Vacation Mode: Charting my Cycle When Traveling
Annandale Waterfall in Grenada
It can be common to be a little lax when it comes to charting while traveling, and I totally get it! When traveling, we are usually not on our usual routines, which can make it difficult to remember to observe our biomarkers. Below are some tips and considerations for charting when traveling.
How traveling can affect your cycles
Some women may notice delayed ovulation after traveling. This can be due to stress that traveling may cause. This can especially be true when flying to different time zones, as that affects our circadian rhythms.
Taking temperature
If you are tracking your cycles with a sympto-thermal method, you may see some inconsistencies in your temperature when you travel. Your temperature can fluctuate based on:
Drastically different bedtimes or waking times
Lack of sleep
Alcohol consumption
Environment
If you are camping, for example, your BBT may be a lot lower than normal. I noticed this when I was camping in a tent in May. The low temperature at night was in the 40s, and so my BBT was extremely low.
Recently, when I had overnight layovers, I didn’t bother to take my temperature. I got only a couple hours of sleep, and we had to wake up at 3 AM. I was also lucky to be in my luteal phase at this time; taking temperature wasn’t as important because I already noticed a temperature shift.
If you’re having trouble with any of these challenges, I recommend:
Prioritize sleep
Pack your thermometer with your phone charger so that you remember to place it on your nightstand once you plug in your phone for the night
Set an alarm to take your temperature
Don’t stress about having potentially disturbed temperatures. It’s OK! This may be a cycle where you need to focus on your cervical mucus observations instead of temperature.
Remember, all women are different. Some may be more sensitive than others; not all women may notice a disturbed temperature after consuming alcohol, for instance. The longer you chart, the more you can notice your own patterns.
If you’re wondering about if your temperature will be disturbed when crossing time zones, I recommend a “wait and see” approach. A rule of thumb can be assuming the first temperature taken in a new time zone as disturbed. I say this due to our Daylight Savings guidelines. When we move our clocks forward or backward, we set that first temperature as disturbed, to be conservative.
Charting the symptoms
It can be difficult to remember to record our observations while traveling due to being preoccupied and out of our normal routines. Here are some tips to help:
Record observations using a mobile app or your notes app
I often use the Tempdrop app to record my observations. If it’s a short trip, I will copy over my Tempdrop notes to my paper chart when I get home.
Using a mobile app allows me to pack lighter and not have to worry about losing my paper chart
I take a photo of my chart before I leave home in case I need to reference it
For longer trips, sometimes I find it easier to bring my paper chart with me. I set the chart and a pen next to my bed to remember to fill it out every night.
Having a paper chart on hand is also helpful when you are ready to apply a completely infertile time rule
Set reminders on your phone to observe biomarkers and record them.
I also like to record on my charts anything out of the ordinary during my day, such as flying, staying up late, etc.
Beach in Grenada
Consider what phase you’re in
Menstrual (Relatively Infertile Time)
Doesn’t it always seem like you’re on your period when going on a tropical vacation?? I personally find it so annoying when I’m on my period during vacation. Depending on your preferences for feminine hygiene products, packing pads or tampons can take up a lot of space in your luggage! And guessing how many items to pack always stresses me out.
However, there can be some positives to traveling while you’re on your period. PMS has subsided. If you’re on a relaxing vacation, then great! Your body wants you to relax. When it comes to charting, you won’t need to worry about observing cervical mucus. You can also typically go a few days without taking your basal body temperature at the very beginning of your cycle, if necessary.
Again, this all depends on the woman. If you have short cycles, for instance, I would still recommend checking cervical mucus when able as well as taking your temperature during the early days of your cycle. If you are using a temperature-only rule for the CIT, then I wouldn’t purposefully skip taking BBT.
When I’m traveling while on my period (or if my period is about to start), I always wear night pads during long road trips or flights. If I’m driving, the heated seat feature works GREAT as a heating pad for cramps or back pain!
Follicular/Ovulatory (Potentially Fertile Time)
When traveling during this phase, you’ll likely have more energy and feel great! This is also a great time to socialize. However, especially if you are trying to avoid pregnancy, this is the most vital time to chart. I would be diligent with observing cervical mucus.
Luteal (Completely Infertile Time)
I personally think the luteal phase is one of the best times to travel. While I still encourage observing all biomarkers, it usually isn’t as critical because you know that ovulation has already passed. (Just note that if you don’t take your temperature as often in the luteal phase, you won’t be able to use the mean temperature rule for the next cycle. And you may not have as accurate of an idea of when your period will start.) If you are trying to avoid pregnancy, you also have “green light” days while you are on vacation!!
If I’m on a relaxing vacation, I don’t notice PMS symptoms as much. If your travel is more stressful, then being in your luteal phase could potentially make traveling even more draining. I personally have also noticed that packing is more stressful during my late luteal phase!
Of course, your reproductive category (e.g. typical cycles, breastfeeding, posthormone, etc.) can affect your experiences during each phase of your cycle.
If you have an NFP instructor, they would be more than happy to talk to you about any concerns you have with charting while traveling. Maybe you want your own “vacation” from charting! It can be normal to feel that way. However, it’s important to make sure your actions align with your family planning intentions.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This is not medical advice.