5 Travel Problems Only Women Will Understand

5 Travel Problems Only Women Will Understand

For all the rhetoric about fearless female travel, there are certain issues that still persist. We'll go over a few below

It's been almost five years since Peter and I packed up and left the UK for a year-long trip around the world. A lot has changed since then - some for the better, some for the worse, at home and abroad.

Through it all, travel has continued to surprise, delight and educate us. Our travel style has evolved and continues to do so. On some trips we still get it wrong, but more often we fail to get it right.

I've further refined my solutions to five travel problems that affect me and many other women on the road. Here's what they are and how I deal with them.

GET YOUR TIME ON THE ROAD

Most female travelers go through the ordeal of having their period on the go, whether it's changing tampons without running water or missing out on a leisurely swim. Let's face it: periods aren't very fun.

old=““>Atlas & BootsSwimming in French Polynesia

Even Bodyform – which peddled the idea of ​​the girl wearing miniskirts, roller skates and skydiving for years – admitted in 2012 that they lied.

In truth, periods are a pain, especially if you're planning an active trip. Maybe volcanoes and mountains, diving, trekking and wild camping are on your list - not so great when you're on your period.

My solution

On our first big trip, I took birth control pills to control my period, but it often made me sick. I switched back to tampons, but I couldn't in good conscience continue using them knowing how much single-use plastic they produce (which is still around today).

I recently switched to a Lunette menstrual cup, which was highly recommended to me by a friend. I found it fiddly at first, but persevered. It took me about three cycles to get used to it and I now pack it on every long-term trip.

If you're daunted by the idea of ​​a menstrual cup, I urge you to give it a try. It's convenient, environmentally friendly and cheaper in the long run.

PUBLIC TOILET PLACES

Ah, to escape the drudgery of placing tissues over a toilet seat with the painstaking care of a bomb disposal expert every time you need to pee. And then the delicately floating and silent prayer that your upper body strength will survive the run. Oh, to answer the call of nature standing like a man.

One thing I can be almost certain of is that I've already used the worst dresser I'll ever have (a cesspit in a Bangladeshi village infested with maggots). This offers some comfort, but I would still prefer to stand.

My solution

I packed a Sheewee on our first big trip but unfortunately never got the hang of it. Some women swear by it (including one who climbed Elbrus with Peter), but it just wasn't for me.

alt="Sometimes a bush is better than a hut">Christian Nilsen/ShutterstockSometimes a bush is better than a hut

One thing I've learned is that it's often cleaner to answer nature's call in a bush than in a dark and rickety shack infested with flies. (Of course, you should always follow local regulations and leave no trace.)

One option I have yet to try is Peebol, an absorbent patch that turns liquid into gel. I personally can't recommend it yet, but it's definitely well reviewed.

UNWANTED HAIR

One of the biggest regrets of my life is not being born with the kind of hair that curls into the flowing, luscious curls you see in ads and on runways. Unfortunately it's just too subtle.

The only upside is that it's fine everywhere else too, which thankfully means I can go a few weeks without shaving my legs. However, I don't have such luxury on a long-term trip.

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There are several options available, but all have their pros and cons: Professional waxing lasts longer, but is an expensive habit for a long-term traveler; Waxing at home is cheaper but less reliable, especially when it comes to untested products; Shaving offers a great finish, but doesn't last long, isn't good for the environment and can be expensive.

My solution

I pack a Braun Silk-épil 9, which offers a long-lasting solution with no recurring costs. Some women complain that epilators are painful. I've never found it like this on my legs, but it hurt like hell on my forearms at first. For me it was about desensitizing my skin. The more I used it, the less it hurt, so grit your teeth and give it a try.

UNWANTED ATTENTION

Traveling in a mixed-gender couple or group is great because it allows you to integrate with people of both genders. For example, a male driver may be wary of offering a ride to two female travelers for fear of what he might be accused of. He can also be wary of two male travelers.

alt="Unwanted attention can stop women from traveling solo">Tinnakorn jorruang/ShutterstockUnwanted attention can deter women from traveling solo

A mixed-sex couple is more neutral and provides a safety net for women. I encourage solo female travelers, but I have to say that in my experience, solo travelers attract the kind of unwanted attention that I just don't get when traveling with Peter.

My solution

I hold my head high and walk with confidence, showing that I am not easily intimidated. Of course I will have researched the country to ensure I am informed about appropriate behavior.

In some countries it is acceptable to confront the instigator and politely say no; in others, you should not make eye contact at all. In others, it is recommended that you shout the local word for honor or shame to embarrass the man into sneaking away. Research is key.

Finally, many female travelers swear by a fake wedding ring as a deterrent. I haven't tried this and hopefully I won't need it.

Keep up appearances

Research shows that the majority of women spend about an hour every day on their appearance. In a kind of self-inflicted “tax,” we check our reflections more often than men, spend more time adjusting our posture and body language, and fret more about the shape of our bodies.

alt=”Kia prepares to dive into Tonga”>Atlas & BootsAn hour-long beauty routine is not a good use of time on the go

Despite the image of the carefree female traveler who cares more about the experience than looks, the truth is that many of us are concerned about our appearance. An hour-long beauty routine just isn't a good use of time on the go, so how can you get around it?

My solution

It is important to focus on becoming healthy rather than becoming beautiful: healthy hair, healthy skin, healthy body.

Before a long trip, I try to focus on long-term solutions that eliminate the need for makeup: vitamins, exercise, and nourishing oils for my hair and skin.

More importantly, I continue to train myself to worry less about how I look. I won't always look Insta-perfect while diving, hiking, or camping and I have to accept that that's okay.

Main image: Christian Nilsen, Shutterstock

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