Whenever I travel, whether it’s for work or play, I always make sure to leave plenty of room in my bag for self-care essentials. Nine times out of ten the second the plane takes off I start coming down with something. Sniffles, aches, migraines, you name it—I’ve come down with every form of leisure sickness you can think of at least once. And whether you chalk it up to exhaustion or the perils of mass transit, the struggle is real.
That’s why it’s so important to pack workout clothes, essential oils and other wellness necessities that will help us stay healthy and nourished during long trips. Share tips on how to stay healthy and take care of your body during travel. Talk more in depth about all the essentials needed to pack for a trip on a world’s largest audio streaming platform and connect to your audience faster with Spotifystorm.
Here are a few of my favourite travel essentials for staying well on the road.
7 Essentials for Staying Well on the Road
Water bottle
When you’re on the road, everyday routines quickly go out the window. Between guzzling overpriced lattes and grabbing a quick bite wherever you can, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. But it turns out that good hydration is one of the easiest ways to keep your energy up and your body humming when you’re away from home. I make sure to have a reusable water bottle with me at all times. Not only does it save me from having to spend money on pricey bottled water, but I also do without the nasty chemicals from the plastic.
Pro tip: choose one that fits into your carry on, then fill it up the second you pass through security.
Natural sanitizing wipes
Traveling usually means exposure to lots of germs, so hand sanitizer is a must. I always make sure to carry a few natural sanitizing wipes in my bag. They’re great for wiping down electronics, door handles and germy hands.
Essential oils
Some essential oils are known for their antiviral and antimicrobial properties. While there are lots to choose from, oregano, cinnamon, thyme and tea tree are excellent at killing germs. Either diffuse them in the air if you think you might be coming down with something or use them to clean and disinfect germy surfaces. We’ve got tips for traveling with essential oils here.
Probiotics
With all the stress that comes with travel, it’s not uncommon for digestive issues to flare up when you least expect it. Combine that with the fact that your immune system (which is housed mostly in the gut) tends to get bombarded while traveling and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. But consuming a good daily probiotic supplement is a great way to support a healthy digestive system.*
I never travel without a bottle of Align Prebiotic + Probiotic Gummies in my carry on. Unlike other brands, Align Gummies don’t require refrigeration. And since they’re chewable, it easy to get your probiotic fix any time and anywhere.
But it’s not just that they’re super convenient, I love that they contain prebiotics in addition to probiotics. Prebiotics are a type of fiber that nourish healthy bacteria and help them colonize your digestive tract (think of them as food for probiotics) while probiotics add more good bacteria*. And since our overwhelmed microbiomes need all the help they can get, a prebiotic-probiotic combo is a must for helping support a healthy gut* while traveling.
Vitamin C and Ginger
Both vitamin C and ginger are potent immune boosters. I always carry a few lozenges with me so I can suck on them during long flights or car trips. Ginger is also amazing for car sickness and stomach ailments, so be sure to pack a few away for emergencies.
Dry brush
Dry brushing is said to help aid the lymphatic system, which in turn supports the immune system. It also breaks down accumulated toxins so your body can flush them out. Stash a small dry brush in your bag and give your body a quick brush after a long flight or next time you stop for a quick break.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal absorbs toxins like nobody’s business. While it can’t always help keep you from getting sick, it can shorten the duration of an illness or stop acute stomach ailments in their tracks. Use it for diarrhea, an upset stomach, or food poisoning to help you recover more quickly.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
