Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Always Discreet. Our conversations, thoughts and opinions are our own.
I will preface this with “you are not alone.” As we are getting ready for summer vacations and road trips, navigating the little summer travel checklist of what to pack and what you need, can sometimes be daunting. Not only are you thinking about yourself, but sometimes, you have children, a spouse, additional family and pets…
But when you start to think about what YOU will need, sometimes the ONLY thing we are thinking about is “What is the bathroom situation?” No, not in regard to the cleanliness, although important, but the access you will have while traveling.
After taking a fun road trip with a few fellow blogger boos, I realized that I am not alone in this need. Did you know that having a sensitive bladder is a reality for more than 40% of women over 40? Which has inched to the top of my summer traveling needs, especially I as get older. So, I thought, with the help of Always Discreet, a few friends and readers of The Curvy Fashionista, we should talk about this!
Let’s get a little Personal about our Summer Travel Checklist and Needs!
Thank you, ladies, for taking the time to chat with us! Okay, so when it comes to summer travel, can we get a little personal? Some of you I have had this conversation with, so now we are making this official!
Tell me, how or where does having to go to the bathroom play into planning?
Teresa: It plays a big role. I’m a woman of a certain age (and issues) so I go to bathroom preemptively before leaving to avoid having to use public restrooms. When I have to, though, I prefer restaurant restrooms as opposed to gas stations because they seem to get more constant attention.
Santara: Hmmm, I don’t think I’ve ever planned around bathroom trips. It is something I think about when flying or taking long drives. If my mom is traveling with me, planning is a must because when she has to go there better be a restroom within a moment’s reach.
Pepper: I have certain gas stations and restaurants I only go to the restroom in. I’m kind of a snob about gas stations…
Kristin: Bathroom planning is a top priority during travel. During ground travel, I make sure I know where the restrooms are. I prefer large chain truck stops or restaurants over regular gas stations. For air travel, I make sure I have a layover halfway through to avoid using the inflight restroom.
What have you used or done to help you manage this?
Pepper: Like I shared before, I am kind of a snob about it, so I keep my preferred rest area in my GPS so I always know when one is near!
Santara: I’m very conscious of my fluid intake which helps me manage the amount of times I may have to use the restroom. This typically means no coffee to start my day and I don’t commit to my daily water goals. I’ve had one instance where I was in uncharted territory. The length of time and destination led me to think it is best to wear a feminine pad (and, it so happened to be Always Discreet!) in case of emergency.
Let’s be honest, most don’t want to admit to wearing an aid of this kind due to it being synonymous to aging. To heck with that, I’ve had two kids and sometimes my bladder isn’t as loyal as it was pre baby making. No accidents or leaks on this trip. Always, kept me discreet and surprisingly served as a moisture wick (remember, I was on a long drive? Well, it was summertime). I arrived at my event feeling fresh and dry.
Teresa: Well see, if it has to be a gas station then I go for large chain stations (QT, Racetrack) over the ones with the door key on a chain attached to a 2 by 4.
Kristin: Ha! I like to keep it simple. Time management, limits on beverage consumption, and making sure I know exactly when and where I will stop to pee.
Ohhhh, see I am not alone here. I wish we did have more of these conversations, rather than thinking we were alone in this!
So last question… What is at the top of your summer travel checklist?
Santara: Living in New England allows me to put the beautiful Cape Cod beaches at the top of my summer list. It’s like stepping from daily living into vacation paradise in less than an hour drive.
SanTara, age 48, Mom of two, wife, teacher, social influencer
Pepper: That sounds nice! When it comes to summer travel, I actually have a few tips: pack light but efficient, have plenty of snacks, and most importantly, always book all-inclusive!
Pepper, 44, Blogger and Digital Advertising Coordinator
Teresa: Gulf beaches are always tops on my list so I’m looking for cute bathing suits, some great beach reads and a few new restaurants to round out the list!
Teresa Kennedy, 48, single, Copy Editor and Compulsive Shopper
Kristin: On point music playlists, sunscreen to keep my melanin poppin’, and comfy cotton panties.
Krissy, 37, Working Mom of 2 (3 if you count my husband, lol)
Soooooo, how many of you read this, nodding your head? Did you know that over a third of women admit the threat of bladder leaks affects their ability to travel? Did you know that many actually change the course of their travel plans or will decline the travel, if they cannot have ready access to the bathroom? This also limits almost 1 in 3 women’s ability to visit their friends…
It is real out here!
Like Always Discreet, I believe that body changes are a natural part of being a woman and we should talk about it, and all its changes! I wanted to make sure that you had a chance to see that YOU are not alone, especially if you have not had the chance to talk about it with your girls.
Need to get a few things to make sure you are covered, literally?
You can check out all of the products from Always Discreet here!
Now, I want to hear from you!
What is at the top of your Summer Travel Checklist? What do you find yourself doing, to travel comfortably? Be honest… We are girlfriends in here… Right?
Let’s chat in the comments below!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Always Discreet. Our conversations, thoughts and opinions are our own.