boxinglisa

This is an embarrassing question but it must be asked. I will soon be off to Rome, Paris, and London for three weeks with some of my friends. Some of us will receive a visit from "Aunt Flo" while we are on vacation. Are the bathrooms stocked with machines we can purchase items from? Like here is the USA. If so what kind of coins will we need?

Do you have a funny story you can share with me to ease my anxiety. You know how us females are about this and vacations.

Thanks!

Ronda

Feminine supplies are sold at Pharmacies which you can distinguish by a green cross. Just make sure you have at least one of your favs in your purse to show the clerk - does wonders to cross the language barrier. I never checked in a grocery store to see if they carry supplies.

Well, heck, just get one of those bags that squishes items really flat and small by pumping the air out of the bag. Put a box of pads in it, pump the air out and when you need your supplies, open the bag, and VOILA out they pop. Problem solved.

h2babe

YES! And I wish that I had brought more *supplies* from home because I ended up getting mine at a pharmacy in Paris, at probably 1.5 times the price at home. I didnt notice any of them as readily available as they are here. Heck, we get them for free at my work!

tondalaya

Aunt Flo? meaning Tampax?

Deloris

Is it the Girls Scout (or Boy Scout!) motto "Be Prepared"? Girls should adopt it! Years ago, my sis and I were traveling with our folks to Europe. Mom prepared supplies in the luggage for nature's schedule for all of us. Luggage got lost for almost a week, starting the day we landed in Europe. Nature's schedule kicked in for Sis when the pharmacies were closed on the week end. LESSON: Carry on all necessities, Especially ones that would necessitate a pharmacy for medications for anything!

fehgeddaboudit

Hey lisa, couldn't you girls simply re-time your cycle with the pill?

tondalaya

Oh. I think I raised the forbidden word.
How quaint.

Huitres

I can't believe this is even being posted on Fodor's. Of course, Europe, like America, has stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, etc where you can buy all the supplies you need - even American brands at that! I have not seen machines in bathrooms in Rome or Paris, so your best bet is to buy your products at the store or RX.

travelwoman

I dont have to worry about that anymore!

sognatrice2

Please don't feel so embarassed, it's a good question. Growing up as the daughter of an ob/gyn, this subject was considered sort of normal in our house, since the female cycle is as normal as the sunrise and the full moon!
boxinglisa, go prepared for an emergency", and be aware that you might not always find a machine, so (obviously) carry a few things in your handbag or carry-on.
These items are easy to find in the pharmacies, and you said you're visiting big cities, so you'll have no problem. I do have a funny story about being caught off guard when landing in Paris early in the morning before the stores and pharmacies were open, won't go into detail, but will say that I learned to say the word for "cycle" in 2 languages while trying to find help!

nellyanne

Boxinglisa,there is absolutely nothing wrong with that question. Some of these posters are so "worldly" that they look down upon those who have not been to Europe. And that is all it is!! For how else would you be expected to know the foreign customs and ways, hmm?? I remember the last time I was at the airport in Paris and the doors to the Johns were wide open and you could almost see the men's urinals. I almost fainted when I saw a feller approach it. Well, I personally have not seen Flo for years and I don't miss her one bit or give one iota about that old dame! The last time she was with me there was no such thing as these moderne contraptions that are inserted. But I now experience similar concerns about "supplies" when I travel, even on a short trip to the lake in the summer or such. And we can laugh about it now, but when you are in the midst of such an event it is no small matter, especially if you are dressed in Sunday best! So I say, ask away and get all the info. you need dear. And don't let these "sophisticated" sorts make you feel like any less of a lady! Thank you!

jdraper

boxinglisa - This is an excellent question and don't let anybody try to make you feel bad about asking it. This can be a very embarrassing issue to discuss, especially for young women and this is a great forum to get the answers to such practicle questions. Some women are embarrassed about discussing these issues and buying such personal products, even in their home country. I can understand why you would want as much information as possible to avoid the issue in a foreign language. Those of you who were disdainful should have some appreciation for those who are timid and embarrassed about such things and try to be helpful.
fehgeddaboutit - With all of the health issues surrounding the taking of the pill it is not a first option for many people. Not everyone is on the pill and taking it just to time your cycle around a vacation doesn't seem like a smart option.

cmt

See true story posted 11/4/2000 12:04 on this thread: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1011767

Kavey

Strangely enough we European ladies do also have to deal with "Aunt Flo", as you put it so supplies of sanitary products are not exactly hard to find.

Some bathrooms do have machines selling items but not all bathrooms and it's an expensive way of buying them anyway.

Most supermarkets stock a number of brands (even small convenience stores often stock a few brands) and pharmacies too, of course.

Personally I'd just bring some with you.

PLMN

A really strange thing happened to me regarding this matter.

I wondered when I would have my "visit" and looking at a calander it appeared that my visit would come about two days before my trip. Approximately two days before, here came Aunt Flo.

However, she then departed by the time I had to go to the airport. So strange she only stayed two days.

When I returned from my trip, Aunt Flo made an unscheduled visit for another few days and then left again.

Hmmm, as I get "more mature" she gets flakier.

nytraveler

I can't believe a simple question is causing such silly answers. (And this makes a lot more sense than all those ridiculous clothing questions.)

I've been to europe - practically any country you can think of - 60+ times - so can provide some overall perspective:

Some toilets in europe have machines with tampons or pads - but most do not.

It is obviously possible to buy whatever you need there - but you may not find the exact brand or type/strength tampon or pad that you are used to.

If you are picky about brand/type take with you whatever you will need. If you are not picky take just one or two with you and buy more as needed - in a pharmacy (limited brands and types) or a large supermarket (more choices - but still not as many as the US).

Hope this helps!

Iza

Be aware that tampon absorberncy is marked differently in Europe. Our "regular" is considered "light" in Europe and our "super" would be "regular". If you get "super" in Europe it will be much bigger and more absorbent than the "super" here in US.

EmilyV

I think boxinglisa is spoofing us, kids! Any woman over the age of fourteen would have a bit of a clue about when her period will occur and carry the appropriate items in her purse -- it's not as if they take up much space. Why would anyone purchase supplies from a restroom machine? European products are different from ours and it's much less trouble to be prepared by bringing your own stuff. But again, I think we're being kidded here. It's just too silly!

boxinglisa

Thanks to all of you who understood my question. This is not a spoof. This matter truely puts a bump in your vacations plans, especially if you are very heavy. We plan on taking stuff with us but we want to be prepared with coins if we need them. You have to remember, I have never been to these countries and am a little apprehensive about this whole thing. I feel better having heard from some of you regarding this matter.
Thank you

kybourbon

My daughter had this problem several years ago in Paris on a Sunday morning. It was very difficult to find anything open. The supermarket across the street from our hotel was closed Sundays as were most businesses. This was not a fun activity for me! Plan ahead and take what you need with you.