I have only ever travelled with sex toys on weekend breaks in the UK. The thought of getting on a plane and having my vibrator fall out of my handbag scares me. Or worse, having security ask me to take out my valuables where they uncover a bag with a dildo and lube.
In a 2017 survey, 55% of people said they worried that their vibrator ‘might cause embarrassing situations during security checks at the airport’. This was the biggest vibrator travelling concern, followed by a fear it might go off in a suitcase. If you have worried about this as well, you can now relax, because this guide will share tips on how to travel abroad with your sex toys safely.
1. Before packing, check country laws
Sex toys are becoming more and more popular. Gwyneth Paltrow, Cara Delevingne, and Demi Lovato each have toys you can buy. Many beauty brands are marketing self-pleasure as sexual wellness.
The taboo is finally fading. However, that doesn’t mean every country is on board. It is illegal in The Maldives, Thailand, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to travel with a sex toy in your possession. It’s always a good idea to check the rules before you travel.
2. Follow basic TSA rules
TSA approves sex toys being taken on airplanes in carry-on and checked luggage. But they do advise you to remember the basics such as removing batteries before packing and making sure lubricant does not go over liquid limits – keep it under 100ml.
If you bring lube, you may want to store it in a clear bottle.
3. Make it obvious
I understand the temptation to pack a vibrator that looks like something else. Something that other people wouldn’t recognise if security asked to check your bags. But, to reduce your chances of being stopped, it’s probably best you travel with a device that looks like a traditional vibrator. Although airport staff are highly trained, it helps them out if they can quickly tell what you are carrying.
4. Pack discreet sex toys
There are lots of toys on the market – some more travel-friendly than others. The ideal device is small and discreet with a silent motor.
Non-vibrating devices are best kept tucked away in a suitcase. This dildo for instance is perfect for taking abroad. Electronic devices such as your vibrator must be taken on the plane with you. If it goes off in your luggage, your suitcase could be searched and manhandled.
So, go for a toy that is small and silent that is unlikely to cause commotion if in the rare chance it starts buzzing in your bag.
5. Choose a USB rechargeable device
USB rechargeable sex toys are perfect for travel because you don’t need to remember to remove batteries. Before getting on a plane, you may want to run the charge out – which gives you an extra excuse for lots of self-pleasure.
Check to see if your toy has a safety lock or a flight mode.
6. Gift your toys their own separate bags
Your pleasure devices are designed for your intimate areas – they need (in fact, they demand) their own separate bags for hygiene. It’s a good idea to keep your toys individually wrapped in clear bags. This stops the need for them to be unnecessarily touched by airport staff.
Be sure to clean your toys before packing them away.
7. Remember, it’s more common than you think
We masturbate, we use toys, and we like sex. I write about sex on a weekly basis but still find myself uncomfortable with the idea of other people being able to see my toys. It’s this weird stigma we have around sexuality in our society that makes something as normal as using a vibrator feel like a big deal.
Security staff have seen it all. If the worst happens and you are asked what’s in your bag, confidently declare your vibrator. There is nothing to be ashamed about.
Besides, if other people hear your vibrator go off, you can just blame it on your electric toothbrush.
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