A couple months ago, I took a break from the patch...and had the most horrible period of my life. It came a week late, and I was in SO much pain I couldn't get out of bed, I couldn't eat, etc. This is not to say this happens to everyone. This is just my experience. But if you've never taken a break from the patch, you don't know how your body will react, so just be prepared.

If you wear the patch on your butt, like I do, a bathing suit should hide it, just like underwear does.