Travelling with a vibrator

There is no reason to leave your favourite toy at home when you travel. Vibrators are perfectly legal to carry in the UK and on most flights, and with a little planning they travel as easily as your hairdryer or electric toothbrush. This guide covers packing, battery rules, travel locks and staying relaxed at airport security.

Rules can vary between airlines and countries, so always check with your airline and the rules at your destination before you go.

How do you stop a vibrator switching on in your bag?

A travel lock stops a toy switching on by accident in your bag, which is the one thing most travellers worry about. On many toys, you activate it by holding the power button for a few seconds until the light flashes; your product instructions will confirm the exact steps.

If your toy has no lock, removing the battery or packing it in a hard case where the button cannot be pressed works well. A rechargeable toy like the Argent Rechargeable Bullet is also worth charging before you leave, so you are not hunting for its charging cable in a hotel room.

Hand luggage or hold?

Many travellers prefer hand luggage so the toy stays with them, but the battery type matters.

UK airport rules on batteries and electrical items can change, and airlines may have their own policies. The government's hand luggage restrictions page is the place to check the current rules before you fly. Our charging and battery safety guide explains more about lithium-ion batteries.

How can you pack a vibrator discreetly?

A few simple choices keep things private:

• Use a neutral case. A slim zip case or make-up bag keeps a small toy out of sight, and the slim Bijou Classic Bullet fits in almost any of them.
• Go small. The Rouge Lipstick Bullet looks just like a lipstick (18 x 89 mm), so it disappears into a wash bag.
• Clean before you pack. A clean, dry toy in its pouch is ready to go. See how to clean your vibrator.
• Bring the cable. Pack your charging cable in the same pouch so it does not get lost. A standard USB plug works almost anywhere with the right travel adaptor.

What happens at airport security?

Security staff see all kinds of personal items every day. If your bag is selected for a search, an officer may ask about an electronic item, and a simple "it's a personal massager" is all you need to say. Officers are professional and will usually be discreet.

A few tips make this smoother:

1. Pack your toy near the top of your bag in its own pouch, so it is easy to show if asked.
2. Make sure it is clean, dry and travel-locked or without batteries.
3. Keep the charging cable with it, as loose cables can attract attention on scanners.

Can you take a vibrator abroad?

Laws and customs around adult products differ around the world. In a small number of countries, carrying adult products may be restricted. If you are travelling outside the UK, check the official guidance for your destination, such as the UK government's foreign travel advice, before packing.

Hotels, friends and shared spaces

When staying somewhere shared, a quiet toy makes life easier. Look for a supplier noise rating: under 50 decibels is quieter than normal conversation. Our guide to noise levels explains what those numbers sound like. A waterproof toy is also handy in a hotel bath.

Ordering before a trip

If you would like a new toy for your holiday, order early so it arrives in plenty of time. Every order comes in plain, unbranded packaging with no product names on the label, and your bank statement shows BH Commerce Ltd. Our delivery and tracking guide explains timings.