Air travel has never been considered very pleasant, but in recent years this seems to have become a gross understatement. In general: it's a riotous pain in the ass, especially if you're crossing international borders. With much more thorough and complicated checkpoints established for international travel, it's unfortunately awkward and sometimes even embarrassing to fly with personal items these days.

A well known example is this: a man was traveling overseas and security stopped him when they saw something unusual in his luggage. As it turns out, the man had packed his penis pump with him for his trip but unfortunately for him, the bulb of the pump looked an awful lot like a grenade. Even more unfortunate for him, the man was traveling with his mother, who was then within earshot. So when questioned by security, the man lied and said it was a bomb.

This was obviously the wrong choice.

But this also demonstrates just how difficult it is for most people to have their personal activities scrutinized by strangers. While perhaps the most obvious solution is to leave your sex toys and other personal items at home when you travel, I find that unsatisfying (no pun intended). I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels a tad indignant about this option. Personally, I wouldn't want ridiculous behavior at the airport to interfere with my personal life. But there are extra precautions one simply has to take while traveling.

First, keep your confidence well at hand. Remember, it is your right to carry a vibrator, condoms, or a strap-on in your luggage as much as any other personal item. A lot of trouble can be avoided by simply telling the personnel "Oh that? That's just my vibrator." It is considered sexual harassment for the airport staff or security to make any inappropriate comments in this regard. If you feel that the airport staff acted inappropriately or made derogatory remarks you have every right to demand to speak to a supervisor or even press charges if necessary (but keep in mind you can't really press charges for the usual shitty attitude that most baggage-check employees seem to have. although I think you should).

Packing well is an important factor for a more pleasant airport experience. I would suggest packing your sex toys in your checked baggage while packing any contraceptives you may be traveling with in your carry-on. Remove the batteries from any sex toys and store separately. Any toys that have a lot of metal clasps or parts are not recommended for air travel. As for glass dildos or any other fragile items, be sure to package carefully. Remember not to put anything in your carry-on luggage you can't imagine parting with. If security decides something is potentially dangerous, you're given the option of leaving it behind or instead putting it in your checked luggage. If you want to catch your plane, the latter option is pretty much out of the question. Carry the phone number for your country's embassy or consulate on you at all times and don't be afraid to call if you feel you need to.

Another point I'd like to stress is this: be sure to continue practicing safe sex while you travel (because I know that any reader smart enough to be browsing these pages is also smart enough to practice safe sex in their normal, everyday lives, right?). Risks for unplanned pregnancy and STDs are much higher for travelers, simply because when people are on vacation they are most likely to lose their inhibitions, and occasionally their common sense. While condoms are great at preventing STDs and pregnancy, it's always a good idea to have a back-up method as well while traveling. It can be tricky to find contraceptives while you are traveling depending on where you are going. There is a fantastic guide available here: www.mariestopes.org.uk/pdf/travelguide.pdf.

When traveling with your own condoms, be sure they are kept in a cool, dry place and are sealed. This means it is best to store them in your carry-on baggage. Passing your baggage through the detectors and x-ray machines will not harm your contraceptives and there is nothing in condoms or their wrappers that will set off the metal detectors. I have passed a number of condoms through several checkpoints without so much as a blip (but because of my tiny jar of peanut butter they held me up for 40 minutes and finally took it away from me all together.).

Remember it's different strokes for different folks and sex is a universally sensitive subject. Finding condoms and other contraceptives can prove to be a surprising ordeal in certain countries:

China: through special government programs, condoms are becoming more widely distributed in China, especially in major cities like Beijing. Most hotels will have condoms available for guests.

Japan: It is still rather difficult to find condoms and other forms of contraceptives in Japan, especially since most habitants are a bit squeamish when it comes to the subject. I would honestly advise any travelers to bring their own supply with them.

The Middle East: From what I have gathered, finding contraceptives is nearly impossible for foreigners visiting the Middle East. While I have never been there myself, I am told the best way to keep safe it to bring your own stash.

Europe: It may be surprising for one to know that Europe is actually far ahead of the USA as far as contraceptive research is concerned. It is very easy to find various
contraceptives throughout Europe. Even in Ireland, a country with a rather jaded history with regard to contraceptives, has condoms readily available, as well as Women's Health Centers.

Mexico: I've never had a problem finding condoms in Mexico. Especially recently - the Mexican government is taking great steps to promote condom use and safe-sex. Condoms can be found at any number of drug stores, pharmacies, hotels and health centers. Make sure to use imported condoms because some Mexican brands still use less effective materials and it can be difficult to guarantee quality

Brazil: There have also been efforts to promote condom use in Brazil and they can be found at any pharmacy. Once again I would suggest using imported brands or bringing your own.

Remember to keep yourself safe while traveling as well as back home, and that you are not allowed to bring peanut butter into Asia.

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