If you’re like most toy lovers who’ve never actually tried to travel with a sex toy before, you’ve probably had vivid nightmares about all the ways things can potentially go wrong.

What if a luggage agent mistakes the toy for something illegal, unpacks it in front of everyone, and the whole world sees that you’re traveling with a king-sized dildo? Then there are the potential concerns about having a family member or coworker stumble across your toy at some point in your travels and ask what it is.

These are legitimate concerns, of course, and it’s totally natural to want to keep your private life between you, your partner, and your toy chest. But don’t let concerns like these discourage you from taking the toys you love with you wherever you go. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Choose toys that were made for traveling

Generally speaking, “travel light” is good advice when it comes to every aspect of traveling, including traveling with a toy in tow. That said, a plane trip home to see your parents for the holidays may not be the best fit for the full-sized wand massager you absolutely love.

Instead, consider investing in a toy that’s designed with portability in mind – like a magic bullet or a mini version of another toy you really love. For extra peace of mind, you can choose a shape that isn’t immediately recognizable as a sex toy, just in case your kid sister or your grandmother does happen to see it at some point.

Take some anti-buzz precautions

Although most toys are made in such a way to prevent it, it’s not unheard of for a vibrator or other motorized toy to wind up switching on at some point in transit. But it’s easy enough to eliminate the possibility altogether.

If your toy is battery operated, consider removing the batteries and carrying them separately. And if you favor rechargeable toys, travel with an option that has a travel lock feature (which so many newer toys do these days). Potential crisis averted!

Be aware of the rules

If you’re planning on flying or going abroad, it’s important to double- and triple-check current regulations dictating what you can and can’t bring with you. Some types of toys – especially any that could be considered dangerous or that might double as weapons – are prohibited. So if they’re found in your luggage, they’ll likely be confiscated.

There are also certain destinations and parts of the world where sex toys are severely restricted, if not completely against the law. Know what the rules are, not only with the transportation services you use but the destinations where you’ll be spending your time.

Prepare for all possibilities

Many people make the mistake of trying to bury their toys in their luggage under a mountain of clothing, thinking it will lower the likelihood of detection. It just forces airline agents to dig through your belongings to figure out what they just saw on their scanner.

Instead, put your toys in a plastic Ziploc bag instead, and place it right on top of everything else in your bag. This makes it easy for agents to see what they’re working with and without the need to touch your toys directly.

Don’t be embarrassed

So many people spend so much energy worrying about someone other than their partner seeing their toy or otherwise finding out about it, but they really shouldn’t. It’s normal to want to keep your private life private, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with owning and using a sex toy.

If a luggage agent (or your mom, or your cousin from out of town) happens to see yours and ask about it? Don’t lose your cool. Just tell them that it’s a personal item and leave it at that. Agents have seen literally everything you can imagine (and a few things you can’t imagine) many times before. A vibrator or a butt plug is honestly no big deal.

Cover your bases with a checklist

Checklists are musts when you’re traveling anywhere, especially if you’re going to be away from home for a while. And toy-specific checklists make it easier to get the most out of your toy while you’re away, as well as to avoid hassle, so be sure to make one.

Traveling with a rechargeable toy? Don’t forget to pack your charger or any adaptors you might need to use your charger where you’re going. Take extra batteries for your battery-operated toys, and invest in travel-sized versions of products like lube or toy cleaner.

As you can see, traveling with a toy is far from a bad idea or a big deal. Just plan ahead, follow the rules, and everything will go just fine.