What You Need To Know About Traveling With Sex Toys

If you're planning a relaxing getaway, your favorite form of stress relief (and pleasure) may be coming along for the ride. But there's a lot you need to keep in mind before traveling with your sex toys.

We all have a right to pleasure. And if you are taking your vibrator or other toys along with you, there's nothing at all to be embarrassed about. That said, when you get to the point you are going through TSA screening at the airport, you may find yourself feeling kind of red-faced when encountering the screener. This is especially true if the very tell-tale image of the toy appears on their imaging screen, or if you happen to be selected for a random bag check. Or what if they notice your bag is buzzing? What will you say?

There's a lot of ways to handle, from making sure your toys are turned off, to batteries are removed. Even better, maybe consider going with small, discreet and non-battery operated toys when you travel. Fun re-chargable ones to look into include the Satisfyer Pro Penguin ($69.99) or We-Vibe Tango ($79).

Of course, you can also always check that toy in your luggage, right? That's a great solution as well. However, there's a lot more to consider before taking your beloved toy along for the ride — and making sure it's not confiscated before you make it home.

The Best Toys To Travel With

Womanizer 2GO, $169, Amazon

When you're looking for the best sex toys to travel with, it completely depends upon the nature of your trip.

For a short-term business trip, charge it up before hand and bring it with you. “Lots of vibes come with a USB cable, which is pretty easy to pack but, honestly, I don't even bring the charger," Alexandra Fine, co-founder & CEO of Dame Products, tells Bustle. "I just charge it before or bring two, because that will be enough to get me through the trip,and I don't want to have to deal with cords."

For a longer-term trip, try either a rechargeable vibrator that plugs into a USB or a wireless rechargeable (particularly inductive charging) with a travel-friendly case. “Wireless toys are the most stable (truly waterproof) and hygienic (because they don't have any holes in them where the charging cord plugs in), but sometimes carrying the charger is going to be a little extra weight, so having just the USB cord can sometimes be better," says Fine.

If you’re anxious about traveling with a vibrator, choose a smaller toy, as they’re a bit more discreet. “You won’t want a big mysterious object to show on the security monitor," Stephanie Keating, We-Vibe Brand Manager, tells Bustle. "Instead, stick with a petite but powerful toy, that can easily be tucked away in an inner suitcase pocket."

Try these travel-friendly toys: Crave Solo, $70, Fab; Womanizer 2GO, $169, Amazon; We-Vibe Wish, $89, Amazon;

Packing Tips

Take out the batteries before you pack your sex toys. If they're rechargeable, make sure they're turned off and set the lock switch if there is one. “Place them in a see-through plastic bag," says relationship expert and psychologist Antonia Hall. "If you're checking it, make sure it's well cushioned in your luggage to prevent breaking and sad-faced disappointment at your arrival."

It's also a good idea to put your vibrator in a clear plastic bag. “This way, if TSA screeners do open your bag, they’ll be able to see what it is without having their hands all over it — much more hygienic!” Keating says.

If you’re traveling with a vibrator, you’re likely also bringing some lube or toy cleaner along with you. “If that’s the case, make sure to follow the TSA’s restrictions for liquids," Keating says. "Keep it to three ounces or less!”

What To Know About Your Battery-Operated Toys

If you’re using a battery-operated device, check what type they are. “Spare lithium batteries can only be brought on a plane in carry-on luggage, not checked,” Keating says.

And, nothing will draw unwanted attention from a TSA screener like your bag starting to vibrate! “If you have a battery-operated toy, remove the batteries," Keating says. "If you have a rechargeable vibrator, you may want to run the charge out before you pack it. But, don’t forget to pack your charging cable."

Should You Pack 'Em Or Carry On?

It's easier on yourself and airport security if you check your sex toys rather than carrying them onto the plane with you. “If that's not an option, choose to bring a smaller more discreet toy and place it in a see-through plastic bag so it's easy for TSA to assess," Hall says. "They've seen it all before, so don't let your embarrassment make it more awkward than it needs to be." Everyone has the right to sex toys and pleasure.

How To Stay Cool At The Airport

TSA staff are trained to pick up on travelers who are acting suspiciously. If you act nervous because you’re worried about your vibrator being found, they’ll notice. Try to stay cool, calm, and collected. You’re not doing anything wrong, so there’s not need to worry. “If a TSA screener does search your bag and finds your vibrator, the best thing you can do is to relax," Keating says. "By being confident and comfortable, you’ll spare yourself any further questioning. Always remember that you are certainly not the first or last person to travel with a sex toy."

Unfortunately, some countries have restrictions on sex toys. “Do your research ahead of time to save yourself the headache of having your sex toy confiscated,” Keating says.

Remember, we all have the right to our pleasure, and it's a great idea to bring a battery-operated friend with us when we travel. As with any other baggage in the age of air travel, make sure to pack with care!