Intimacy Self-Care for The Traveling Woman

I’m writing this article as I sip a cold glass of cherry juice on the beautiful island of Jamaica. The concept of intimacy self-care doesn’t stop when we leave our mother country, rather it extends to whichever place we are traveling to. I’ve compiled a cute little list of ways (and reasons) to tend to your intimacy self-care while traveling.

Don’t Neglect Hygiene

• Whether you’re on a short hop or a long layover; hygiene for women cannot, should not and must not be ignored. Flying or driving often requires hours of sitting still, which gives your bodily juices (sweat and vaginal discharge) time and warm spaces to settle in. During that time, bacteria has the ability to feed itself and multiply. This goes not just for the vagina, but for places where we sweat, such as our inner thighs, crevices of the mons pubis and posterior, as well as the underarms.
• When these fluids accumulate, odors start to make their way out. A scent, often called “musty” can be noticed by others (and yourself), depending on how strong your pheromones and hormones are. In addition to the odor, discomfort usually follows closely behind. Irritation to the vaginal lips (labia menor or labia mejor) may begin and bacterial growth may go wild. Typically, this is where yeast infections or Bacterial Vaginosis begin to rear their itchy little heads.

• Staying on top of cleanliness during commute/travel is super clutch, because it helps to keep infections and the overall “icky” feeling far away from you and your body. Not only can it make you uncomfortable, but the stress of feeling dirty or smelly can also put a serious damper on your vacation or business trip. Feeling self-conscious during excursions and events is one of the worst experiences and can strain interpersonal relationships as well.

So, how do you combat this – you ask? Start by carrying a small hygiene kit with you on every trip that will last more than two hours. For layovers, consider splurging on an airport lounge pass and taking a shower. The water and cleaning can refresh you and your vagina’s energy to push through the next flight/rest stop – straight to fun at your destination.

I have handcrafted a book just for feminine hygiene and beating bacteria’s ass – check it out here ( https://amzn.to/2YIw0LE ).

Be in Tune With Your Personal Safety

Traveling is an amazing experience that can bring forth new relationships and friendships. Due to this, one thing I cannot stress enough is being aware of your safety. Intimacy self-care often includes sex, and many of us have left the country and encountered a spirit/body that we just could not pass up on experience. In the event that you decide to give “strange love” a try – it’s important to have a backup plan in place. Examples of such a plan include:

• Booking your own hotel with your own credit card. In the event that you are alone and loved ones are looking for you, having your name in a database can make you easier to locate.
• Asking the Front Desk to give you a courtesy call. If you do not answer this call and let them know that you are okay – someone from Room Service or Personnel can come to your room and do a “wellness check.” You don’t have to let the desk know exactly what you have planned, but what the hell; you’re hooking up with a stranger – might as well go all out.
• Keeping something nearby that could be used as a weapon. This is a really strong suggestion, as flying would leave you void of guns or knives. Since you don’t truly know the motives of a stranger, something weighty like a heavy figurine or sharp like a steak knife might be a good line of defense in a pinch.
• Carry an internet hotspot hub. They don’t look like cellular phones and are still traceable while powered on. An assailant/kidnapper would likely not notice such a device, which means it may not be taken away like a phone would. Notify your service provider that you’ll be leaving the country and splurge on the international plan until you return.

Whatever you decide, please make sure to be as safe as you can. We all like having great adventures to bring home to our friends, but it should not be at the expense of our lives.

Keep your Sexual Needs in Mind

Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you won’t/can’t feel the desire for pleasure. This is the perfect time to prepare for masturbation while traveling. If you’re on a road trip, I’d strongly suggest waiting until you reach your destination, just to keep your safety and privacy at the forefront. There may be nothing more horrifying than trying to rub one out at a rest stop and someone walking by your car. Bathroom stalls are gross and unsanitary, and charter buses are filled with people. Once you reach your hotel, take a nice warm (or cool) shower, spend some time moisturizing your skin (I suggest a good body oil –http://shop.vforvadge.com/hmpoil1-earthly-body-body-massage-oil-2-oz-isle-of-you-travel-size?filter_name=Oil) and use your fingers or favorite toy to make the magic happen.

If you need to find the best toy for you, check out my top-five list of vibrators for travel (http://vforvadge.com/the-best-accessory-youll-ever-carry/).

Did you say masturbation isn’t your thing? That’s cool; then consider getting a massage while abroad. Many places offer more intimate options and some will ask if you’d like a “happy ending.” This is something I would suggest as a last resort, but is a very normal offering in certain countries. Please request BRAND NEW gloves or keep your underwear on for this experience. It’s something you will most likely not regret and thoroughly enjoy – or so I hear.

Make Your Partner Aware

If you’re traveling with a romantic partner – yay for you, with your lucky ass. Obviously, if it’s a Baecation, sex is expected – but where and how may still be up in the air. If your layovers and trip itinerary is mapped out, perhaps it’s a good idea to talk about intimacy preferences along the way. Traveling to certain countries (such as the Emirates or Middle East where men and women shouldn’t touch in public) can be tricky for PDA (Public Displays of  Affection) and can cause awkward moments. Consider sneaking touches under the dining table or playing footsie. Making eyes at each other can keep the two of you engaged, while whispering or mouthing dirty things can up the ante of excitement.

Feeling extra brave? Try a remote-controlled toy for the times when you can’t touch each other… (http://shop.vforvadge.com/Remote-Panty-Vibrator-Screaming-O?filter_name=Remote)

Lastly, Take Time to Get to Know Yourself

It wasn’t until my batteries died in a foreign country that I realized I could actually manually stimulate myself (yes, I’ve been spoiled all my life by shower heads and buzzing things). The moments I’ve spent alone have truly shaped the way I learned about my erogenous zones, sensitivity heighteners, visual stimuli (aka Porn), etc. I most likely wouldn’t have gotten these experiences if I didn’t allow myself the chance to try. If you’re traveling with a buddy, the bathroom may become your best friend.

Utilize your solo moments to realign your “sexy;” check your posture in the mirror, smile at yourself and remember that you’re a sexual being who fully deserves all the intimacy that is in store for you. Some of that intimacy may just be at the end of a shower head in Dubai.