How to travel discreetly with a sex toy
The start of summer usually kicks off vacation season, so we definitely have to talk about how to travel with sex toys.
Just because you'll be spending time away from home, it doesn't mean you have to leave your favorite vibrator behind.
If you're nervous or unsure about traveling with sex toys, either because of restrictions or the airport security opening your bag in front of everyone to reveal your private sex toy collection, let us assure you that traveling with sex toys is 100% normal, and you're definitely not alone!
So, to help you prepare for your next pleasurable vacation (or a work trip!), we put together a quick guide on everything you need to know about how to travel with sex toys.
Ultimate discreet travel with sex toys guide
Why travel with sex toys
Expedia Heat Index reveals that many people appear to be in a mood for love and romance much more when they're traveling and away from home. In 2023 Sandals Resorts released a survey that shows that despite the economic uncertainties, couples are still determined to invest and find time for a romantic getaway.
So, traveling seems to be the perfect time to reconnect with your partner, and have some quality intimate time together. While sex toys are not a must to have sex, they are definitely something that can elevate sex and make it even more pleasurable.
And even if you're traveling solo or with a group of friends, taking your favorite vibrator with you on vacation is not a bad idea. Research shows that not only couples are having more sex when they're away from home, and your favorite vibe will ensure you're getting the most out of your intimate adventures.
Travel restrictions for sex toys
So, generally, travel with sex toys is totally normal, legal, and safe. TSA (Transportation Security Administration) lists on its website that adult sex toys are allowed in carry-on bags and checked bags. Also, many countries outside of the US are also sex-toy friendly and you shouldn't have any troubles while at the airport.
However, there are still some countries (and even states) that have very strict laws when it comes to sex toys. For example, it's illegal to sell sex toys in Alabama, but it's legal to be in possession of sex toys.
There is also a list of countries where the possession of sex toys is strictly forbidden. Those countries include Maldives, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and India. So, before you travel outside the US, it's always best to check if the country you're traveling to has different laws.
While TSA allows travel with sex toys, there are plenty of stories of people getting stopped at the security over sex toys. Not all agents are familiar with the variety of sex toys available, and if the TSA finds a dildo made of stainless steel that's 10 inches long in your bag, some agents might be confused and ask you to explain.
Also, keep in mind that certain toys (mostly BDSM accessories like ropes, pinwheels, etc.) might have a higher chance of getting flagged at airport security. These accessories and toys are often sharp and dangerous looking to an unknowing eye.
The last time I flew from New York with a bag of sex toys and accessories, I got stopped by the security agent about a pinwheel. She politely pulled me aside and asked if she could open the bag in question.
After I gave her my permission, she went through the packaged sex toys, pulled out the pinwheel, and asked me to explain what it was. The whole conversation happened quietly and quite discreetly and once I explained to her about the pinwheel, she let me and my sex toys go.
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Discreet travel with sex toys tips
Now it's time to get into the nitty-gritty of how to travel with sex toys to ensure you don't get flagged at the airport security and travel with ease.
Tip #1: Choose the right toy
Choosing a smaller, more discreet sex toy will minimize your chances of getting stopped at airport security. It's much easier to pack them away, and they won't take up too much space.
You don't need to buy specifically travel sex toys if you want a small and discreet toy. The majority of bullet and clitoral vibes are small and compact, while still being powerful and useful for both vulva and penis stimulation.
Tip #2: Remove or drain the battery
If you're traveling with rechargeable sex toys or battery-operated vibrators, it's a good idea to remove the batteries or drain the battery before you pack the toy. This way, when you travel with sex toys in your bag, you can be sure that they won't turn on by accident and start vibrating.
Tip #3: Pack it correctly
Storing your sex toys right is important for their longevity and for hygiene. And packing sex toys the right way is also crucial for ensuring a seamless travel experience.
So, if you travel with a small and compact sex toy and you're worried about security, consider packing it together with your toiletries or a makeup bag. This way, it blends in and nobody will question whether it's a vibrator or a wellness tool.
While it's always best to keep your sex toys in the proper bag they come from, you can pack each of your sex toys in clear plastic bags just in case you do get stopped at security. This way, if you need to show your sex toys to the TSA agent, you can do it in a hygienic way.
Toys like dildos and bigger vibrators you might want to wrap in your clothing to protect them from impact while traveling.
Tip #4: Consider checked luggage
If you're bringing a lot of sex toys with you on your vacation or if you're simply a nervous traveler and really don't want to risk getting stopped at the airport security, consider splurging on checked luggage.
This way, there won't be any checks and you can pack as much as you want (as long as it doesn't go over the weight limit!) without worries. But there is always a risk of your bag getting lost, so keep that in mind if you'd be sad to lose your sex toy collection.
Tip #5: Don't forget your lube
Personal lubricant makes sex so much better, and it goes hand in hand with using sex toys. So, if you're packing a sex toy to go on a vacation, you should also pack your favorite lube!
TSA has restrictions for liquids in carry-on bags and only allows bottles up to 3.4 ounces (100 ml). So, either put your lube in travel bottles or consider travel-friendly lubes.
Sliquid has lube cubes that are small and compact and very easy to travel with. You can pop one into your toiletries bag, or even your wallet and you're good to go.
Bloomi's Smooth (water-based lube) and Delight (oil-based lube) are also good personal lubricants to travel with because the product size is 3 oz or 88 ml which complies with TSA's restrictions.
And what's even better about Bloomi's personal lubricants is the packaging. Both lubes (just like our whole Essentials and Luxe lines) have a very neutral and elegant packaging design that can easily blend in with your skincare and other beauty products.
Even if you get stopped at airport security, nobody can tell that a bottle of Smooth or Delight is a personal lubricant and not a hand cream or body lotion.
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What if you're caught?
Keep it cool and own it. If you get stopped at security, try not to be nervous because that will look suspicious. Traveling with sex toys is completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of, so don't sweat it.
Also, if the security asks questions about your sex toys, simply answer them truthfully. They're just doing their job, and you're just doing what feels good for you.
Traveling outside the US, especially to countries like Saudi Arabia and others that have strict anti-sex toy laws is a different story. In some countries, it's not that bad if security finds a sex toy – in Saudi Arabia, they'll only confiscate it.
In the United Arab Emirates, your sex toy gets confiscated and you can even be prosecuted. So, when traveling with sex toys internationally, make sure you check the local laws to avoid uncomfortable situations.
The 8 best sex toys to travel with
If you need inspiration for the perfect sex toy (or toys!) to travel with this summer, then let us help you! We put together a quick recommendation list for the best sex toys to take with you on vacation:
Bloomi Play Mini
Bloomi's Play Mini is the perfect compact, discreet, yet powerful vibrator you want to travel with. It fits nicely into your palm and works great for external stimulation.
Enjoy two sides for versatile pleasure with this little vibe. The round side feels nice to rub anywhere externally for the vulvas and penises. And the curvy side nestles nicely on the clitoris or anus for focused stimulation.
Bloomi Massage Vibe
Bloomi's Massage is another great option if you want a differently-shaped external vibrator that's still powerful and discreet. You can enjoy the rounded side for full body massages while on vacation and the curvy side is perfect for clitoral or any kind of targeted stimulation.
LELO Tiani 3
LELO's Tiani 3 is a discrete and powerful couples vibrator for your and your partner's pleasure. It comes with a remote control, so you can use it with ease and the black pouch it comes in ensures discreteness and hygiene when traveling.
Kindred Black The Duchess
Is it a facial massager, or a sex toy? Who can tell? And that's why this glass pleasure wand is an excellent toy to travel with if you prefer penetrative sex toys and would love to take on vacation with you. Also, you can easily put this bad boy in a fridge to let the glass cool down so you can explore temperature play.
Crave Vesper
Crave's Vesper looks less like a clitoral vibrator and more like a nice necklace. And that's why it's the perfect discreet and travel-friendly toy. It is whisper quiet and rechargeable and made with stainless steel which also makes it a great sex toy for temperature play.
Unbound Bender
Another great penetrative sex toy option is Unbound's Bender. This bendable small yet powerful vibrator is perfect for G-spot stimulation. Because it's slim and compact, it will easily fit in your toiletries bag and won't draw attention.
Tenga Geo Coral
This penis stroker sleeve from Tenga looks more like a piece of art than a sex toy. So, if you want to pack something naughty for your partner's pleasure, Geo Coral is a way to go.
Because it's not vibrating, there is no need to worry about the battery or the toy turning on accidentally. And the packaging makes it look like a gift.
Travel with sex toys FAQ
Let's answer some of the most popular questions people have on how to travel with sex toys.
Can I bring a vibrator on a plane?
In the US (and most other countries), you absolutely can bring a vibrator and other sex toys on a plane! There are some countries that have different laws, though. So, before you travel internationally, always make sure to check local laws when it comes to sex toys.
Does the TSA take vibrators?
Generally, TSA agents shouldn't confiscate your vibrators or sex toys without a reason. As long as your sex toys comply with their regulations and aren't dangerous in any way, they shouldn't take anything away.
In what countries is it illegal to travel with a sex toy?
Some of the countries in the world where it's illegal to travel with sex toys and you might be prosecuted if you do or your sex toys might be confiscated are:
Maldives
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Thailand
Vietnam
Malaysia
India