before leaving home.) And, you cannot be shy about touching your insides.

Ha! I found another device not entirely unrelated. I'm sure the women around here will appreciate knowing they don't have do sit on nasty toilets seats or squat and splatter outdoors to pee. I purchased a "Freshette" from REI (also available online.) and found it to be extremely easy to use. (It has also been a hilarious conversational piece.) This little device fits between your legs while you stand, and directs urine through a tube. Pee like a man!!!

I'm ready to go! My husband and I are off in just a few weeks to travel the world. Best to all of you travelers...and especially to women with unique feminine situations.

Alscott, it didn't work for me because I didn't feel comfortable. I'm pretty sure I wasn't inserting it properly. I haven't returned it, because I have every intention of trying again one of these days! But I emailed the woman who owns the company, asking her what I was doing wrong, and she emailed me back within a day. She sent detailed directions, and told me that if I decided I wanted to send it back there would be no problem. I was very impressed with the customer service.

Thanks for the correction, Bug!

Deanna, ridiculous as it might sound, I tried to make a "freshette" thingy, by drilling a hole in (believe it or not) one of those alligator spoons for giving medicine to babies. I'm giggling with embarassment just thinking about it...suffice to say that it didn't work all that well. I'm quite happy now to squat and pee!

PS Happy trails Deanna! Hope you and your husband have a fabulous journey.