How to plan your holiday activities according to your cycle

It's summer! The perfect time to get away and enjoy some peace, quiet, and sunshine. How frustrating would it be if your vacation were ruined by your cycle—specifically, your period? Menstruating during your vacation can make you feel mentally and physically unwell.

If you're living according to your natural cycle, there's unfortunately not much you can do about it (if you're on the pill, you can just keep taking it—we've all done that, right?). But wait... Living according to your cycle is the answer. By planning your summer vacation around your cycle, you can enjoy yourself perfectly without having to worry about cramps, mood swings, or other menstrual issues. So go ahead: pack that white bikini and book a flight. Let's go!

How to plan your holiday around your cycle:

Track your menstrual cycle

This might seem obvious, but it's important to mention. You can't plan your vacation around your cycle if you don't know how it works.

Use an app to track your cycle and discover:

• When you ovulate
• When your period is coming
• When you will actually have your period

Here's a handy list of our favorite apps if you're not using one yet. This will help you plan your summer vacation better.

Want to learn more about tracking your menstrual cycle? Here's a comprehensive blog post about calculating your own cycle .

Plan your activities around each phase of your cycle

Once you're tracking your menstrual cycle, you can adjust your activities accordingly. For example, if you experience menstrual cramps during the first few days of your period, you might want to avoid strenuous activities like walking, cycling, or swimming.

Instead, you can relax on the beach, spend a day at a spa, or do some light yoga. We'll discuss this in more detail below.

Below you'll find exactly what your cycle looks like for each phase. We've also included some suggestions for inspiration.

🩸 Menstrual phase (the days you bleed):

During this phase, you may have little energy and experience menstrual cramps or other menstrual symptoms. Therefore, it's best to plan relaxing activities during this phase:

• Order breakfast in bed and take it easy
• Take a walk on the beach and enjoy a delicious sunset dinner.
• Have a cup of tea instead of a glass of wine.
• Grab a book and relax on a beach bed

✨ Follicular phase (7-10 days before ovulation):

During this phase you will likely feel more energetic and open to new things.

• Visit a city and go on a discovery tour.
• Try something you've never done before, like immersing yourself in local culture and trying new food.
• Go for a walk or opt for an adventurous activity.

🔥 Ovulation phase (the days when you are most fertile):

During this stage, you feel most sociable and open to meeting new people.

• Book a romantic holiday with your loved one
• If you are single, try to book a holiday with a group of (new) people
• Attend a festival or go to other busier gatherings

💆‍♀️ Premenstrual phase (10-14 days before menstruation):

During this phase you may experience mood swings or other premenstrual symptoms.

• That's why it's best to book a holiday where you've already been before, so you can relax optimally.
• A retreat or an all-inclusive vacation is also an option. If you feel like booking a massage every day, go for it! You deserve to pamper yourself during this phase. Ask for a room with a bath for relaxation.

Packing your suitcase according to your cycle

Menstrual products aren't available everywhere (or at least not your preferred brand). It can be helpful to bring your own supply. And if you have to travel while menstruating, it's helpful to wear loose-fitting clothing.

That being said, don't be afraid to pack those shorts, that tight dress, or that white swimsuit – never let your period stop you from wearing your favorite clothes!

Did you happen to leak? Don't worry. Soak your clothes in lukewarm water. Blood usually comes out easily with cold water (warm water makes blood clot, making it harder to remove). Add a little salt or milk if necessary. The stain should come out now.

Don't forget your supplements and a supply of your favorite herbal tea. You can also bring some essential oils or heating pads to help ease menstrual cramps.

Traveling with a friend?

How wonderful would it be if your phase matched that of your traveling companion! Here are two advantages:

• First, you'll both be on the same wavelength when it comes to energy levels, desires, and other physical and emotional symptoms. This can make it easier to plan activities that suit both of you.
• Plus, syncing can create a deeper sense of connection and bond between you and your travel partner.

But can you force this? Unfortunately, not. There's been a lot of research into whether women who spend a lot of time together menstruate at the same time, but unfortunately, that's not the case.

And finally, keep in mind that syncing your cycles isn't always a perfect science, and you can't pick a travel companion based on your phase (or can you...?)

Hormonal fluctuations can also differ per cycle and some women have irregular periods, which can disrupt your planning.

If you remain flexible and are open to adjusting your plans where necessary, you can still have a wonderful holiday.

You can, of course, discover whether you and your traveling companion are in the same phase. Use an app – as we mentioned earlier – to do this as accurately as possible.

If your cycle matches, lucky you! Now find activities that suit your phase.

If you remain flexible and are open to adjusting your plans where necessary, you can still have a wonderful holiday.

Do you have any questions about living according to your cycle? Chat with us – we're happy to help.