TRAVEL HYGIENE FOR WOMEN

Let’s face it – travel connects you with people (and their germs!).

We’ve put together our #Packlist to keep it clean!

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My Word!

Never expect that the country you are travelling in to have the same “hygiene standards” that you would find at home.

*Warning – this story is not pretty.

There is nothing like a pilgrimage through India to break down a Westerner’s expectation that toilet paper and toilets “go hand in hand”. Indians consider the use of toilet paper to be unhygienic and douche instead. I had packed my own supply, however, when the bus driver pulled over for a toilet stop some 5 hours in to our trip – I discovered that I was NOT prepared at all.

So violent was the explosive case of diarrhoea that overcame me – women gathered around me to create a modesty curtain of sarongs. You see, the toilet stop was roadside. Technically the toilet was “the bushes”.

If you’re properly prepared, you’ll be ready for whatever trial comes your way: stained and rumpled clothes, showers without water, sleepless long haul flights and clogged pores.

So we’ve put together our #Packlist to keep it clean!

1. Always travel with tampons, toilet paper and a sarong or shawl – these are indispensable. Many women have been surprised by irregular timing of their menstrual period. Remember – tampons and pads are not readily available in all countries and sanitary disposal bins not always available.

2. The world is drowning in plastic water bottles – buy a travel water filter bottle instead, and avoid Bali belly!

3. Pack Imodium (diarrhoea medication).

4. Pack rubber flip flops for public showers.

5. Try body wipes – Body wipes cleanse skin and remove odour with no water or rinse required. Safe for the face, body and feminine area. Also safe for sensitive skin.

6. Antiseptic wipes – great for wiping down seats, tables, menus, hands as you go.

7. Pack a towel – we highly recommend a lightweight travel towel or sarong.

8. Even small nicks and cuts must be promptly cared for to prevent infection! Pack band-aids, Tea Tree antiseptic solution, antibiotic cream, anti-inflammatories and aspirin.

9. This marker pen – Tide To Go – does a pretty amazing job of eliminating stains.

10. And finally! *Remember – if you are eating street food – join the queue of women and their children rather than eat at alone at a “Western” restaurant.

This post is an update of our Essential Solo Female Travel Guide (By Women).

Share your story here? We’d love to hear your tips and advice for staying fresh on the road!

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