If you’re one of the many people that feels time away from home would be a lot more enjoyable with a couple of your favorite toys in tow, you’re not alone. If you and your partner regularly use toys or lubes as part of your sexual routine, it’s only natural to want to take a few of your favorite options with you on a romantic getaway. A well-chosen toy or two can make solo time while away from home quite a bit more enjoyable as well.
However, knowing you’d love to try traveling with your toys is one thing. Actually understanding the best way to go about it is another. Here we’ll go over everything a smart traveler needs to know about traveling with sex toys including how to pack them, how to successfully get your toys through airport security, and more.
How Likely Is It for a Sex Toy to Cause a Problem When Traveling?
Most toy lovers that don’t travel with their toys as a rule go that route for one simple reason. They’re afraid of being pulled aside by airport security, having their sex toys discovered, and dealing with judgment or snickering from a crowd of strangers. Not exactly a great way to start or end a vacation!
Of course, such concerns are understandable, as no one likes the idea of having their private things seen or handled by strangers. However, the chances of a truly nightmarish scenario happening are extremely slim. Keep the following in mind.
- There is no portion of the United States in which it’s illegal to possess or use a vibrator or any other sex toy. That said, they require no stricter screening than any other electronic device you might be traveling with.
- Most TSA agents and airport workers have truly seen it all. Plus many, many people travel with sex toys. The chances of a worker being scandalized by your playthings are actually slim to none.
That said, relax! Then make a note of the following tips. They’ll help ensure that you get from Point A to Point B and back without a hitch.
6 Tips for Traveling with Sex Toys
Traveling with sex toys is honestly a lot like traveling without them. You really just need a proper understanding of what the rules are so that you can be sure you follow them.
1. Understand that size matters
The TSA does have a few rules you’ll need to be aware of when it comes to hand tools longer than 7 inches in length. (Yes, your favorite vibrator or dildo is considered a hand tool.) That said, smaller, more discreet toys are fine to bring in your carry-on luggage. Anything that could be considered “club-like” ought to be checked just to be on the safe side. Not sure about yours? The following guidelines should help you.
OK to Carry On
- Handcuffs
- Rope
- Vibrators, dildos, and similar toys measuring less than 7 inches
- Gear made of leather, buckles, or fabric (i.e. strap-on harnesses)
Probably Should Check It Just to Be Safe
- Toys longer than 7 inches
- Toys make of very hard or heavy materials
- Whips other than riding crops
- Paddles
- Any sort of e-stimulation equipment
Definitely Need to Check It
- Anything pointed
- Anything with sharp edges
- Anything that could be considered baton-like or club-like
2. Use clear plastic bags
Whether or not you decide to pack your toy in your carry-on bag, there’s always a possibility that it might be inspected. Plastic bags let a TSA officer get a good look at what’s inside without having to put their hands directly on it or handle it any more than is necessary. If you’re worried your toy might seem a bit ambiguous, it might be a good idea to write a brief note on a post-it and include that as well.
3. Make sure your lubes follow the 3-1-1 rule
Whether or not you’ll be taking your toys with you the next time you travel, you may well want to bring lube, lotion, or massage oil. The 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids isn’t as strictly enforced as it used to be, but it’s still very much in effect. Make sure anything you bring comes in a container three ounces in volume or smaller. Plenty of lube retailers sell travel size versions of popular products to make the process simple. Sample-sized packets of lube are also pretty handy.
4. Prevent the possibility of a toy switching on
The last thing you want is for your favorite vibrator to suddenly start buzzing on your way through airport security, as that would certainly attract attention. If you’re bringing a battery-operated toy, take the batteries out before packing and put them in your carry-on. If yours is a rechargeable model, you might want to think about allowing the charge to run all the way out before you add it to your suitcase. Of course, you can also simply choose to bring non-electronic toys and sidestep the issue altogether.
5. Don’t act nervous
TSA agents are specially trained to zero in on folks acting in a manner that could be construed as suspicious. That said, you’ll want to avoid appearing anxious or nervous. Stay cool and calm instead. Remember, you’re doing absolutely nothing wrong or shameful. You’re also far from the first or last person heading off to a getaway with a vibrator in tow. If you are asked directly about your toy, simply own it by saying “that’s my vibrator”.
6. Do your homework first
As touched on above, sex toys are completely legal everywhere in the United States and many other countries. However, some potential travel destinations do place restrictions on such things. (Examples include India, as well as the United Arab Emirates.) If you’ll be leaving the country, double check before you pack to make sure it’s kosher to bring your toys with you. Otherwise, you risk having them confiscated.
Of course, if you have any other questions about whether or not it’s OK to bring something specific, you can always contact the airport and ask directly. They really have seen and heard it all, so there’s no need to be embarrassed.
What Types of Sex Toys Should I Bring?
If you’re a long-time sex toy enthusiast, choosing the ideal sex toys for travel is potentially as difficult as narrowing down your wardrobe or choosing the right shoes. Compact, simple toys are always great fits for any getaway. However, you might want to take your ultimate destination into consideration as well when making your choice.
For a Beach Vacation
If you’re planning on hitting the beach or going anywhere else water might come into play, consider packing mostly waterproof toys. Small, discreet options with features like wrist straps make getting up to a little mischief while romping in the surf or spending some time in the hot tub super simple. You won’t have to worry about being detected or having your toy accidentally float away in the heat of the moment.
If you’ve never tried a simpler, smaller, bullet vibrator, now is the time! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how powerful they can be.
For a Couples Getaway
Heading out of town to celebrate an anniversary or really bask in the glow of a brand new relationship? Consider bringing a travel massage kit with you and making it a part of your most romantic evenings. Exotic scents and silky formulas make indulging in a sensual massage a real treat. Plus, the bottles in such kits are already sized in accordance with the 3-1-1 rule.
If one or both of you considers a vibrating toy to be an absolute must-have, now might be the time to experiment with a remote controlled option. Such toys are a great way to get creatively naughty in a variety of different ways, as you can imagine. Just be sure to test the noise levels in advance if you’re thinking about having your fun in public.
For a Business Excursion
Don’t assume that going away for business instead of pleasure means sex toys are off limits! They can be a great way to enjoy your downtime a little more, especially if you won’t have much free time to sight see. Try something discreet that doesn’t look much like a sex toy, just in case a coworker happens to glance over your shoulder and see it in your briefcase.
Today’s sex toys come in all shapes and sizes. There are toys that look exactly like lipsticks, wearable rings, and more. If it fell out of your handbag or tote, no one would be any the wiser.
No matter where you’re headed, toys that can multitask are great options as well. Small, waterproof toys that can be used in a number of different ways are often the best way to give yourself the freedom to enjoy yourself or your partner any way you like. After all, you’re on vacation! Fun, pleasure, and carefree good times are the name of the game.
