Traveling with sex toys can be... tricky. For one thing, sex toys are completely illegal in some countries, which means bringing your favorite vibrator could result in a fine at best and a detention at worst. But even if you're traveling in the United States or somewhere else where using a dildo won't land you in jail, figuring out the best way to travel with a sex toy can be a serious hassle. Should they be packed in checked luggage or carry-on luggage? What if TSA agents pulled them out at the security line? What if it exploded in your bag and someone thought it was a bomb and grounded the plane, only to find out it was your giant, vibrating dildo?
Traveling by plane is trouble enough these days without having to worry about the TSA confiscating your expensive sex toys because they can't tell the difference between a vibrator and a bomb, right? Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure this never happens. Sex educator Crista Anne, who often travels with sex toys, came up with an ingenious solution: Just leave a note for TSA in your checked luggage.
Hello, TSA! Yes, those are dildos! Unused, for adult sex education teaching. Here's my business card in case you have any questions. Thank you for your work and I hope this made your day a little more exciting or interesting! Krista Anne
Carlyle Jansen, sex therapist and co-founder of Toronto-based women-friendly sex shop Good For Her, and Claire Cavanah, co-founder of women-friendly sex shop Babeland, are also Sex, co-author of Moregasm: Babeland's Guide to Mind Blowing, has also mastered the art of flying with a bag full of dildos and vibrators. Here are their 11 top tips for traveling with sex toys.
1. Remove the battery
Jensen, Kavanagh, and Krista Anne all agree: Always remove all batteries before flying for several reasons. First of all, you don't want it to explode in your luggage and cause: a) a dead battery on landing, b) a TSA agent attacking you because they think you have a bomb, or c) your plane being grounded because an agent thinks you have a bomb Your grounded checked baggage is about to blow up the plane.
"There are some simple ways to prevent your vibrator from going off unintentionally," Kavanagh tells Bustle. "For battery-operated toys, remove the batteries and store them separately."
But don’t forget to pack them too! Christa Anne stores batteries in small silk bags or large plastic one-gallon bags, depending on the size of the battery.
2. Buy toys with locks
You can also avoid the whole battery issue entirely if you buy a toy with a lock. Jensen says most high-end rechargeable sex toys should come with a lock to ensure they don't fall out in your bag.
"Many rechargeable vibrators have travel locks," Cavanagh says. "Check to see if yours does. If you're not sure how to lock your rechargeable vibrator, just to be safe, let the battery drain before traveling."
3. Buy toys with USB plugs
This tip is especially useful for those traveling abroad: remember that plugs are different around the world and sometimes even the voltage can be different. This means that plug-in toys or toys with chargers may require at least a plug adapter and at most a current converter. Kind of a pain in the butt, right? (And not in a fun way.) But if your toy is USB-charged, you can just plug it into your laptop and not have to worry about any of that.
Jensen also says that some toys—like the very popular Hitachi wand—are only available in North America, so be sure to do some research if you plan on bringing your favorite rechargeable or plug-in toy to a new country. .
4. Put toys in checked luggage
Both Jensen and Kavanagh say packing a suitcase is the best option for packing sex toys. Just keep an eye on the cords as they tend to be the weaker parts of the toy.
"If you want to pack multiple toys and gear in your luggage, such as cuffs or straps, check your bag," Kavanagh says. "It will still be subject to inspection, but if it's opened you won't be out in public. Put everything in a clear plastic bag over your clothes so they don't have to carry your whole handbag Take the box apart to see what's inside." Keep your toys inside and protect them from being touched. "
If you're feeling extra naughty, follow Crista Anne's lead and leave TSA a little note! She tells Bustle that the last time she flew, the TSA actually rearranged her dildo better than she could on her own!
5. Stick to small toys—or those that aren’t obvious
Jensen recommends bringing smaller-sized toys, but otherwise, avoid bringing highly visible sex toys. "You probably want something that gets you noticed," Jensen said. "I remember one time I was traveling and I had a bunny habit, it was one from Sex and the City , and it would spin and the bunny ears would vibrate. I put it in my carry-on, and of course, they went through X-rays They didn't understand what it was, so they opened it. I didn't really have a problem with it, but the woman who looked through my stuff was mortified ."
However, many toys these days look nothing like genitals. For those with vaginas, Jansen recommends JimmyJane's Form 2, and for those with penises, she recommends Hot Octopuss' PULSE.
Form 2 by JimmyJane, $100, Amazon ; PULSE by Hot Octopuss, $109, Hot Octopuss
6. Quiet toys are better
When you travel, you never know how thin the walls will be, so Jensen recommends bringing quieter toys. However, this advice comes with the caveat that you won't actually hear much between most walls. “People are so paranoid about it,” Jensen said.
But maybe leave the Hitachi at home?
7. If you’re separated from your partner, use an app-connected toy
This is more of a "sex while traveling" advice than a "traveling with sex toys" advice. Today there are many toys that can be worn on the body and controlled through an app on your partner’s phone. If you're looking for a fun way to stay sexually connected while physically separated from your partner, Kavanagh recommends trying one of these methods.
"If you're going to be away from your partner but still want to play together, bring one of our app-controlled vibrators, like the We-Vibe 4 Plus or the OhMiBod blueMotion Cuddle," says Cavanah. "As long as there is Wi-Fi, your partner can control your happiness from anywhere in the world."
We-Vibe 4 Plus, $90, Amazon; OhMiBod blueMotion, $129, OhMiBod
A pro tip, though? Don't wear any of these when going through security, especially if the airport has full-body scanners. This is sure to make things very awkward, very quickly.
8. Try Kegel Exercise Balls
If your trip involves a lot of walking, consider bringing along some Kegel balls for vaginal exercises while you're traveling with visitors. While any Benva or Kegel exercise ball can help strengthen the pelvic wall, Jensen recommends using a vibrating Kegel ball for extra sensation.
Vibrating Kegel Balls, $150, private store
9. Pack an Erotic Massage Oil Candle
You probably don't want to carry too much liquid, so Jansen recommends using Secret Lovers Mini Edible Massage Candles instead of standard massage oils. It's small, easy to pack, and versatile. Not only does it provide your hotel room with wonderful, romantic lighting and a lovely subtle scent, but it can also be burned into a massage oil that can be used on your loved one or yourself. Oh, and it's also edible if you like.
10. Bring your favorite brand of condoms
Especially if you're traveling internationally, be sure to bring plenty of your favorite condoms. Size and quality vary greatly from country to country, and you don't want to get stuck without protection. Jensen also recommends that singles planning to have sex with someone with a penis bring a variety of sets that include different sizes and brands, because you never know.
11. Don’t forget lube and sex toy cleaner
Finally, there are two liquids you absolutely need to bring: lube and sex toy cleaner. Jansen recommends using 250ml of Pjur silicone lubricant because "a little goes a long way" and you can pack it in your carry-on luggage.
Pjur Silicone Lubricant, $46, Amazon
As for sex toy cleaners, she recommends buying a travel-size bottle from the drugstore and filling it with your favorite cleaner. One thing she learned the hard way is that many hotel soaps now contain humectants—and humectants usually mean oils. And oil means silicone sex toys are ruined. So learn from Jensen's costly mistakes and always bring your own with you. Kavanagh recommends the Babeland Bare Necessities Kit, which includes 2 ounces of lube, 1 ounce of toy cleaner and three condoms, all of which fit right into your carry-on.
Babeland Essentials Kit, $12, Babeland
Image: Krista Anne ;Jiffy;Fortoria;
