HRT & Menopause: Solo Travel Guide

Updated for 2026 — Accurate as of February 2026.

Menopause and travel are two of the most transformative experiences in a woman’s life, and the intersection of the two is almost never discussed in travel media. This is a significant oversight. An estimated 1.3 billion women worldwide will be menopausal by 2030, and women over 50 are the fastest-growing demographic in solo travel. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, solo female travelers aged 50-65 increased by 32% between 2022 and 2025. These women are not sitting at home. They are hiking, exploring, and seeing the world. They are also managing hot flashes on overnight trains, calculating HRT supply chains across borders, and navigating sleep disruption in shared accommodation.

I entered perimenopause at 47 and have traveled extensively through every stage of the transition. I have had hot flashes in the Sahara Desert (ironic), managed HRT prescriptions across three countries, and figured out how to get decent sleep in hostels when night sweats were at their worst. This guide is the resource I wish had existed when I started.

Managing HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) Abroad

Before You Leave

Get a 90-day supply minimum. Talk to your prescribing doctor well in advance of your trip. Most doctors will provide a 90-day supply for international travel. If your trip is longer, ask about a 180-day supply or discuss a plan for refills abroad.

Carry a comprehensive medical letter. Your doctor should provide a letter that includes:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Diagnosis (menopausal hormone deficiency)
• Medication name (brand AND generic/chemical name)
• Dosage and route (oral, transdermal, etc.)
• Duration of treatment
• Doctor’s contact details and medical license number
• Statement that the medication is medically necessary

This letter is essential for customs in some countries and for obtaining refills abroad.

Know your medication’s generic name and chemical composition. Estradiol is estradiol worldwide, but brand names differ. Your Climara patch in the US is a generic estradiol patch elsewhere. Write down:

• Chemical name (e.g., estradiol valerate, micronized progesterone, conjugated estrogens)
• Dosage (e.g., 1mg, 100mg)
• Route (oral, transdermal patch, gel, vaginal)

HRT Availability by Region

Region	Estrogen (oral/patch)	Progesterone	Testosterone	Notes
Western Europe	Widely available	Widely available	Varies by country	Often over-the-counter
Eastern Europe	Available in cities	Available	Limited	May need prescription
North America	Prescription required	Prescription required	Prescription required	90-day supply standard
Australia/NZ	Prescription required	Prescription required	Available (cream)	Telehealth refills possible
Southeast Asia	Available, often OTC	Available	Limited	Quality varies
Latin America	Often OTC	Often OTC	Limited	Very affordable
Middle East	Available, prescription	Available	Very limited	Conservative attitudes
Sub-Saharan Africa	Limited	Limited	Very limited	Bring full supply

“OTC” = over the counter. In many countries outside the US/UK, HRT medications are available at pharmacies without a prescription. This is useful to know but does not replace proper medical supervision.

Traveling with HRT Patches and Gels

Patches: The most travel-friendly form of HRT. Applied every 3-7 days depending on brand. No daily pill to remember, no time zone adjustment needed. Heat can affect adhesion; in very hot climates, apply the patch to a less sweaty area (inner thigh rather than abdomen) and reinforce with medical tape if needed.

Gels (Oestrogel, Sandrena): Convenient but require daily application and dry time. Pack in a ziplock bag in case of leakage. Gels count as liquids for airline carry-on purposes and must comply with the 100ml rule if in carry-on.

Oral HRT: Requires daily dosing. Time zone changes matter less than with birth control pills but try to maintain consistent 24-hour intervals. Set a daily alarm.

Progesterone (Utrogestan/Prometrium): If you take cyclical progesterone, track your schedule carefully. A period-tracking app like Clue or Flo can help manage the cycling schedule across time zones.

Storage Concerns

Most HRT medications should be stored below 25-30 degrees Celsius. In tropical climates:

• Keep medication in an insulated pouch or cooler bag (not in direct contact with ice)
• Store in air-conditioned accommodation whenever possible
• Do not leave medication in a parked car or in direct sunlight
• Patches can be kept in a refrigerator without issue

Managing Menopausal Symptoms While Traveling

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are the most disruptive menopausal symptom for travelers. A flash can last 1-5 minutes and involves intense heat, flushing, sweating, and sometimes palpitations. They can be triggered by heat, stress, alcohol, spicy food, and (unfortunately) many things that make travel enjoyable.

Management strategies:

Clothing: Dress in layers that can be removed quickly. Natural fabrics (cotton, linen, bamboo, merino wool) breathe better than synthetics. A lightweight scarf or cardigan that can be added or removed in seconds is invaluable.

Cooling products: Portable fans (both battery-powered and USB) are lightweight and effective. Cooling towels (soak in water, wring, drape around neck) provide instant relief. I carry a USB-rechargeable mini fan in my daypack and it has saved me on countless occasions.

Destination choice: Consider climate when planning your trip. If hot flashes are severe, a temperate or cool destination may be more comfortable than tropical heat. Scotland in summer, Scandinavia, the Canadian Rockies, New Zealand’s South Island, and the Peruvian highlands are all excellent options that keep ambient temperatures low.

Night sweats: Night sweats are hot flashes that happen during sleep, and they can destroy your rest quality. In shared accommodation (hostels, dormitories):

• Request a lower bunk (heat rises)
• Bring a personal pillow case in a wicking fabric
• Wear moisture-wicking pajamas
• Keep a hand towel and change of clothes by your bed
• Consider sleeping with a cooling towel on your pillow

Sleep Disruption

Poor sleep is one of the most common and debilitating menopausal symptoms, and travel compounds it. Jet lag, unfamiliar beds, noise, and the general stimulation of new environments all contribute.

Strategies:

• Maintain a consistent sleep routine even when traveling (same bedtime and wake time)
• Use earplugs (Loop or Mack’s silicone) and an eye mask in every sleeping situation
• Avoid caffeine after 2 PM and alcohol within 3 hours of bedtime
• Melatonin (0.5-3mg) is helpful for both jet lag and general sleep quality. It is available over the counter in most countries (prescription only in the UK, Australia, and some EU countries). Bring a supply from home if needed
• Magnesium glycinate (200-400mg before bed) can improve sleep quality. Available as supplements worldwide
• Consider booking private rooms rather than dorms if sleep disruption is severe. The extra cost is worth the quality-of-life improvement

Joint Pain and Stiffness

Estrogen decline affects joint health, and many menopausal women experience increased stiffness, especially after long periods of sitting (flights, buses, trains).

Strategies:

• Move regularly during long travel days. Set a timer to stand and stretch every hour
• Stay hydrated (joint stiffness worsens with dehydration)
• Pack anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Consider compression socks for long flights (also recommended for DVT prevention)
• Gentle yoga or stretching in the morning before sightseeing makes a significant difference

Brain Fog and Memory

Menopausal brain fog (difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, word-finding problems) can make travel logistics more challenging.

Strategies:

• Write everything down. Use a notes app or physical notebook for accommodation addresses, bus times, booking references, and daily plans
• Take photos of important information (hotel business cards, bus schedules, meeting points)
• Use Google Maps offline to reduce cognitive load when navigating
• Build buffer time into your schedule so that a forgotten item or missed turn does not cascade into a crisis
• Be patient with yourself. Brain fog is a neurological symptom, not a character flaw

Mood Changes and Anxiety

Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause can amplify anxiety, irritability, and low mood. Travel, particularly solo travel, can exacerbate these emotions because you are simultaneously managing logistics, navigating unfamiliar environments, and processing new experiences without the support network of home.

Strategies:

• Choose destinations and activities that bring genuine joy rather than ticking boxes
• Build rest days into every itinerary. Not every day needs to be an adventure
• Maintain connections with home (regular calls, messages)
• Access teletherapy if needed (BetterHelp, Talkspace operate internationally)
• Physical activity (walking, swimming, yoga) significantly improves mood
• If you are on antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication, bring extra supply and manage them with the same care as HRT

Destination Recommendations for Menopausal Travelers

Best Climates

If hot flashes are your primary concern, choose destinations with mild temperatures and low humidity.

Destination	Average Summer Temp	Humidity	Why It Works
Portugal (Lisbon, Porto)	25-28 C	Moderate	Perfect climate, walkable cities, affordable
Scotland	15-20 C	Moderate-high	Cool temperatures, stunning scenery
Norway/Sweden (summer)	18-23 C	Low-moderate	Long days, comfortable temps
New Zealand South Island	15-22 C (Dec-Feb)	Low	Adventure + comfort
Canadian Rockies	15-25 C	Low	Mountain air, spectacular nature
Japan (spring/autumn)	15-25 C	Moderate	Perfect shoulder seasons
Northern Spain	20-28 C	Moderate	Cooler than southern Spain

Best for Wellness and Self-Care

• Bali (shoulder season): Yoga, spa treatments, meditation, healthy food
• Kerala, India: Ayurvedic retreats specializing in menopausal health
• Tuscany, Italy: Hot springs (terme), food, wine, gentle landscapes
• Iceland: Geothermal hot springs, spectacular nature, ultimate cool climate
• Costa Rica: Wellness retreats in cool cloud forests (Monteverde)

Practical Packing for Menopausal Travelers

In addition to the standard travel health kit, menopausal travelers should consider:

Item	Purpose
USB mini fan	Instant hot flash relief
Cooling towel	Apply to neck/forehead during flashes
Moisture-wicking pajamas	Night sweat management
Extra underwear	Changes during night sweats
Magnesium supplements	Sleep and muscle relaxation
Melatonin	Sleep support and jet lag
Electrolyte powder	Replaces minerals lost through sweating
Personal pillow case (wicking fabric)	Better sleep in hostel/hotel beds
Eye mask and earplugs	Sleep protection
Joint support supplement (glucosamine)	Joint comfort

Travel Insurance Considerations

Most travel insurance policies cover pre-existing conditions if your health has been stable for a defined period (usually 3-12 months). Menopause itself is not typically considered a pre-existing condition for insurance purposes, but associated conditions (anxiety, depression, osteoporosis) may be.

When purchasing insurance:

• Disclose your HRT use if asked about medications
• Check whether the policy covers medication replacement if your HRT is lost or stolen
• Ensure mental health coverage is included
• Verify coverage for any adventure activities you plan

The Social Dimension

One of the unexpected gifts of menopausal travel is the community. Solo women over 50 are a growing presence on the travel circuit, and the connections formed are often deeper and more meaningful than those between younger travelers. You have more life experience, more self-awareness, and less interest in pretending to be someone you are not.

Facebook groups like “Solo Female Travelers Over 50” and “Menopausal Travelers” (yes, it exists) provide community, advice, and solidarity. The shared experience of navigating this life stage while exploring the world creates a bond that transcends the typical hostel small talk.

Final Thoughts

Menopause is not a reason to stop traveling. It is a reason to travel differently, more intentionally, and with better preparation. The women I have met on the road who are navigating perimenopause and menopause are some of the most inspiring travelers I know. They have survived hot flashes on the Great Wall of China, managed HRT supply chains across Southeast Asia, and proven that this life stage is not a decline but a transformation.

Travel does not care how old you are. The Andes do not care if you are having a hot flash. The sunset over Santorini is equally beautiful whether you are 25 or 55. The only difference is that at 55, you know how rare and precious those moments are. That is not a disadvantage. That is a superpower.

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