First time traveling as a woman

[vetobob9]

My therapists have suggested that now that I have been on hormones for a while, I should go ahead and start presenting. The last therapy said my face was feminized so I should start presenting as such.

Tomorrow I have to take my dad to see my sisters in Texas and in Kansas. I was wondering about what I should wear. My options are slim. I have some women's tops and a couple of dresses and a black skirt. But all the pants I have are men's pants.

Would it work if I wore a purple top with black men's pants? Or should I wear the skirt? Or perhaps the dress with a long sleeve white t shirt to protect my skin since I just got a sunburn from being at the beach all day on July 4.

How do you travel?

Do you wear make up when you travel? For those who have not had laser hair removal, how do you deal with facial hair during the trip?

Any other tips?

[kimdl93]

i travel in casual wear, seasonally appropriate. In the summer, that means tank tops and shorts with sandals. I have light and thin facial hair so I can go all day without shaving. If its an issue for you, maybe consider packing a razor for touch ups.

Question: is your dad aware that you are in transition? Sisters?

ultimately, its not your therapist's choice - its yours. If you feel comfortable with presenting as female with your family, none else will care.

[sandra-leigh]

When I travel I most often wear a skirt, but occasionally a dress. For me an important comfort factor on airplanes is being able to fold my legs comfortably (I sit cross-legged a lot). My skirts are typically longer ones to account for the cool air of airplanes.

Facial hair: for me, shave and foundation. I very seldom need concealer (only if I have razor burn or I am healing from electrolysis or laser) as apparently I have good skin. Oh, and lipstick: when I am out and about often lipstick is all that I put on, to make my lips look more human. I only put on eye shadow and the rest if I am "Going Out", but that's a completely personal choice.

[Aprilrain]

I like to be comfy, especially on long flights. I usually wear skirts or dresses but not when I travel. I generally wear yoga type pants while flying. Pants allow for more comfy positions and are easier in cramped restrooms I definitely don't wear make up, what if I want to sleep on the plane? I wouldn't want to ruin my make up or get it on my clothes or elsewhere and I'm not trying to impress anyone.

[vetobob9]

He is aware. I am making the decision because the endow and therapist both recommended it and my caseworker asked about it.

Also we are traveling by bus.

I figure that now is just as good a time as any to start presenting as the real me.

[kimdl93]

Then go for it...opt for comfort as April suggests.

[KellyJameson]

I was not sure if your passport and other identification has been changed or not. Usually airport security is not an issue but sometimes it is.

You may like Kimberly Huddle's blog. I believe Kimberly identifies as a crossdresser but has flown thousands of miles through many airports fully dressed and as some interesting and mostly positive stories to tell. Excellant advice for dealing with airport security and what to expect.

The airport is often a people watching place so it you like attention than wear a dress or skirt and if not than wear pants. At least a skirt or dress is cooler for those hot Texas temps.

In my opinion it all depends on whether you are relaxed presenting or may be nervous. If there is a chance you may be nervous than I would dress in ways that do not draw attention to yourself because being nervous in an airport could invite unwanted attention.

[vetobob9]

I am wondering what would be appropriate attire for Greyhound.

[KellyJameson]

I need to be comfortable or it puts me in a bad mood, making travel very unpleasant. I have never been on a bus that was not overly warm in July where it seems the A/C cannot keep up plus I'm very self conscious of men and the whole sex thing that goes with it.

I personally would wear cargo shorts, comfortable sandles and a tank top even though the tank top always draws attention.

Pants sound way to hot to wear. In general I wear very little makeup but when it is hot out, even less.

When it comes to traveling my focus would be more on comfort than presentation because I simply could not handle the stress otherwise.

Do whats best for you emotionally because if you are still new to being out in the world as you, being strong emotionally will better prepare you for any unforeseen adventures that come from interacting with the public, particularly men.

Men are fun when you are confident from experience, but it takes time to get there.

[IamSara]

I travel in yoga pants and tee shirt usually. Not real flattering to attract someone but comfort is the name of the game for me. I travel for a living like Kimberly does or did, I haven't seen anything from her in a while. Anyway, if I were to go by bus it would be the same. Comfort!!! Whatever you wear around the house that is comfortable to you and isn't making you look like you are like a slob.

[sandra-leigh]

Ah, bus... with Texas and Kansas being gone through, I would consider dressing on the more obvious side (e.g., skirt) so as to have less difficulty going into the women's washroom at the various stops along the way.

If you take a skirt (which I would tend towards) then consider taking a bag with a change of pants and with a spare top. Backup in case of spills for one thing; ability to change styles if you are feeling uncomfortable.

[Emma Beth]

Last year, my wife and I went by buss from Fort Worth to Jackson, Ms.

My first suggestion comes with a question. What time of day are you leaving? The reason I ask is because you will have to deal with more people that are already on the bus during the red eye hours than during the day. The reason is that the fares are cheaper. You my have to be prepared to take a later buss if the one you had intended to leave on is full and there are not enough seats for the two of you;depending on your departure time.

I'm not sure about now, but I know that when I traveled by bus a little over twenty years ago you needed to send your checked luggage on a day ahead of time so you wouldn't have to go back the next day after you have arrived at your destination. Last year when my wife and I traveled by bus we traveled light and just had two carry on's each.

Make sure that your carry on's are very light because you will have to use the over head for one of your carry on's and they do not have much clearance to stuff your luggage up there. A full size backpack is almost to much for the overhead; even when traveling light.

The buses now have WiFi available on them, but sometimes it isn't working and the seats also have power outlets for any charging of devices.

Dress comfy for you.

Liz

[Martha G]

Have never done so.

But it sounds like fun and a real chalenge.

For looks, I can pass as a woman, but for mannerisms, not sure.

But I do have a woman like voice, so that goes a long way.

[Miss Trudy]

I have always found traveling regardless of it is by plane or car much more comfortable in slacks and a comfy top than a skirt or a dress. Wear something comfortable and flats, If you want to dress up when you get there so be it, but comfort beats style any day in a car or a plane.

[jessw]

I think traveling comfy is key! The first time I went through airport security after my implants I was terrified. I don't even know what all the fear was about and it went just fine. Ever since then I have just learned being comfortable is key whether it's driving flying or any other means of transport. For me it's usually gym shorts and a t shirt lol